Texas Cheese Fries with Jalapeño

Texas Cheese Fries are the ultimate shareable appetizer or comfort food snack when you need something cheesy spicy and guaranteed to please a crowd. Crispy steak fries get a generous blanket of gooey cheese plenty of crumbled bacon fresh green onions and jalapeño for a Tex-Mex kick. A swipe of cool sour cream makes every bite just right. This is my go-to game day snack and it is always the first platter to disappear at parties.

I first whipped up a batch of these when friends dropped in without warning. They were gone before I even sat down and now I always keep the ingredients on hand for snack emergencies.

Ingredients

• Frozen steak fries: choose thick-cut for sturdiness and crisp edges look for ones with the fewest added ingredients
• Seasoned salt: adds savory flavor and a bit of spice use a quality blend like Lawrys
• Sharp cheddar cheese: brings bold flavor and classic melt go for block cheese and shred it yourself for best texture
• Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese: for a gooey stretchy factor use real cheese not pre-shredded for best melt
• Bacon: cooked crisp and crumbled smoky flavor that makes every bite irresistible select center-cut for less fat
• Green onions: sliced thin for fresh zippy crunch look for bright green tops
• Fresh or pickled jalapeños: thin slices for heat and tang pick fresh for spice or mild pickled for more mellow heat
• Sour cream: creamy cool counterpoint to spices use full-fat for rich flavor and texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the fries:

Line your largest rimmed sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup. Spread steak fries in a single layer. Sprinkle with seasoned salt and toss to coat evenly. Bake following the package directions usually about 20 to 25 minutes at 425 Fahrenheit until fries are crisp and sizzling at the edges.

Melt the cheese:

Once fries are golden pull out the sheet pan and immediately top the hot fries with both types of shredded cheese. Make sure to cover all the fries for full cheesy coverage. Return pan to the oven and bake for another 3 to 4 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and completely melted.

Add the toppings:

Pull out the cheesy fries and while they are piping hot sprinkle evenly with the crumbled bacon sliced green onions and jalapeño slices. The heat of the fries will release all the flavors of the toppings.

Serve with sour cream:

Transfer the loaded fries to a big platter or serve from the sheet pan. Add dollops of sour cream right on top or serve it alongside as a dip.

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My favorite part of this recipe is always the bacon. One year my nephew begged me to make a double batch for his birthday so we added extra bacon and a little smoked paprika. Now family gatherings do not feel complete without a tray of these fries.

Storage Tips

Texas Cheese Fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly again about ten minutes. Avoid the microwave or you will lose that crispy fry texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find steak fries use thick crinkle cut or wedge fries for similar results. For cheese you can swap in Pepper Jack Colby or even blue cheese for a unique twist. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon works too and bell pepper is a mild substitute for jalapeño if you want less heat.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve as a hearty appetizer at parties or game day gatherings or pair with chili soup or barbecue sliders to turn them into a meal. You can also add a protein on top like pulled pork shredded chicken or even chili to make them extra filling. They are also great for movie nights when you want something indulgent and fun.

Cultural and Historical Context

Texas Cheese Fries are a favorite in casual restaurants and sports bars across the South and have become an American comfort food classic. The jalapeños and cheddar nod to Tex-Mex roots and their popularity has spread far beyond Texas. While their exact origin is a mystery they capture the bold spirited flavors Texas cuisine is known for.

I learned the hard way not to skip out on the parchment paper once and I had a welded cheese mess on my pan. Trust me use it and you will thank yourself during cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of fries work best for this dish?

Thick steak fries or crinkle fries hold up well under layers of cheese and toppings. Thin fries may get soggy.

→ Which cheeses melt best on these fries?

Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, but Colby, mozzarella, or pepper Jack are also delicious options.

→ Can I add different toppings?

Absolutely! Try pickled or fresh jalapeños, green onions, blue cheese, caramelized onions, or even pulled pork or grilled chicken.

→ How do I keep the fries crispy?

Bake fries until golden and crisp before adding cheese. Avoid overcrowding the pan for best results.

→ What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on a baking sheet in a hot oven (around 400°F) until the fries are hot and the cheese is remelted. Microwaving is not recommended.

→ Can this dish be made less spicy?

Yes, simply omit or substitute the jalapeños with mild bell peppers or pickled jalapeños for less heat.