Ingredients
Fries and Seasoning
- 28-32 ounces frozen French fries
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 4 Tablespoons ranch dressing (plus more for dipping)
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 cups medium cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven according to the package directions on the frozen fries. Line two baking sheets with foil and spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, reserving about ½ teaspoon for garnish later.
- Season the Fries: Spread the frozen fries evenly on the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both trays and toss gently to coat the fries, ensuring they lay in a single layer for even baking.
- Bake the Fries: Bake the fries according to the package directions, rotating the pans halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
- Start Cheese Sauce: While the fries are baking, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat.
- Make Roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux without browning.
- Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk until fully combined, continuing to cook the mixture for a few minutes to thicken.
- Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
- Keep Sauce Warm: Lower the heat to the lowest setting to keep the cheese sauce warm but prevent it from cooking further while preparing the fries for assembly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in an additional tablespoon or two of milk. Keep it warm until ready to serve since it thickens as it cools.
- Assemble the Fries: Place about a quarter of the baked fries on a plate. Top with approximately ¼ cup of cheese sauce, drizzle about a tablespoon of ranch dressing over the fries, and sprinkle with reserved seasoning if desired.
- Repeat Service: Repeat the assembly process for the remaining fries in portions.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Louisiana Voodoo Fries hot with extra cheese sauce, ketchup, and ranch dressing for dipping, offering an irresistible spicy and creamy snack.
Notes
- Use fresh shredded cheddar cheese for best melting and flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to taste if you prefer it spicier or milder.
- If sauce thickens too much upon standing, gently reheat and add a splash of milk to return it to pouring consistency.
- These fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot to maintain crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American