Super Bowl Cheesy Baked Fries

Name: Super Bowl Cheesy Baked Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella); 1/2 cup sliced green onions; 1/4 cup sour cream for serving (optional); Pico de gallo or jalapeños for extra flavor (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making cheesy baked fries for the Super Bowl! There's just something so satisfying about the crispy potato sticks, golden and gooey with cheese. Each bite is like a warm hug, especially when topped with my personal favorite, a zesty accompaniment. They always disappear quickly at my gatherings, and the best part is that they are baked, not fried, making them a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Grab your favorite cheese and let's get baking!

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:49:08.772Z

When I first made these cheesy baked fries, I underestimated how quickly they would vanish! My friends and family couldn't get enough of them, and I felt proud to offer something that felt indulgent yet was healthier than traditional fries. The secret lies in the seasoning and the right kind of cheese – a good melting cheese makes all the difference.

As I experimented with various toppings, I found that a sprinkle of fresh herbs or tangy jalapeños takes the flavor profile to another level. This year, I’m excited to try adding a drizzle of ranch dressing once they come out of the oven for an extra kick.

        Why You'll Love These Fries
        Crispy perfection with every bite
Loaded with gooey, melted cheese
Versatile for any game day or gathering
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings

      

The Perfect Potato Choice

The base of any great fry is the potato itself. For this recipe, I recommend using russet potatoes due to their starchy content, which helps achieve that golden, crispy texture we all crave. They have a high starch-to-moisture ratio, which results in crispy outsides when baked. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they don't create the same texture and will end up soggy.

When cutting the fries, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. I find slicing them about 1/4 inch thick to be ideal. If you prefer a thicker fry, just adjust the baking time accordingly. Once they are cut, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before seasoning; this step removes excess starch and aids in crispiness.

Cheesy Variations & Flavor Boosts

While I love using cheddar or mozzarella cheese, feel free to experiment with other varieties to suit your taste. For a bolder flavor, consider adding pepper jack or gouda. To enhance the dish further, mixing in a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne before baking will give your fries an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese. The spice can really elevate this comfort food into something special.

Don't skip the toppings! Green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor, while a dollop of sour cream gives a creamy contrast to the heat from jalapeños. If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting up a cheesy fries bar with assorted toppings like crumbled bacon, diced cilantro, olives, or even avocado for customization.

Ingredients

For the Fries

4 large russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup sour cream for serving (optional)
Pico de gallo or jalapeños for extra flavor (optional)

Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheese types!

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and peel the russet potatoes, then cut them into thin fries. Place the fries in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Bake the Fries

Spread the seasoned fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

Add the Cheese

Once baked, remove the fries from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove the cheesy fries from the oven and top with green onions. Serve hot, and add sour cream or your choice of toppings!

Enjoy these crispy fries during your Super Bowl gathering!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover cheesy fries (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep their crispy texture, reheat them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method revitalizes them better than microwaving, which can make them soggy and less appealing.

For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the fries and season them a day before, storing them in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they're cooked through and crispy.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. For a party, consider using about eight russet potatoes and doubling the cheese and toppings. Just remember to use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding, which hinders proper crisping. Bake in batches if necessary, keeping the first batch warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while the others finish up.

When scaling up, adjust your seasonings to ensure that every fry is well-coated. You can also mix the fries on a larger sheet pan in the oven—the key is ensuring even heating and minimizing steaming, which keeps them from becoming crispy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen fries?

Yes, frozen fries can be used, but adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

→ How do I make these fries spicier?

Add cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or top with jalapeños for extra heat!

→ What's the best cheese to use?

Cheddar and mozzarella work great, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!

→ Can I make these fries ahead of time?

You can prepare and season the fries ahead of time, but it's best to bake them fresh for maximum crispiness.