There’s something delightfully unconventional about transforming a humble potato into a crispy, golden treat that challenges the very concept of fries. Inspired by a recent craving for comfort food and the thrill of culinary experimentation, I embarked on the journey to create Mashed Potato French Fries. Picture this: the rich creaminess of mashed potatoes enveloped in a crunchy exterior, sprinkled with just the right amount of seasoning, and enhanced by gooey cheddar cheese. These aren’t just any fries; they’re a game-changer for anyone tired of the same old fast food routine.
With just a handful of ingredients and relatively simple steps, you’ll take your taste buds on a journey that blends nostalgia with innovation. If you’re seeking an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, you’ve just found your new favorite dish. Let’s dive into the process of whipping up these crispy delights!
Why love Mashed Potato French Fries?
Unconventional Delight: These fries break the mold, offering a surprising twist on traditional fries that will keep your taste buds tingling.
Ultimate Creaminess: The combination of mashed potatoes and cheddar creates a velvety interior, making each bite a comforting treat.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, anyone can whip these up at home!
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings, they are sure to impress and satisfy guests of all ages.
Customizable: Feel free to mix up the seasonings or add your favorite toppings to make them uniquely yours.
Versatile Snack: Whether as a side dish or a stand-alone snack, these flavorful fries fit any occasion! For more creative potato ideas, check out our guide on delicious potato recipes.
Mashed Potato French Fries Ingredients
• Dive into these scrumptious Mashed Potato French Fries with this essential list of ingredients!
For the Potatoes
- Medium russet potatoes – the perfect base for achieving that creamy texture in your fries.
- Salt – enhances the flavor of the potatoes, making every bite savory.
For the Seasoning
- Black pepper – adds a subtle kick that balances the creaminess.
- Garlic powder – infuses a delicious depth of flavor that elevates the fries.
For the Cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese – not only adds richness but also a gooey, irresistible goodness.
For the Coating
- Cornstarch – helps to achieve that crunchy exterior, making your fries perfectly crispy.
For Frying
- Oil for frying – choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for optimal frying results.
How to Make Mashed Potato French Fries
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Peel and Cut: Start by peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking, making your prep hasty and straightforward.
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Boil: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and add the potato pieces. Cook until they’re fork-tender, about 15 minutes; you’d want them soft but not mushy.
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Drain and Transfer: Carefully drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess moisture, setting you up for creamy results.
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Mash: Grab your potato masher and mash the potatoes until they are as smooth as silk. This will give your fries that lovely creamy interior you crave.
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Mix in Seasonings: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, and cornstarch. Mix everything until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a delicious and flavorful blend.
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Spread on Waxed Paper: Grab a large sheet of waxed paper, place the potato mixture on top, and spread it into a rectangle, about 8 x 10 inches and ¾ to 1 inch thick.
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Chill in the Freezer: Carefully transfer the potato rectangle to your freezer for about 30 minutes. This step firms it up, making it easier to cut into fries.
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Heat Oil: In a Dutch oven, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough—about 325°F—so the fries will fry beautifully and turn golden brown.
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Cut Into Fries: Once chilled, remove the potato rectangle and cut it into even strips, roughly ¾ to 1 inch wide, using a pizza cutter or chef’s knife.
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Fry: Gently add 3-5 fries to the hot oil carefully. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, turning them with tongs until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy.
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Drain on Paper Towels: Transfer the crispy fries to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, and repeat until all fries are cooked.
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Serve: Enjoy your freshly made Mashed Potato French Fries immediately for the best taste and texture!
Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Mashed Potato French Fries?
Elevate your meal with cozy accompaniments that enhance the delightful crunch and creamy goodness of your fries.
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Crispy Chicken Tenders: The juicy, tender chicken contrasts perfectly with the crunchy fries, creating a satisfying combo everyone loves.
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Cheesy Chili: A warm bowl of chili, topped with cheese, brings rich flavors, making for a hearty meal that pairs beautifully with the fries’ texture.
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Garden Salad: Crisp greens with a tangy vinaigrette add a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the fries for a complete meal experience.
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Garlic Aioli: The creamy, garlicky dip enhances flavors, offering a delightful counterpoint to the savory fries that you’ll want to indulge in.
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BBQ Sauce: A smoky, sweet BBQ sauce provides a delicious dip that complements the cheesy, savory notes of the fries, making them utterly irresistible.
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Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts the fries’ creamy texture, enhancing every bite.
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Fresh Lemonade: The zesty citrus refreshment offsets the richness of the fries, making it the perfect drink for a delightful outdoor feast.
