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# Italian Meatball Cheese Fries: A Mouthwatering Fusion of Comfort Food
If you’re a fan of indulgent comfort foods, then you’re about to meet your new favorite dish: **Italian Meatball Cheese Fries**. Imagine crispy golden fries topped with savory, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and finished off with a generous sprinkle of gooey melted cheese. This dish takes classic cheese fries and adds an Italian twist, combining two beloved comfort foods into one epic dish.
Perfect for a cozy night in, a game day snack, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Italian Meatball Cheese Fries are sure to satisfy all your cravings. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish right at home!
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## Ingredients You’ll Need:
– **Frozen French fries** (or homemade, if you prefer)
– **Italian meatballs** (store-bought or homemade)
– **Marinara sauce** (store-bought or homemade)
– **Shredded mozzarella cheese** (for that gooey, melty goodness)
– **Grated Parmesan cheese** (for a salty, nutty finish)
– **Fresh basil** (optional, for garnish)
– **Olive oil** (for frying or baking fries)
– **Salt and pepper** (to taste)
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## How to Make Italian Meatball Cheese Fries
### Step 1: Cook the Fries
Start by cooking the French fries. You can either bake them in the oven or fry them on the stovetop, depending on your preference. To bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), spread the fries on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
If you prefer to fry the fries for that extra crispiness, heat a pot of oil over medium-high heat and fry the fries in small batches until they’re crispy and golden. Remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
### Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
While the fries are cooking, it’s time to prepare the Italian meatballs. You can either use store-bought frozen meatballs or make your own from scratch. To make homemade meatballs, follow this simple recipe:
**Homemade Italian Meatball Recipe:**
1. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix everything together until well combined. Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
3. In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat and cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
If you’re using store-bought meatballs, simply heat them according to the package instructions.
