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- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the potatoes get a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and tender.
3. Season the Potatoes
- Season the boiled potatoes: In a large bowl, drizzle the boiled potato wedges with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Toss gently to ensure all the pieces are evenly coated in the oil and seasoning.
4. Bake the Potatoes
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Lay the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Spread them out in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through to ensure they crisp up on all sides. You’re looking for a golden brown color and crispy edges.
5. Add the Cheese
- Top with cheese: Once the potatoes are crispy, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot potatoes.
- Melt the cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the cheese has melted, take the fries out of the oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions, chives, or any other toppings you prefer. You can also drizzle some sour cream or ranch dressing on top or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Serve: Serve your cheesy, crispy fries hot as a side dish or snack. Enjoy every cheesy, gooey bite!
Why This Recipe Works
- Healthier Option: Traditional cheese fries are typically deep-fried, but boiling and baking the potatoes cuts down on the grease and fat. You still get that crispy texture and cheesy flavor, but with fewer calories and less guilt.
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: The combination of boiling and baking allows the potatoes to maintain a soft and tender interior while getting a crispy, golden-brown exterior—just like fries, but without all the oil.
- No Mess: Unlike frying, which can splatter oil everywhere, baking the fries in the oven eliminates that mess and hassle. It’s a much cleaner and easier cooking method.
Variations and Customizations
While the basic recipe is amazing on its own, there are endless ways you can customize your cheese fries to make them even more delicious. Here are some ideas:
- Add Protein: Make these fries even heartier by adding bacon bits, shredded chicken, or even chili on top of the cheese before baking.
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add jalapeño slices on top of the fries before baking, or drizzle with a little hot sauce once they’re out of the oven.
- Use Different Cheeses: Try a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan to mix up the flavor of your cheese fries.
- Toppings Galore: Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Chopped parsley, sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa can all add delicious flavor and texture to your fries.
- Herbed Fries: If you want to give the fries an herby twist, sprinkle oregano, thyme, or rosemary on the potatoes before baking.
Conclusion: A Healthier Take on Cheese Fries
Cheese fries made from boiled potatoes are the perfect comfort food for anyone craving a cheesy, savory snack without the guilt of deep-frying. With a few simple steps, you can create crispy, tender fries topped with gooey, melted cheese—all while keeping things light and healthy.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making a quick weeknight snack, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a delicious comfort food treat. The best part is that you can customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for cheese fries, try this healthier, boiled potato version—you’ll be hooked!
