Description
Gouda Cheese Fries are a deliciously crispy baked appetizer featuring golden russet potato fries topped with melted Gouda and Parmesan cheeses, fresh parsley, and optional bacon and green onions for irresistible flavor and texture. Perfect as a comforting snack or party dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and enable easy cleanup.
- Soak and Dry Potatoes: Place the cut russet fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, drain and pat the fries completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- Season the Fries: Toss the dried fries with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until each fry is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange Fries on Baking Sheet: Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overcrowding. This allows for even baking and max crispness.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking to promote even browning, until they become golden and crispy.
- Add Cheese: Remove the fries from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded Gouda and grated Parmesan evenly over the hot fries so that the cheese begins to melt.
- Melt Cheese: Return the fries to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted thoroughly and bubbly, enhancing the richness of the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once melted, remove the fries from the oven and top with chopped fresh parsley. If using, also sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture. Serve hot for the best enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, place a wire rack over the baking sheet so air can circulate around the fries while baking.
- Smoked Gouda cheese provides a deeper, richer flavor, but regular Gouda also works very well.
- You can alternatively cook the fries in an air fryer at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon toppings.
