Baked Cheese Fries
Creamy baked cheese fries feature crispy fries topped with savory soups, melted cheese, and optional onions, creating a hearty, comforting dish perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the frozen French fries in a buttered 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and milk together in a bowl.
- Pour the soup mixture over the fries.
- Top with chopped onions (optional) and shredded Colby cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for one hour until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or paprika to the soup mixture. If you don't have Colby cheese, cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses can be used as a substitute. To make it even heartier, mix in cooked bacon bits or jalapeños. For a vegetarian version, swap the cream of chicken and celery soups with vegetable-based options.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheesy fries as a delightful appetizer or side dish at your next gathering. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a main dish topped with sour cream and chives. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a fresh salad or browse more American recipes for more ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving can also work, but may result in a less crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cheese Fries contains roughly 1465 calories, with 36g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (91% of the Daily Value), calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and protein (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh fries, but you'll need to adjust the baking time. Fresh fries may require slightly less time in the oven, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I add to make it spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the soup mixture. You could also top the baked fries with sliced pickled jalapeños before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).