Irresistible Crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Fries Recipe

Sizzling straight from the kitchen, these crispy cheesy mashed potato fries bring a delightful twist to your favorite comfort food.

Golden-brown edges promise a crunch that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

The combination of smooth mashed potatoes and melted cheese creates an irresistible texture that elevates this classic side dish.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy interior and crispy exterior that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Forget boring french fries – this recipe takes potato lovers on a mouthwatering journey of flavor and texture.

The secret lies in simple ingredients and a technique that turns ordinary potatoes into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Get ready to impress your dinner companions with this crowd-pleasing potato sensation that transforms an everyday ingredient into something spectacular.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5-7 minutes per batch (assuminutesg 3 batches, total of about 15-21 minutes

Total Time: 60-66 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Fries Ingredient List

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy heroes that create the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior, choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green patches for best results.
• Salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor and helps draw out moisture for extra crispiness.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the potato's earthy taste.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses a savory, aromatic punch that complements the potato's mild flavor.

• Cornstarch: Magic ingredient that creates an ultra-crispy coating and helps the fries maintain their crunch.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheese that adds rich, tangy notes and creates irresistible golden cheese pockets.

• Cooking Oil: Essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown, crispy exterior and providing heat for even cooking.

Tools for Cheesy Mashed Potato Fries

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mashing potatoes smoothly.
• Potato masher: Perfect for creating creamy, lump-free mashed potatoes.
• Waxed paper: Helps shape and freeze potato mixture evenly.
• Dutch oven or deep pot: Ideal for deep-frying potato fries safely.
• Tongs: Crucial for turning and removing fries from hot oil carefully.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting chilled potato mixture into fry shapes.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting potato rectangle.
• Thermometer: Ensures oil reaches correct frying temperature of 325°F.

Cooking Directions for Mashed Potato Fries

Potato Cheese Sticks

• Potato Preparation

Select fresh russet potatoes and remove their skins. Boil potatoes in salted water until soft and easy to mash.

• Flavor Infusion

Mash potatoes thoroughly and blend in seasonings like garlic, sharp cheddar, and a touch of cornstarch for crispiness.

• Shaping Process

Spread potato mixture into a flat rectangle on parchment paper and place in freezer to set structure.

• Cutting Strategy

Remove chilled potato sheet and slice into stick-like shapes using a sharp kitchen knife.

• Crispy Transformation

Heat oil in a deep pan until hot. Carefully lower potato sticks into oil, cooking until they turn golden and develop a crunchy exterior.

• Final Touch

Remove potato sticks using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb extra oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce while still warm and crispy.

Helpful Tips for Mashed Potato Fries That Crisp

• Potato Power Tricks: Mastering Cheesy Mashed Potato Fries
• Potato Texture Perfection: Choose starchy russet potatoes for the fluffiest, most crispy fries that hold their shape beautifully during frying.
• Cheese Upgrade: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp provolone, smoky gouda, or spicy pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that'll surprise your taste buds.
• Seasoning Sensation: Add fresh herbs like chives, rosemary, or thyme to the potato mixture for an extra layer of aromatic depth and gourmet flair.
• Crunch Factor: For maximum crispiness, coat the fries in a light dusting of panko breadcrumbs before freezing to create an irresistible golden exterior that crackles with each bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the potato fries up to two days in advance and store them in the freezer, allowing you to quickly fry them whenever hunger strikes or unexpected guests arrive.

Plating Cheesy Mashed Potato Fries Beautifully

• Dip and Delight: Pair these crispy cheesy potato fries with classic ranch dressing or zesty sriracha mayo for an extra flavor kick.
• Party Pleaser Platter: Arrange the fries on a large wooden board surrounded by various dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, and blue cheese for a crowd-winning appetizer.
• Game Day Glory: Serve these fries as a show-stopping side during sports events, topped with crispy bacon bits, green onions, and a drizzle of sour cream for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack.
• Gourmet Upgrade: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives over the hot fries just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Storage Info for Crispy Cheesy Mashed Potato Fries

• Smart Batch Prep: Make a double batch of these cheesy potato fries and store the uncooked rectangle in the freezer for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Cooked fries stay crispy when stored in a single layer inside an airtight container. Consume within 2-3 days for best texture and flavor. Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crunchiness.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Spread leftover fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until they regain their crispy exterior. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy results.
• Meal Companion Magic: These fries pair beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or as a standalone snack during game nights. Prepare ingredients in advance for stress-free entertaining and quick assembly.

Irresistible Mashed Potato Fries

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 60-66 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory crispy cheesy mashed potato fries combine comfort and creativity on your plate. Golden-brown exterior gives way to creamy potato goodness that brings pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 medium russet potatoes (450 g/16 oz), washed, peeled, and cut
• ½ cup (50 g/1.8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g/1 oz) cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Cube russet potatoes uniformly and boil in heavily salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Seasoning Blend: Drain potatoes and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash thoroughly, then integrate salt, pepper, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, and cornstarch until completely combined.
3. Shaping and Chilling: Spread potato mixture onto waxed paper, forming a precise 8×10 inch rectangular block approximately 3/4 to 1 inch thick. Freeze for 30 minutes to solidify the mixture.
4. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to 325°F, creating an optimal frying environment for golden, crispy results.
5. Frying Process: Remove potato block from freezer and slice into classic fry shapes. Carefully lower small batches of 3-5 fries into hot oil, gently rotating to ensure uniform browning and crisp exterior, cooking 5-7 minutes per batch.
6. Finishing Touch: Extract fries using tongs, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Potato Preparation: Select russet potatoes for their high starch content, ensuring crispy and fluffy fries with perfect texture.
• Salt Water Technique: Boil potatoes in heavily salted water to enhance flavor and break down starches, creating a smoother interior.
• Freezing Strategy: Chilling the potato mixture helps solidify and stabilize the shape, preventing crumbling during frying and promoting crisp edges.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 325°F oil temperature for even cooking, preventing burning and achieving golden-brown exterior without greasy residue.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes per batch (assuminutesg 3 batches, total of about 15-21 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Side Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg