Cheesy Boiled Potato Fries: A Crispy and Cheesy Delight

Cheesy Boiled Potato Fries offer a unique take on classic fries, blending the creamy texture of boiled potatoes with a crispy, cheesy exterior. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or party appetizer, these fries are sure to become a new favorite. Follow this comprehensive guide to make these irresistible cheesy potato fries at home.

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 4 large russet potatoes (or any starchy potato)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Coating:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra meltiness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into fry shapes (about 1/2-inch thick). Place the potato pieces in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Cook Until Tender: Boil the potatoes for 8-10 minutes, or until they are just tender but not fully cooked. They should still hold their shape.
3. Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. This step helps the fries maintain their shape during baking.

2. Season the Potatoes:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Toss with Seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the boiled potato pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all the pieces are evenly coated.

3. Bake the Fries:

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potato pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes start to turn golden brown and become crispy around the edges.

4. Add the Cheese:

1. Sprinkle Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the partially baked fries.
2. Return to Oven: Place the baking sheet back in the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the fries are fully crisped.

5. Garnish and Serve:

1. Garnish (Optional): Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the cheesy boiled potato fries hot, straight from the oven. They make a great accompaniment to burgers, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips and Variations

• Cheese Varieties: Feel free to use different types of cheese based on your preference. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère can be excellent alternatives or additions.
• Seasoning: Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor of your fries.
• Extra Crispy: For extra crispiness, you can lightly coat the potatoes with cornstarch before seasoning and baking.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesy boiled potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore some of the crispiness.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the fully baked fries on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. Reheat from frozen in the oven.

Conclusion

Cheesy Boiled Potato Fries are a delectable twist on traditional fries, offering a perfect blend of creamy, tender potato and crispy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or party appetizer, these fries are sure to delight. Follow this detailed recipe to create a batch of irresistible cheesy potato fries that will impress and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking!