Cheese Fries

If there's one comfort food that will make friends of any rival fans at your Super Bowl watch party, it's cheese fries. These spuds are worthy of the biggest game of the year for a few reasons: A homemade three-cheese sauce infused with bacon, chopped dill pickles, and a side of ranch dressing. Frozen fries are so convenient here; they'll crisp in the oven while the sauce comes together. Be sure to have all your ingredients for the cheese sauce at the ready as it thickens fast. Make this one of your go-to Super Bowl snacks—it's sure to keep friends coming back year after year! 

How do you make a smooth cheese sauce?

The secret to a smooth cheese sauce is all in the whisk. Whisk constantly once the flour is added to the drippings to prevent any lumps. Do the same with the cream cheese so it melts evenly. Then whisk as you gradually add the shredded cheeses. Keeping the heat at medium-low throughout will also help the sauce stay smooth.  

What is a roux?

A roux is a French term for flour that's cooked in fat (like butter, oil, or drippings). This base helps to thicken sauces and stews. It's usually cooked first, before any other ingredients are added, to cook out flour's raw taste. 

What is the secret to crispy bacon?

Place bacon strips in a cold pan and turn the heat no higher than medium. This will slowly render out all the drippings so the bacon gets extra crispy.