Cheddar Fries from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks feature crispy golden fries topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and savory bacon bits, garnished with fresh green onions for a rich, cheesy, and flavorful snack.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Baking sheet
- Oven or salamander (for melting cheese)
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
- Plate or serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (block for grating)
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 green onions
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Russet potatoes are essential for achieving crispy, golden fries that hold toppings well. Using sharp cheddar cheese in block form allows you to grate fresh cheese, which melts better than pre-shredded varieties. Bacon slices should be cooked until crispy and chopped into bits to provide a savory contrast to the cheese. Fresh green onions add a vibrant garnish that enhances flavor and presentation. You can recreate the rich, cheesy, and flavorful Cheddar Fries from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks with these ingredients and techniques.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash, peel, and cut russet potatoes into fries.
- Rinse fries in cold water; pat dry thoroughly.
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry potatoes in batches until golden and crispy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove fries; drain on paper towels.
- Grate cheddar cheese if using block cheese.
- Cook bacon until crispy; cool, then chop into bits.
- Slice green onions thinly.
- Preheat oven or salamander on broil setting.
- Spread fries evenly on a baking sheet.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over fries.
- Add cooked bacon bits on top of cheese-covered fries.
- Place baking sheet in oven/salamander; broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven; sprinkle with sliced green onions.
- Transfer to serving platter; serve hot.
Substitution
Cheddar Fries from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks copycat recipe offers crispy fries topped with melted sharp cheddar and savory bacon, perfect for recreating this popular snack at home. If sharp cheddar is unavailable, you can substitute it with a similar aged cheese like Colby or Monterey Jack to maintain a rich flavor. When deep frying the russet potatoes, ensure the oil temperature stays between 350-375degF (175-190degC) for optimal crispiness without absorbing excess oil. You can melt the cheese using an oven or salamander, but a microwave-safe plate can also be a quick alternative if you don't have specialized equipment. Your fresh green onions can be replaced with chives or scallions for a similar sharp, fresh garnish.
Tips
Make sure to thoroughly pat dry the fries after rinsing to prevent oil splattering during frying. Fry the russet potatoes in small batches at 350degF (175degC) to ensure even cooking and crispiness without lowering the oil temperature. When melting the sharp cheddar cheese on the fries, use the broil setting carefully to avoid burning the cheese while achieving a bubbly texture. You should serve the cheddar fries immediately once garnished with green onions to enjoy the optimal combination of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh garnish.
Nutritions
Cheddar Fries from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks combine crispy russet potatoes with melted sharp cheddar cheese and savory bacon bits, offering a snack high in protein, calcium, and fat. A serving contributes a significant amount of calories, mainly from carbohydrates in the fries and fats from cheese and bacon. Green onions add a small boost of vitamins A and C, enhancing the dish's nutritional profile. Your intake of sodium and saturated fat may be elevated due to the cheese and bacon, so moderation is key.
Storage
To keep your Cheddar Fries fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, spread the fries on a baking sheet and use an oven or salamander at 350degF (175degC) until the cheese is melted and fries are crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture and flavor of the crispy fries topped with melted cheddar and bacon bits.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutritious twist. Swap sharp cheddar for a blend of Monterey Jack and smoked gouda to add a creamy and smoky depth. For a crispy texture without deep frying, toss the fries in olive oil and bake at 425degF (220degC) until golden before topping with cheese and bacon bits. Incorporate a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the cheese layer to enhance the savory flavor profile.
Allergies
Cheddar Fries from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks contain common allergens such as dairy from the sharp cheddar cheese and pork from the bacon, which may cause reactions for those with lactose intolerance or pork allergies. The dish also includes green onions, which could pose issues for individuals with allium sensitivities. You should carefully review these ingredients if you have known allergies or dietary restrictions.
Why this recipe?
Cheddar Fries from Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks offer a perfect blend of crispy golden fries smothered in rich, melted cheddar cheese and topped with savory bacon bits and green onions. The combination of textures and flavors creates an irresistible appetizer that appeals to cheesy comfort food lovers. Recreating this dish allows you to customize ingredients to your taste while enjoying a restaurant favorite from the comfort of your home. Your efforts will be rewarded with a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack that matches the quality and flavor of the original.