Louisiana Voodoo Fries Recipe
Introduction
Louisiana Voodoo Fries are a flavorful twist on classic cheesy fries, loaded with a spicy, smoky seasoning and topped with a creamy cheese sauce and ranch dressing. This indulgent snack or side dish is perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 32 ounces frozen french fries or homemade fries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the frozen french fries in a single layer on a baking pan and bake according to package instructions, about 25 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to make the seasoning mix.
- Step 3: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low and continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Step 7: Once fries are cooked, sprinkle them evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Step 8: Transfer the seasoned fries to a serving tray. Drizzle the cheese sauce over the fries, then top with ranch dressing. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
- Use homemade fries for a fresher taste and control over thickness and seasoning.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a tangier finish.
Storage
Store any leftover seasoned fries and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispness and warm the cheese sauce gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add ranch dressing fresh after reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use homemade fresh fries. Just make sure they are cooked until crispy before adding the seasoning and cheese sauce for the best texture and flavor.
Is the cheese sauce suitable for making ahead?
The cheese sauce is best made fresh to maintain its creamy texture, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance and gently reheat it on low, stirring frequently to avoid separating.
PrintLouisiana Voodoo Fries Recipe
Louisiana Voodoo Fries are a flavorful twist on classic loaded fries, featuring crispy baked fries topped with a spicy seasoning blend, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and cool ranch dressing. This easy-to-make dish combines bold Cajun-inspired spices with rich cheese sauce for a satisfying snack or side dish perfect for game days or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Louisiana Creole
Ingredients
Fries
- 32 ounces frozen french fries or homemade fries
Seasoning Mix
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Fries: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the frozen french fries in a single layer on a baking pan and bake according to the package instructions, approximately 25 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together sugar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper to create the flavorful seasoning blend.
- Make Roux: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour the milk into the roux a little at a time while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Thicken Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue whisking the mixture for about 5 minutes, until it begins to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully melted and smooth.
- Season Fries: Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix evenly over them while hot.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the seasoned fries to a serving tray, drizzle generously with the warm cheese sauce, then dollop or drizzle the ranch dressing over the top. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- The seasoning can be adjusted to your desired heat level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
- For homemade fries, cut potatoes into sticks and soak in cold water before baking for extra crispiness.
- Use full-fat cheddar cheese for the creamiest cheese sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing or a spicy mayo for variation.
- This dish is best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the fries.
Keywords: Louisiana Voodoo Fries, loaded fries, cheddar cheese sauce, spicy fries, Cajun seasoning, ranch dressing, baked fries, snack recipe
