Oven-Baked Cheese Fries Recipe

The next time we have friends over for dinner this is what I’m putting out for an appetizer—Oven-Baked Cheese “Fries”! This new recipe would be great as a side dish to any family dinner as well … talk about switching things up from your same ol’ boring roasted potatoes.

I haven’t had cheese fries in so long that I forgot how good they are. And now we can enjoy them without the deep-fried heaviness from your typical restaurant version. There’s no reason not to indulge in tasty oven-baked potatoes, organic cheese & bacon, and homemade ranch dressing … yum!

Best Potatoes to use for Oven-Baked Cheese Fries?

I would recommend using a Russet potato or something similar for this recipe. They are high in starch and low in moisture which leads to nice fluffy fries with crispy skins.

Do I Need to Bake with Aluminum Foil?

If you’re concerned about using tinfoil while cooking you can omit that step. I like to use it for easy clean-up. Do be sure to spray your baking surface with oil so that the potatoes do not stick. For those interested in learning more about why we think it’s okay to occasionally cook with foil you may find this scientific article helpful.

Other Favorite Appetizer Recipes

Whether you’re having people over or you make these as a side dish for your family dinners, these recipes will not disappoint. Here are a few more of our favorite appetizer recipes …

• Sweet & Spicy Buttermilk Shrimp
• Coconut Chicken Satay
• Stuffed Sweet Peppers – Refried Bean Style

Oven-Baked Cheese Fries

Switch up your basic roasted potatoes with these Oven-Baked Cheese Fries! You can indulge in these without worrying about the deep-fried heaviness of the restuarant versions.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Course: Sides, Snacks & Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Method: One Pot / Sheet Pan

Diet: Egg Free, Gluten Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free

Print Recipe

Servings: 4

Ingredients

  

1/2x1x2x…

For the "Fries"

• olive oil
• 3 medium potatoes (Russet baking potatoes or similar), 2 lbs total
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 pieces cooked bacon crumbled

For the Ranch Dressing

• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh chives chopped (+ extra for garnish, if desired)
• 1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove minced
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven broiler to high. Line a sheet pan with foil for easy clean-up (optional) and spray or drizzle with a little olive oil.
• Cut the potatoes into wedges and place in one even layer on the baking sheet. Spray or drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle the salt on top.
• Place in the oven about 8 to 10 inches below the heating element and cook for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes begin to brown. Flip over and cook for another 8 or 10 minutes, until brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
• Meanwhile, whisk together all the ranch dressing ingredients and set aside.
• Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle the cheese evenly over top and put them back in the oven for 30-60 seconds, just long enough for the cheese to melt. Remove from oven, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top, drizzle with the ranch dressing, garnish with extra chives (if desired), and serve.

Notes

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible. 

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Oven-Baked Cheese Fries

Amount Per Serving

Calories 336 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 11g69%

Cholesterol 54mg18%

Sodium 604mg26%

Potassium 764mg22%

Carbohydrates 30g10%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 568IU11%

Vitamin C 33mg40%

Calcium 360mg36%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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I hope you enjoy this better-for-you makeover of an old favorite. So good!