Cheesy Jalapeño Dirty Fries

$- 4 large russet potatoes - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) You can swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors. For a milder taste, use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled ones. If you want a creamier texture, consider using Yukon gold potatoes instead of russet. These options keep your dish fresh and exciting! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot temperature helps the fries get crispy. 2. Cleaning and cutting the potatoes Wash 4 large russet potatoes well. Cut them into thick fries. Keep the skin on for more texture. 1. Tossing the fries with seasonings In a large bowl, add the cut fries. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Toss until all fries are well coated. 2. Baking instructions for perfect crispy fries Spread the seasoned fries on a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Look for a golden brown color. 1. Adding cheese and baking until melted After baking, take the fries out. Immediately sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Put them back in the oven for 5 more minutes. Wait until the cheese is melted and bubbly. 2. Serving suggestions with sour cream and garnish Once done, top with 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapeños. Serve the cheesy dirty fries hot. Drizzle with 1/2 cup sour cream. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Enjoy! Soaking your potatoes helps remove excess starch. This step gives you crispier fries. I suggest soaking them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, dry them well before cooking. Cut your fries thick for a hearty bite. Thicker fries take longer to cook, so adjust your timing. Aim for about 25 to 30 minutes in the oven, flipping halfway through. You want them golden brown and crispy! Spice things up! Garlic powder and paprika add great flavor to your fries. You can also try cayenne pepper for heat. Mix them in well with the olive oil before baking. When it comes to cheese, I prefer sharp cheddar. It melts well and has a strong taste. If you want a twist, try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Pair these dirty fries with sour cream for coolness. You can also serve them with ranch or guacamole. A cold drink like soda or beer balances the spice. For a great presentation, use a large plate. Pile the fries high and add jalapeños on top. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over them for a pop of color. Enjoy your tasty creation! Pro Tips Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are ideal for fries due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Coating the fries in olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden brown color and crispy texture. It also prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet. Flipping is Key: Flip the fries halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Garnish for Flavor: Adding fresh cilantro not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh flavor that complements the spicy jalapeños. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese on your dirty fries. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Pepper jack adds a creamy spice that works great. If you want a bold flavor, blue cheese is a fantastic choice. Each cheese brings a fun twist to your dish. Get creative with toppings! Add cooked bacon for a smoky flavor. Chopped green onions give a fresh crunch. You can also throw on some sautéed mushrooms or grilled bell peppers. For a tangy kick, drizzle ranch or hot sauce over the top. The options are endless! Not everyone loves heat. To make it milder, skip the jalapeños or use fresh ones instead of pickled. Add a dollop of sour cream to cool it down. For those who love spice, feel free to load up on jalapeños. You can even add hot sauce to really turn up the heat. Adjust based on your family’s taste! To keep your cheesy jalapeño dirty fries fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, try freezing them. To maintain crispiness when reheating, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through. If you use a microwave, the fries may get soft. It's best to avoid this method if you want that crunch. Freezing is simple. Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for crisp fries again. Dirty fries are loaded fries topped with cheese, sauces, and other goodies. They vary by region. In some areas, they come with chili or pulled pork. Others might add guacamole or sour cream. The key is that they are messy, full of flavor, and satisfy cravings. To make healthy dirty fries, bake instead of fry. This cuts down on oil and calories. You can also use sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist. For toppings, swap regular cheese with low-fat cheese. Use fresh veggies instead of heavy sauces for a lighter meal. Yes, you can prep dirty fries in advance. Cut and season the potatoes, then store them in the fridge. To keep fries from getting soggy, bake them right before serving. If you need to reheat, use the oven to keep them crispy. In this post, we explored dirty fries, from ingredients to cooking tips. You learned how to make them crispy and flavorful. Don’t forget to consider substitutions and variations that suit your taste. Storing leftovers and reheating them properly ensures enjoyment later. With these tips and recipes, you can impress with delicious dirty fries any time. Now, go ahead and enjoy your culinary adventure!$

Cheesy Jalapeño Dirty Fries

Crispy fries topped with melted cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 cup sour cream (for serving)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and cut them into thick fries. Leave the skin on for extra texture.
In a large bowl, toss the cut fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned fries out on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy.
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot fries.
Return the loaded fries to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and top with pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Serve the cheesy dirty fries hot, drizzled with sour cream and garnished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Leave the skin on the potatoes for extra texture.

Keyword cheesy, fries, jalapeño, snack