Cheesy Jalapeño Dirty Fries

$To make dirty fries, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped - 1/4 cup sour cream - 2 green onions, sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish These ingredients come together to create a tasty and satisfying dish. The russet potatoes give a great base for crispy fries. Dirty fries are fun because you can mix and match toppings. Here are some great ideas: - Crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor - Fresh tomatoes for a refreshing bite - Guacamole for a creamy texture - Spicy chili for extra heat - Ranch dressing for a tangy finish Feel free to get creative! The toppings can change the whole taste of the fries. The best potatoes for fries are russet potatoes. They have a high starch content. This means they get crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Other good options include Yukon Gold potatoes. They have a buttery flavor and work well too. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes. They won’t give you that perfect fry texture you want. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Next, take four large russet potatoes. Cut them into fry shapes. In a big bowl, toss the fries with two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of paprika. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all fries are coated. Spread the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they lie flat and do not overlap. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through. You want them golden brown and crispy. Once the fries are crispy, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot fries. Return the baking sheet to the oven for five more minutes. Wait until the cheese melts and is bubbly. Now, scatter half a cup of chopped pickled jalapeños on top. Drizzle with a quarter cup of sour cream. Finish by adding sliced green onions and fresh cilantro for garnish. Serve these cheesy, spicy fries hot and enjoy every bite! To get crispy fries, start with russet potatoes. They have a high starch content. Cut them thick for a good bite. Soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch. Drain and dry them well before cooking. Toss the fries in olive oil and seasoning. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The final result should be golden and crunchy. Flavor is key to delicious dirty fries. Use garlic powder and paprika for a savory kick. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Don't skip the toppings; they add a lot of flavor. After baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on the hot fries. This melts nicely and adds richness. Chopped pickled jalapeños bring heat and tang. Finish with sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. These toppings create a balanced and flavorful dish. Serve your dirty fries hot for the best taste. They make a great snack or side dish. Pair them with burgers or sandwiches for a hearty meal. You can also serve them at parties as a fun appetizer. Consider adding a dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy mayo. This adds another layer of flavor and fun. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best experience! Pro Tips Cut Evenly: Make sure all fries are cut to the same thickness to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Soak the Potatoes: Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes can help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Balance the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your heat preference. You can also mix in some sweet peppers for a milder flavor. {{image_2}} You can make delicious vegetarian dirty fries. Start with your base of crispy fries. Top them with melted cheese and some fresh veggies. Try adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers. You can also use guacamole instead of sour cream. This gives your fries a creamy texture. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a nice touch too. If you love spice, these fries are for you. After baking, sprinkle on extra jalapeños. You can also add hot sauce or chili flakes. Try mixing in spicy cheese for more kick. A drizzle of sriracha can make your fries pop with flavor. Serve with a side of spicy ranch for dipping. Dirty fries can go global with toppings. For a Mexican twist, add black beans and avocado. You can create a Mediterranean version with feta and olives. For an Italian flair, use marinara sauce and mozzarella. Each topping gives the fries its own unique taste. Experiment and find your favorite mix! Storing leftover dirty fries is simple. First, let them cool down. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to layer a paper towel at the bottom. This helps absorb moisture. To reheat dirty fries, use the oven. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes fries soggy. You can freeze dirty fries too. First, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. They will last up to three months. To use, bake from frozen without thawing. Dirty fries are loaded fries topped with delicious ingredients. They start with crispy fries and then get covered in flavorful items. You can make them with cheese, spices, and sauces. They are a fun twist on regular fries and great for sharing. Yes, you can make dirty fries in an air fryer! Just follow these steps: - Cut your potatoes into fries. - Toss them with olive oil and seasonings. - Place them in the air fryer basket. - Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. - Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method gives you crispy fries with less oil. You can top dirty fries with many tasty options. Here are some favorites: - Shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack. - Pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick. - Sour cream for creaminess. - Sliced green onions for freshness. - Fresh cilantro for added flavor. Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Dirty fries blend flavor, texture, and creativity. We explored their key ingredients, from the best potatoes to popular toppings. You learned how to prepare, bake, and customize these tasty treats. I shared tips for achieving crispy fries and great flavor. Plus, we covered variations for all tastes and how to store leftovers. Remember, these fries are fun to make and perfect for sharing. Enjoy your culinary adventures with dirty fries!$

Cheesy Jalapeño Dirty Fries

Crispy fries topped with melted cheese and spicy jalapeños.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 2 pickled jalapeños, chopped
1 4 sour cream
2 green onions, sliced
for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large bowl, toss the cut fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot fries.
Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the fries from the oven and scatter the chopped pickled jalapeños on top.
Drizzle with sour cream and garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately and enjoy your cheesy, spicy treat!

Notes

Serve immediately for the best texture.

Keyword cheesy, fries, jalapeño, snack