Bacon Cheese Fries Recipe

Potatoes: The base of our dish, cut into fries for baking.

Olive oil: Used to coat the potatoes and help them crisp up in the oven.

Vegan cheese: A plant-based alternative to traditional cheese, providing a melty, cheesy topping.

Vegan bacon bits: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish, mimicking traditional bacon bits.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the fries.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

To achieve perfectly crispy fries, make sure to cut the potatoes evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Additionally, soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before tossing them in olive oil helps remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture.

• potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and are rich in vitamins and fiber.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it ideal for frying.

• shredded vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is rich in B vitamins.

• vegan bacon bits - Substitute with smoked tempeh: Smoked tempeh has a similar smoky flavor and a satisfying texture.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and a slightly different flavor profile.

• Allow the bacon cheese fries to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the fries soggy.
• Transfer the cooled fries to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The fries will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• For freezing, place the cooled fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This initial freezing step prevents the fries from sticking together.
• Once the fries are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
• When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the frozen fries on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
• If the vegan cheese and vegan bacon bits have lost their texture during storage, consider adding a fresh sprinkle of both during the last few minutes of reheating. This will revive the flavors and textures, making your bacon cheese fries taste freshly made.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread the leftover bacon cheese fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover the fries with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the vegan cheese is melted.
  5. For extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the bacon cheese fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check for desired crispiness and serve immediately.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the bacon cheese fries in the skillet, spreading them out evenly.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the vegan cheese.
  5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the bacon cheese fries on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the fries with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.
  5. Note: This method may not retain the crispiness of the fries as well as other methods.

• Oven: Used to bake the fries and melt the vegan cheese.

• Mixing bowl: Used to toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Baking sheet: Used to spread the potatoes in a single layer for baking.

• Spatula: Used to turn the fries halfway through baking.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

• Knife: Used to cut the potatoes into fries.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to cut the potatoes.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the vegan cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Serving plate: Used to serve the finished bacon cheese fries.

Pre-cut potatoes: Buy pre-cut potatoes to save time on chopping.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded vegan cheese to skip the grating step.

Ready-made bacon bits: Purchase vegan bacon bits that are ready to use.

Line baking sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of fries and store leftovers for quick reheating.