Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Steak Fries with Cheddar Sauce and Bacon

And now for something completely unhealthy...but very delicious!  Football season may be over, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy some cheesy bacon fries while watching the Golden State Warriors CRUSH IT.  Or, you know, while watching Ben completely devastate some poor woman on the Bachelor finale next week. ("I love you" to two women?! Really?! Does he not know how this show works?)  Or while watching those primary results roll in.

Whatever your poison, these fries are amazing.  The potatoes are crispy and salty and super tender on the inside, the cheese sauce is rich and gooey, and the bacon is, well, perfectly bacon-y!  What more can I say -- definitely worth the work to put this dish together when you're in the mood for an over-the-top indulgent treat.


Steak Fries with Cheddar Sauce and Bacon
Serves 4 (or less if you're really hungry)

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
Vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
Several slices of bacon
1 cup milk
1-1/2 T unsalted butter
1-1/2 T flour
1-1/2 cups Cheddar cheese
Generous pinch of salt

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and line two sheet pans with foil.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Wash the potatoes and trim off any odd bits (no need to peel).  Cut into large wedges.
3. Add the potatoes to the boiling water, and cook 8-10 minutes, until just tender.  Drain well.  Add to a large bowl and toss with a generous drizzle of oil, as well as salt and pepper.  Arrange in a single layer on one of the baking sheets.
4. On the other baking sheet, lay out the bacon in a single layer.
5. Roast the potatoes for about 50-60 minutes, until nicely browned, flipping once halfway through.
6. Add the bacon to the oven with about 20 minutes left, but check it early (at around 10 minutes), especially if you're using a thinner cut bacon.  As with the potatoes, flip the bacon about halfway through cooking.  When the bacon is done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. While the potatoes and bacon are cooking, make the cheese sauce.  Heat the milk up in the microwave until hot, and set aside.  Meanwhile, heat a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Melt the butter in the skillet, and then whisk in the flour.  Cook for a couple of minutes, and then slowly whisk in the milk to form a smooth sauce.  Let the sauce bubble for a few minutes, and then remove from the heat and whisk in the cheese.  Season with a generous pinch of salt, to taste.
8. To assemble the fries, pile up the fries in the middle of a serving platter.  Top with the cheese sauce.  Crumble or chop up the bacon, and sprinkle on top.

1 comment:

  1. Okay, you are driving across the state for the Bachelor finale and we are eating these. Or pie. Because it's Pi Day. Either way.

    ReplyDelete