Cheesy Steak Fries Recipe
If you love a hearty, shareable snack with big crowd appeal, get ready to fall head over heels for Cheesy Steak Fries. This mouthwatering dish layers oven-baked potato wedges with a glorious blanket of melty cheddar and mozzarella, then finishes with a sprinkle of green onions and optional crispy bacon. Every bite is the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor—perfect for game nights, party platters, or just treating yourself to a golden, cheesy delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to make Cheesy Steak Fries irresistible. Each one plays its own special part in building bold flavors, perfect crispiness, and that signature cheesy crown that keeps you coming back for more.
- 2 large russet potatoes: These are the best for fries thanks to their fluffy interior and sturdy texture. Cut them into thick wedges for that classic steak fries vibe.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages that perfectly golden, crispy finish in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that makes every wedge super flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a gorgeous color—don’t skip it if you want that wow factor!
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the potatoes through and through.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right touch of heat to balance the cheese and aromatics.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, cheddar melts beautifully to create that iconic cheesy topping.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and stretchy, mozzarella gives extra gooeyness to the cheesy layer.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: Brightens everything up with fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional): For those who love some smoky crunch—totally optional, but it’s a winner!
- Sour cream or ranch dressing for serving (optional): Cool, creamy dips are the ultimate finishing touch for Cheesy Steak Fries.
How to Make Cheesy Steak Fries
Step 1: Prep Your Potato Wedges
Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes until they’re squeaky clean, then slice them into thick, hearty wedges. If you have time, soak them in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes for extra crispiness—this magic step removes excess starch and leads to fries with perfect, golden crunch. Just make sure to dry the wedges thoroughly on a clean dish towel before moving on!
Step 2: Season and Oil
In a large bowl, toss your potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Really get in there—use your hands to make sure every wedge is thoroughly coated. This is where the flavor magic happens and ensures every bite of Cheesy Steak Fries is seasoned to perfection.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then arrange those well-seasoned wedges in a single layer; don’t let them overlap! Pop the tray into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Flip them halfway through so you get crispiness on all sides. Time to enjoy the incredible aroma that starts to fill your kitchen!
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once your fries are golden and crispy, pull them out and immediately shower them with all that shredded cheddar and mozzarella. The residual heat helps the cheese start its melt, but slide the fries back into the oven for another 5 minutes to get things deliciously bubbly and gooey. This layer is what truly transforms steak fries into unforgettable Cheesy Steak Fries.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
As soon as that cheese is melted to your liking, pull the fries from the oven and sprinkle over your green onions and crispy bacon bits (if you’re using them). The combination of hot fries, melty cheese, and fresh toppings is pure joy. Serve your Cheesy Steak Fries right away with sour cream or ranch dressing for dipping.
How to Serve Cheesy Steak Fries
Garnishes
The right garnishes make Cheesy Steak Fries really pop! Besides the classic green onions and bacon, you might also add diced jalapeños for a kick or a scatter of fresh cilantro for some extra zest. Don’t forget a final twist of cracked black pepper just before serving—it adds irresistible aroma and flavor.
Side Dishes
While Cheesy Steak Fries can easily steal the show, they pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving them next to grilled steaks, juicy burgers, or even alongside crispy chicken tenders. A crisp green salad or some roasted veggies can add freshness if you’re rounding things out for dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Cheesy Steak Fries are as fun to serve as they are to eat. Pile them onto a big platter for a family-style feast, serve mini portions in paper cones for parties, or go all out and arrange them on a sizzling cast iron skillet and bring right to the table. However you present them, these fries are guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftover Cheesy Steak Fries, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll lose a bit of their initial crispness but will still be super tasty for a quick snack.
Freezing
While you can freeze Cheesy Steak Fries, for best results, freeze just the baked potato wedges before adding cheese. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, just reheat, add the cheeses, and broil or bake until melted. That way, they taste fresh every time.
Reheating
To bring back as much crisp as possible, reheat your leftovers on a baking sheet in a 400°F (205°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until hot and melty again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it will soften the fries rather than crisp them up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! While russets are ideal for classic steak fries because of their fluffiness and crispiness, Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes can be delicious, giving your Cheesy Steak Fries their own unique twist and flavor.
What other cheeses work well for Cheesy Steak Fries?
Feel free to get creative with your cheese blend—try pepper jack for a spicy kick, Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, or even blue cheese crumbles for added tang. Just be sure the cheese melts well for that signature gooey layer.
How do I make the fries extra crispy?
The secret is soaking the potato wedges in cold water before baking (for at least 30 minutes) and making sure they’re thoroughly dried. Arrange them in a single layer and don’t crowd the baking sheet to allow for maximum crispiness.
Is there a way to make Cheesy Steak Fries vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the bacon or substitute with meatless bacon bits or crumbled veggie sausage. All the flavor, none of the meat.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, you can prep the potato wedges and keep them in cold water up to 8 hours ahead. Bake them just before serving, then add cheese and toppings so they’re hot and perfectly cheesy when your guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something undeniably special about gathering around a plate of bubbling Cheesy Steak Fries. Whether you’re making them for a party or simply treating yourself at home, this recipe is downright fun to cook and even more fun to eat. Give Cheesy Steak Fries a try—you may just discover your new go-to comfort food snack!
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Cheesy Steak Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Steak Fries are a delightful twist on classic loaded fries, featuring crispy potato wedges topped with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, green onions, and bacon bits. Perfect for parties or as a comforting snack, these baked fries are easy to make and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Potato Wedges:
- 2 large russet potatoes (cut into thick wedges)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- sour cream or ranch dressing for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake: Arrange the fries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Add cheese: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the fries with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with green onions and bacon if desired. Serve hot with sour cream or ranch dressing on the side.
Notes
- For crispier fries, soak the potato wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before baking, then pat dry.
- You can substitute other cheeses like pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