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Chocolate Milkshake: End your meal on a sweet note with a thick, creamy shake that’s sure to please dessert lovers, creating a nostalgic vibe.
Make Ahead Options
These Mashed Potato French Fries are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts looking to streamline their weeknight dinners! You can prepare the potato mixture and spread it on waxed paper up to 24 hours ahead of time; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When ready to cook, remove it from the fridge, cut into fries, and freeze for about 30 minutes—this helps them hold their shape during frying. For the crispiest texture, ensure the oil is at the proper temperature (325°F) before adding the fries, and you’ll have homemade fries that taste just as delicious as fresh, making busy weeknights a breeze!
Mashed Potato French Fries Variations
Get ready to elevate your fries with these fun and delightful variations!
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Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture for a zesty heat that livens up each bite. Spicy fries can be a real game-changer for those who love a bit of a kick!
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Herb Infusion: Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch that adds depth of flavor. The earthy notes will transform each fry into an indulgent experience.
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Cheesy Ranch: Substitute cheddar cheese with ranch-flavored powder for an entirely new flavor profile, introducing creamy and tangy notes. It’s a surprising twist that will have your friends guessing what’s in them!
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Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the cornstarch for chickpea flour for a gluten-free option. This not only retains that crunch but also adds protein, making your fries well-rounded.
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Sweet & Savory: Incorporate sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a naturally sweeter version that harmonizes beautifully with savory seasonings. The vibrant color and unique taste will impress everyone!
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Onion Flavor: Add finely chopped green onions or onion powder to the potato mixture. This brings a lovely savory element that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the fries.
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Parmesan Crunch: Finish the fries with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right after frying for an irresistibly cheesy and crunchy layer that enhances every bite.
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Smoky Twist: Incorporate smoked paprika into the seasoning for a delightful smoky flavor that adds an unexpected yet welcome depth to your fries. Perfect for when you want to take your taste experience to a new level!
How to Store and Freeze Mashed Potato French Fries
Fridge: Store leftover Mashed Potato French Fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Freezer: Place fully cooked fries in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the fries in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until crispy.
Reheating: To maintain their crunch, reheat fries in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Expert Tips for Mashed Potato French Fries
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Uniform Cuts: Ensure potato pieces are cut uniformly for consistent cooking; this avoids some fries being undercooked while others burn.
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Patience is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step in the freezer. It firms up the potato mixture, making it easier to cut and fry into perfectly crisp fries.
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Ideal Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. If it’s too hot, fries can burn; too cool, and they’ll turn soggy. Aim for 325°F.
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Batch Frying: Fry only a few fries at a time to avoid overcrowding and maintain the oil temperature, ensuring even and crispy results.
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Drain Excess Oil: Let cooked fries rest on paper towels to soak up excess oil, keeping them from getting greasy, allowing for that delightful crunch.
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Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or cheese types in your Mashed Potato French Fries to make them uniquely yours!
Mashed Potato French Fries Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for making mashed potato French fries?
Absolutely! Medium russet potatoes are ideal as they provide the right balance of starch and moisture, resulting in the perfect creamy texture for your fries. Their high starch content allows for a fluffier interior, which is essential for these delightful treats.
How should I store leftover mashed potato French fries?
Leftover Mashed Potato French Fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, I recommend placing them on a baking sheet and warming them in a preheated oven at 400°F. This way, you’ll restore some of that crispy goodness, making them almost like freshly made again!
Can I freeze mashed potato French fries?
Yes, you can! To freeze, fully cook the fries first. Let them cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer the fries to a freezer bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bake in the oven at 400°F until crispy.
What should I do if my fries are soggy?
If your fries turn out soggy, it may be due to the oil temperature being too low when frying or overcrowding the pan. For the best results, ensure the oil reaches a temperature of 325°F before adding your fries, and avoid frying too many at once to maintain the heat. If they’re still soggy after frying, try reheating them in a preheated oven to regain some crunch!
Are mashed potato French fries suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! The ingredients in Mashed Potato French Fries are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure the cornstarch you use is certified gluten-free, especially if you have a severe gluten allergy. These fries make a delicious, safe alternative when you’re craving something crunchy!
Crispy Mashed Potato French Fries You’ll Love to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and add the potato pieces. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
- Carefully drain the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl to remove excess moisture.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Mix in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, and cornstarch until well incorporated.
- Spread the potato mixture onto waxed paper into a rectangle about 8 x 10 inches and ¾ to 1 inch thick.
- Transfer the potato rectangle to the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches about 325°F.
- Remove the potato rectangle from the freezer and cut into strips approximately ¾ to 1 inch wide.
- Fry 3-5 fries at a time in the hot oil for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fries to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve the fries immediately for the best taste and texture.