Save to Pinterest My roommate walked in one night while I was tossing frozen fries in a mixing bowl, and she asked what I was doing. I told her I was upgrading snack night. She laughed, but twenty minutes later she was scraping cheese off the baking sheet with her fingers. That's how these fries earned their spot in our weekly rotation.
I made these for a small game night once, thinking they'd be a side. They became the main event. Everyone stood around the pan, dipping and talking, and I realized I hadn't even turned the TV on yet. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that make people linger in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 800 g frozen French fries: Use any style you like, but crinkle cut holds the seasoning really well and gets extra crispy in the oven.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the BBQ seasoning stick and gives the fries a golden, crispy edge instead of a pale, sad bake.
- 2 tsp BBQ seasoning blend: Store bought works great, but if you have smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a little brown sugar at home, you can make your own.
- 150 g shredded cheddar cheese: Pre shredded is fine, but block cheddar you shred yourself melts smoother and tastes sharper.
- 2 spring onions, thinly sliced: These add a fresh bite that cuts through all the richness, don't skip them.
- 120 ml mayonnaise: The creamy base of the ranch, use full fat for the best texture.
- 120 ml sour cream: This adds tang and keeps the dip from being too heavy.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped: Fresh herbs make all the difference here, dried chives won't give you the same bright flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a subtle earthiness that balances the garlic and dill.
- 1 tsp dried dill: A little goes a long way, this is what makes it taste like ranch and not just herbed mayo.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Mince it finely so you don't get big bites of raw garlic, or use a microplane if you have one.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Brightens everything up and keeps the dip from feeling too rich.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds a mellow sweetness that fresh onion can't quite replicate.
- 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Taste as you go, you might want a little more depending on your mayo and cheese.
Instructions
- Get the oven ready:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier.
- Season the fries:
- In a large bowl, toss the frozen fries with olive oil and BBQ seasoning until every piece is coated. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet, don't crowd them or they'll steam instead of crisp.
- Bake until golden:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides get crispy and golden. You'll know they're ready when the edges are deeply browned and they sound crispy when you shake the pan.
- Make the ranch dip:
- While the fries bake, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste it and adjust the seasoning, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
- Add the cheese:
- Once the fries are crispy, pull them out and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Pop the pan back in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve:
- Transfer the cheesy fries to a serving platter and scatter the sliced spring onions over the top. Serve them hot with the ranch dip on the side.
Save to Pinterest The first time I made the ranch from scratch, I couldn't believe how much better it was than anything I'd bought. My friend tasted it and said it was the kind of dip you'd eat with a spoon. She wasn't wrong. Now I make double batches and keep it in the fridge for everything from fries to raw veggies to chicken tenders.
Flavor Variations You Should Try
If you want a smokier flavor, swap the regular cheddar for smoked cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the BBQ seasoning. I've also used pepper jack cheese when I wanted a little heat, and it was excellent. For a spicy kick, scatter chopped jalapeños over the fries along with the spring onions. Each version feels like a completely different snack.
What to Serve Alongside
These fries are rich and satisfying, so I like to serve them with something crisp and cold. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the cheese and ranch perfectly. If you're making them for a crowd, pair them with chicken wings, sliders, or even just a big bowl of fresh veggies with extra ranch for dipping. A crisp lager or iced tea cuts through the richness nicely.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fries are always best fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to get some of that crispiness back, the microwave will make them sad and limp. The ranch dip will keep in the fridge for up to five days, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day once the herbs have had time to bloom.
- Make the ranch dip a day ahead to save time and deepen the flavor.
- Use crinkle cut or waffle fries for maximum seasoning coverage.
- Serve immediately after adding cheese so everything stays hot and melty.
Save to Pinterest These fries have become my go to whenever I need something easy that still feels special. They're the kind of recipe that makes people think you tried harder than you did, and I'm completely fine with that.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use fresh-cut potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Yes, you can use fresh-cut potatoes. Cut them into fries, toss with oil and seasoning, and bake at 220°C for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- → How do I store leftover ranch dip?
Store the ranch dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after a few hours of chilling.
- → What can I substitute for BBQ seasoning?
Make your own blend with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of cayenne. Adjust the sweetness and heat to your preference.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based versions. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- → How do I keep the fries crispy when adding cheese?
Add the cheese only after the fries are fully baked and crispy, then return to the oven just long enough to melt the cheese (2-3 minutes). Serve immediately for best texture.
- → Can I prepare the ranch dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! The ranch dip can be made up to 2 days in advance. In fact, preparing it ahead allows the herbs and garlic to infuse more deeply into the creamy base.