Oven-Baked Cheese “Fries”

The next time we have friends over for dinner this is what I’m putting out for an appetizer—Oven-Baked Cheese “Fries”! This new recipe would be great as a side dish to any family dinner as well … talk about switching things up from your same ol’ boring roasted potatoes.

I haven’t had cheese fries in so long that I forgot how good they are. And now we can enjoy them without the deep-fried heaviness from your typical restaurant version. There’s no reason not to indulge in tasty oven-baked potatoes, organic cheese & bacon, and homemade ranch dressing … yum!

Sliced potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, and homemade ranch dressing on a baking sheet.

Other Favorite Appetizer Recipes

Whether you’re having people over or you make these as a side dish for your family dinners, these recipes will not disappoint. Here are a few more of our favorite appetizer recipes …

I hope you enjoy this better-for-you makeover of an old favorite. So good!

Oven-Baked Cheese “Fries”

Switch up your basic roasted potatoes with these Oven-Baked Cheese “Fries”! You can indulge in these without worrying about the deep-fried heaviness of the restuarant versions.

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Oven-Baked Cheese "Fries" on 100 Days of Real Food


Ingredients

For the “Fries”

  • olive oil
  • 3 medium potatoes(Russet baking potatoes or similar), 2 lbs total
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 pieces cooked baconcrumbled

For the Ranch Dressing

  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsleychopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh chiveschopped (+ extra for garnish, if desired)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic cloveminced
  • salt and pepperto taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven broiler to high. Line a sheet pan with foil for easy clean-up (optional) and spray or drizzle with a little olive oil.

  2. Cut the potatoes into wedges and place in one even layer on the baking sheet. Spray or drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle the salt on top.

  3. Place in the oven about 8 to 10 inches below the heating element and cook for about 10 minutes, until the potatoes begin to brown. Flip over and cook for another 8 or 10 minutes, until brown and tender when pierced with a fork.

  4. Meanwhile, whisk together all the ranch dressing ingredients and set aside.

  5. Once the potatoes are done, sprinkle the cheese evenly over top and put them back in the oven for 30-60 seconds, just long enough for the cheese to melt. Remove from oven, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top, drizzle with the ranch dressing, garnish with extra chives (if desired), and serve.


Recipe Notes

We recommend organic ingredients when feasible. 

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts

Oven-Baked Cheese “Fries”

Amount Per Serving

Calories 336 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 11g69%

Cholesterol 54mg18%

Sodium 604mg26%

Potassium 764mg22%

Carbohydrates 30g10%

Fiber 4g17%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 568IU11%

Vitamin C 33mg40%

Calcium 360mg36%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.