Description
Crispy oven-roasted french fries topped with a creamy white cheddar cheese sauce, smoky chipotle spiced bacon, and vibrant homemade chimichurri sauce. This indulgent appetizer combines crunchy textures, bold smoky flavors, and fresh herbal notes for a deliciously satisfying snack or party dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 1 26 ounce bag frozen, crispy french fries
Chipotle Bacon
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 ½ cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- ⅔ cup fresh parsley
- ¼ cup fresh oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chimichurri Sauce: Combine cilantro, parsley, oregano, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped but still a bit chunky. Set aside to let flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the dish. Store any leftovers refrigerated for future use.
- Roast the Fries: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Spread the frozen fries evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until they are super crispy and golden brown. Remove from oven and keep warm.
- Cook the Chipotle Bacon: Place the diced bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat. Sprinkle chipotle chili powder evenly over the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered out. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon pieces and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden and fragrant. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking and cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the grated white cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with kosher salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Drizzle the hot roasted fries generously with the creamy cheese sauce. Spoon the vibrant chimichurri sauce over the fries. Scatter the smoky chipotle bacon evenly on top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Making chimichurri sauce ahead of time allows flavors to intensify; store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Use a high-quality white cheddar for a rich, melty cheese sauce.
- Adjust chipotle chili powder quantity to control the heat level in bacon.
- For extra crispiness, spread fries in a single layer without overcrowding the baking sheet.
- This dish pairs well with simple green salads or grilled meats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chimichurri, cheese fries, chipotle bacon, baked fries, cheese sauce, appetizer
