Craving something savory, cheesy, and utterly irresistible? Look no further! This sweet potato cheese fries recipe delivers the perfect combination of sweet and salty, crispy and gooey goodness. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish that will disappear in minutes. So, ditch the frozen fries and get ready to indulge in this healthier and tastier alternative!
What are Sweet Potato Cheese Fries?
Sweet potato cheese fries are a delicious twist on classic cheese fries, using naturally sweet and nutritious sweet potatoes as the base. The fries are typically baked or fried until crispy, then smothered in melted cheese (think cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend) and often topped with other delectable goodies like bacon, jalapenos, sour cream, or green onions.
They offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, offering a healthier alternative to traditional white potato fries while still delivering that comforting cheesy goodness we all crave. Whether you’re looking for a fun party appetizer, a unique side dish, or simply a satisfying snack, sweet potato cheese fries are a guaranteed hit. Why not try this recipe today and experience the magic for yourself?
Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Cheese Fries:
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 large (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
- Onion Powder: ¼ teaspoon
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded (or a blend of your favorite cheese)
- Optional Toppings: Cooked bacon crumbles, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, green onions, your favorite BBQ sauce.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cheese Fries:
This sweet potato cheese fries recipe is surprisingly easy to make and is ready in under an hour. The key is getting the sweet potatoes crispy before adding the cheese. You’ll bake the fries until golden brown, then pile on the cheese and toppings and bake until everything is melted and bubbly. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavor that will leave you wanting more.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into ½-inch thick fries. Aim for consistent sizes to ensure even cooking. Place the fries in a large bowl.
Season the Fries: Drizzle the sweet potato fries with olive oil. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss well to ensure the fries are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the fries instead of baking them, preventing them from getting crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
Bake the Fries: Bake the sweet potato fries for 20 minutes. Then, flip the fries using a spatula and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender on the inside and crispy and golden brown on the outside. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Add the Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the baked sweet potato fries.
Add Optional toppings: Add desired additional toppings such as crispy bacon crumbles, sliced jalapeños, or other toppings.
Melt the Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve Immediately: Remove the sweet potato cheese fries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Top with desired toppings, such as sour cream, diced green onions, or a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Cheese Fries:
The crispy, sweet potatoes combined with the gooey, melted cheese is a match made in heaven. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor and texture that’s incredibly satisfying. Making these fries at home is significantly cheaper than ordering them at a restaurant, and you have complete control over the quality of ingredients and the amount of cheese you use. Plus, the possibilities for toppings are endless.
Adding crispy bacon and spicy jalapenos makes these the perfect game-day snack . These sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular cheese fries without sacrificing any flavor. So, if you love spicy food with cheese, try making this jalapeño popper dip to serve with your cheese fries! These are so good and it will be a crowd pleaser.
What to Serve Sweet Potato Cheese Fries With:
Sweet potato cheese fries are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes and drinks:
- Burgers: A classic pairing! The sweetness of fries complements the savoriness of a juicy burger.
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches: The sweetness of pulls pork works to contrast savory fries.
- Salad: For a lighter meal, enjoy a smaller portion of the fries with a fresh salad.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink to balance the richness of the dish.
- Craft Beer: An IPA or amber ale complements the sweet and savory flavors.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Potato Cheese Fries:
- Even Cutting is Key: Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized fries to ensure they cook at the same rate. Uneven sizes will result in some fries being overcooked while others are undercooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leaving space between the fries on the baking sheet allows them to crisp up properly. If you overcrowd the pan, the fries will steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy fries.
- Adjust Baking Time: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the fries and adjust the cooking time as needed. The fries are done when they are tender on the inside and crispy and golden brown on the outside.
- Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Add Spices: If you don’t have garlic powder or onion powder, you could use Italian seasoning.
- Turn Up the Heat: Place pan under the broiler to melt the cheese on top.
5 Facts about Sweet Potato Cheese Fries:
- Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune function, and skin health.
- They are also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full and satisfied.
- Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, meaning they cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels.
- Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, offering more nutritional value and fewer calories.
- The popularity of sweet potato fries has grown significantly in recent years, making them a common menu item in restaurants and fast-food chains.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Store leftover sweet potato cheese fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: For optimal taste and texture, reheat the fries in the oven. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the fries in an air fryer for a quicker option. Be aware that the fries may not be as crispy as when they were freshly baked; try making fresh daily.
Final Thoughts:
Sweet potato cheese fries are a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality appetizer or side dish in the comfort of your own home. So grab some sweet potatoes, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and get ready to indulge in a truly amazing culinary experience!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Sweet Potato Cheese Fries FAQs:
- Can I fry the sweet potatoes instead of baking them?
- Yes, you can fry the sweet potatoes for a crispier result. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sweet potato fries in batches for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels before adding the cheese and toppings.
- Can I use frozen sweet potato fries?
- Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato fries for convenience. Bake them according to the package instructions, then add the cheese and bake until melted.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- It’s best to bake and top the fries with cheese right before serving for optimal taste and texture. If you want to prepare ahead of time, you can cut the sweet potatoes and store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator for a few hours. Drain and dry them thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.
- What spices would pair nicely with fries?
- Cayenne pepper provides a hot flavoring.
- Can I use something other than Cheddar cheese?
- Monterey Jack or pepper jack are suitable.