Cheese fries facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Cheesy chips, chips and cheese |
|---|---|
| Type | Fast food |
| Course | Side Dish, Snack |
| Main ingredients | French fries, cheese |
| 336 kcal (1407 kJ) | |
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Cheese fries are a yummy fast-food snack. They are basically French fries covered in melted cheese. Sometimes, other tasty toppings are added too! You can find them in many fast-food places and restaurants around the world. People often eat them for lunch or dinner.
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Where Did Cheese Fries Start?
No one knows exactly where cheese fries first came from. Most people agree they started in the United States. Some say they became super popular after new types of canned cheese, like Cheez Whiz, came out in 1952. There are even stories about who invented them, like Don A. Jenkin or Austin Ruse!
How to Make Cheese Fries
Making cheese fries is pretty simple! The most common way is to pour melted cheese over hot fries. Here’s a basic recipe you can try:
- First, get your uncooked french fries ready. You can use fresh-cut or frozen ones.
- Spread the fries on a baking pan that has a little oil on it.
- Bake them in the oven at about 450°F (230°C). Cook them for around 15 minutes, or until they look golden and crispy.
- While the fries are baking, melt your favorite cheese in a separate bowl. You can mix in spices, cooked meat, or veggies if you like.
- Once the fries are out of the oven, carefully pour the melted cheese all over them. Enjoy your cheesy creation!
Different Kinds of Cheese Fries
Cheese fries are popular everywhere, and different places have their own special versions!
Cheese Fries in the United States
- In the Southwest US, cheese fries often have melted cheddar cheese. They might also have bacon bits, spicy jalapeño slices, and chives. These are usually served with ranch dressing.
- Some places serve them as carne asada fries. These have grilled meat, cheese, and other toppings.
- In Philadelphia, you might find "pizza fries." These have melted mozzarella cheese and come with pizza sauce on the side.
- "Mega Fries" in Philadelphia are topped with Cheddar (or sometimes Cheez Whiz) and mozzarella cheese, plus bacon. They often come with ranch dressing.
- In New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey, cheese fries are often covered with American, Mozzarella, or Swiss cheese, then melted until gooey.
- In some New Jersey and New York City diners, you can order "Disco Fries." These are fries served with Mozzarella cheese and a rich brown gravy.
- Many snack stands across the US use nacho cheese sauce for their cheese fries.
Chili Cheese Fries
Chili cheese fries are a special type of cheese fries. They are topped with Chili con carne, which is a meaty chili sauce. The cheese is usually American or Cheddar.
- In Cincinnati, Ohio, they use their unique Cincinnati chili on their chili cheese fries. You can find these at local chili restaurants.
- In New Mexico, they use their own New Mexican Chile for chili cheese fries. They often add fresh chopped lettuce, tomato, and olives as a colorful topping.
Cheese Fries Around the World
- In Ireland, a dish called "Taco Fries" is popular. It has fresh-cut chips (fries) covered in a special sauce and shredded cheddar cheese. On top, you'll find seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
- In Bulgaria, a common side dish is French fries topped with grated or crumbled sirene, which is a type of white cheese.
- In the Netherlands, a fast-food dish called 'kapsalon' is served. It has fries covered with cheese, salad, and shawarma or doner kebab meat. It's often eaten with lots of garlic sauce or chili sauce.
- In the United Kingdom, "chips and cheese" are often served in pubs. They might pour cheddar sauce over the chips or sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and then melt it under a grill.
