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Copycat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries: A Culinary Adventure

There’s something almost primal about a mountain of crispy, golden fries smothered in melted cheese and bacon. I remember one particularly raucous Friday night in college, the entire dorm floor crammed into a booth at Outback, all of us ravenously attacking a platter of Aussie Cheese Fries. The sheer joy of that shared experience, the laughter and camaraderie fueled by cheesy, salty goodness, is a memory etched in my mind. Recreating that feeling, that perfect combination of crispy potatoes, melty cheese, and smoky bacon, is what inspired this recipe.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Yield: 1 plate
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

For the Aussie Chips:

2 medium russet potatoes
6-8 cups vegetable oil or shortening (for frying)

For the Seasoning:

1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
½ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon ground thyme

For the Aussie Cheese Fries:

1 plate cloned Aussie Chips (from above recipe)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 slice bacon, cooked and crumbled

On the Side:

Ranch dressing

Equipment Needed

Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot
Vegetable slicer or mandolin
Large bowl
Clean kitchen towels
Small bowl
Oven-safe plate

Instructions

Prepare the Aussie Chips: Begin by preheating your vegetable oil or shortening in a deep fryer or large pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
Slice the Potatoes: Wash and peel the russet potatoes. Using a vegetable slicer or mandolin, carefully slice the potatoes into french fry slices. Consistency in thickness is crucial for even cooking, so a slicer is highly recommended.
Soak the Fries: Submerge all of the sliced potatoes in a large bowl filled with cold water for 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
Prepare the Seasoning: While the potatoes are soaking, combine the salt, garlic powder, fresh ground black pepper, onion powder, and ground thyme in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Dry the Potatoes: After soaking, remove the potato slices from the water and place them onto clean kitchen towels. Blot them thoroughly dry. Excess moisture will cause the oil to splatter and prevent the fries from getting properly crispy.
Fry the Chips: Carefully add the dried potato slices to the preheated oil. Fry for 8 to 12 minutes, or until they are light golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries. Fry in batches if necessary.
Drain and Season: Remove the fried chips from the oil using a slotted spoon or frying basket and place them on a rack or paper towels to drain. Immediately sprinkle the hot fries with some of the prepared seasoning. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
Assemble the Cheese Fries: Arrange the seasoned fries on an oven-safe plate. Make sure the plate is large enough to accommodate all the fries without overcrowding.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Add the Cheese and Bacon: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the cheese blend generously over the fries. Crumble the cooked bacon and sprinkle it over the cheese.
Bake the Cheese Fries: Place the oven-safe plate with the cheese-covered fries into the preheated oven. Bake for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning.
Serve: Remove the Aussie Cheese Fries from the oven and serve immediately with ranch dressing on the side.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Temperature is Key: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 375°F (190°C) is critical for achieving perfectly crispy fries. Use a deep-fry thermometer and adjust the heat as needed.
Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: For even crispier fries, you can double fry them. Fry them once at a lower temperature (325°F/160°C) for 5-6 minutes, then remove and let them cool slightly. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry them again for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
Seasoning Adjustment: Adjust the amount of seasoning to your personal preference. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese will add a spicy kick, while provolone cheese will provide a milder, creamier flavor.
Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t have bacon on hand, you can use crumbled sausage or even vegetarian bacon alternatives.
Make Ahead: You can fry the chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to make the cheese fries, simply reheat the fries in the oven before adding the cheese and bacon.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Aussie Cheese Fries immediately while the cheese is hot and melted. They are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread the fries out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is melted. Reheating in the microwave is not recommended, as it will make the fries soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	770 kcal	39%
Total Fat	55g	85%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	25mg	8%
Sodium	1000mg	42%
Carbohydrate	60g	20%
Fiber	5g	20%
Sugar	3g	6%
Protein	20g	40%

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Cheese Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Garlic Parmesan Fries: Toss the fried chips with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic.
Sweet Potato Fries: Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter, healthier option.
Loaded Cheese Fries: Add additional toppings such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or jalapenos.
Vegetarian Cheese Fries: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. You can add other toppings such as black beans or corn.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen french fries for this recipe?
A: While you can use frozen french fries, the flavor and texture will not be as good as using freshly made fries. Freshly made fries are crispier and have a better flavor.

Q: Can I bake the fries instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake the fries instead of frying them. Toss the potato slices with olive oil and seasoning and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Q: What kind of ranch dressing should I use?
A: You can use any type of ranch dressing that you prefer. Homemade ranch dressing is always a great option.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can fry the chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to make the cheese fries, simply reheat the fries in the oven before adding the cheese and bacon.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A: Watch the cheese carefully while it’s baking in the oven. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly or move the plate to a lower rack.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a recipe that brings a bit of that iconic Aussie-inspired indulgence right to your kitchen. Whether you’re reliving college memories or creating new ones, I hope this recipe brings a smile to your face and a satisfied rumble to your stomach. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make it your own, and most importantly, share it with people you love. And if you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you might add. Pair these cheesy, bacon-y fries with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Copycat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries Recipe