Description
Crispy golden fries topped with a creamy, spicy white cheddar cheese sauce infused with ranch seasoning and cayenne pepper, perfect for a flavorful snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 26 ounces frozen French fries
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder, divided
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the cooking device: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F to prepare for cooking the fries.
- Cook the fries: Arrange frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Bake or air fry according to package instructions until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until fully combined and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in salt, ground white pepper, ranch seasoning powder, and half of the cayenne powder. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble and serve: Pour the hot cheese sauce evenly over the cooked fries. Optionally, sprinkle the remaining cayenne powder on top for extra heat. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can use an oven or air fryer depending on your preference or appliance availability.
- For extra spice, adjust the cayenne pepper to taste.
- Make sure to whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Serve immediately as the cheese sauce is best enjoyed warm and creamy.
