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Cast Iron Gourmet Cheese Fries

Crispy, golden, hand-cut fries roasted in a hot cast-iron skillet, featuring a massive pool of rich, velvety homemade cheddar and gruyère cheese sauce in the center, garnished with fresh parsley.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cast Iron Fries
  • 4 large Russet potatoes scrubbed, skin on
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Creamy Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups whole milk warmed slightly
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 0.5 cup Gruyère cheese freshly grated
  • 0.25 tsp Dijon mustard optional
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Garnish
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt to taste

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Medium Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Cut the washed potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick batons. Place in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large cast-iron skillet into the oven to preheat.
  3. Drain the potatoes and dry them completely with a kitchen towel. In a dry bowl, toss them with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Arrange the potatoes in an even layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, tossing halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
  5. While fries bake, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
  6. Gradually whisk in the warm milk. Continue cooking and whisking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  7. Remove from heat. Gradually whisk in the grated cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Stir in mustard and cayenne.
  8. Remove the baked fries from the oven. Create a small well in the center and pour the hot cheese sauce directly into the middle.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and flaky sea salt. Serve immediately from the hot skillet.

Notes

Always grate your own cheese from a block; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that will make the sauce grainy.