Dirty Fries Recipe
Dirty Fries are a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring crispy baked or air-fried russet potatoes topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, sautéed onions and bell peppers, spicy jalapeños, and a creamy, tangy sauce made from sour cream or Greek yogurt. This versatile comfort food is perfect as a party snack, side dish, or main course and can be customized with a variety of toppings to suit any taste.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or frozen fries)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Prepare the Fries: Cut the potatoes into thin fries and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch and improve crispiness. Drain and pat dry thoroughly. Toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat.
- Bake or Air-Fry the Fries: For the oven method, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), spread the fries in a single layer on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping. For the air fryer method, cook the fries at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Prepare the Toppings: While the fries are cooking, heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced red onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper until softened and caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness and enhancing their flavor.
- Assemble the Dirty Fries: Once the fries are crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the fries and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Add Additional Toppings: Remove the cheesy fries from the oven and top with the sautéed onions and bell peppers, thinly sliced jalapeños (if using), chili flakes (optional), and dried oregano to add layers of heat and earthiness.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Drizzle the prepared creamy sauce over the assembled fries and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a refreshing finish. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Soaking the fries in cold water is optional but recommended for extra crispiness.
- Frozen fries can be used for convenience but fresh russet potatoes yield better texture and flavor.
- The sauce can be made lighter by substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt and using lower-fat cheeses.
- Customize toppings by adding crispy bacon, different cheeses, or other vegetables as desired.
- For a healthier twist, try sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by omitting or including jalapeños and chili flakes.
Keywords: Dirty Fries, loaded fries, cheesy fries, baked fries, comfort food, appetizer, party snack, crispy fries, homemade fries