Outback Steakhouse Aussie Fries: A Delicious Copycat Recipe

The aroma of sizzling fries, melted cheese, and crispy bacon instantly transports me back to my college days. Late-night study sessions were invariably fueled by a communal order of Aussie Fries from Outback Steakhouse. The shared platter, a mountain of golden potatoes smothered in cheesy goodness, was not just a meal; it was a symbol of camaraderie, a reward for hard work, and a comforting taste of home away from home. Recreating this iconic dish in my own kitchen allows me to relive those cherished memories and share them with my family.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 (2 lb) bag frozen french fries
• 1 cup colby-monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 24 fluid ounces peanut oil (Can be reused later, store in refrigerator)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 1 dash cayenne pepper
• 1 dash salt
• 1 dash black pepper

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon or spider
• Paper towels
• Platter
• Small mixing bowl

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your french fries. Divide the bag of frozen french fries in half, reserving the other half for a later batch.

2. Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil’s temperature by dropping in a single french fry. If it immediately begins to cook and bubble vigorously, the oil is ready. If the fry sinks to the bottom and barely bubbles, the oil is not hot enough.

3. Fry the potatoes in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pan and lowering the oil temperature. Overcrowding will result in soggy fries.

4. Cook the french fries until they are golden brown and float to the top of the skillet, indicating they are cooked through. This should take approximately 3-5 minutes per batch.

5. Remove the cooked fries from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to a platter lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

6. While the remaining french fries are cooking, you can keep the first batch warm in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit or 95 degrees Celsius).

7. Once all the french fries are cooked and drained, arrange them on a serving platter.

8. Season the french fries with salt to taste, if desired.

9. Sprinkle the shredded colby-monterey jack cheese evenly over the fries.

10. Top the cheese-covered fries with the crumbled cooked bacon.

11. Place the platter of french fries back into the warm oven until the cheese begins to melt, about 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the cheese from burning.

12. While the fries are in the oven, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, prepared horseradish, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

13. Mix all ingredients for the dipping sauce well until thoroughly combined.

14. Remove the platter of Aussie Fries from the oven and serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra crispy fries, consider double-frying them. Fry them once at a lower temperature (325°F) for about 5 minutes, then remove them from the oil. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F and fry them again for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
• If you don’t have peanut oil, you can use other high-heat oils like canola oil or vegetable oil. However, peanut oil imparts a unique flavor that closely resembles the restaurant version.
• To save time, you can cook the bacon in the oven or microwave. For oven-baked bacon, preheat the oven to 400°F, lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the fries. Working in small batches ensures that the oil temperature remains consistent and the fries cook evenly.
• For a richer flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Aussie Fries immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted. The dipping sauce can be served on the side for dipping. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is melted. The fries will not be as crispy as when they were freshly made, but they will still be delicious. The dipping sauce should also be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days. It is not recommended to freeze the fries or the dipping sauce, as this will affect their texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	697 kcal	35%
Total Fat	45g	69%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	20mg	7%
Sodium	418mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	62g	21%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	2g	4%
Protein	12g	24%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Aussie Fries: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the french fries before adding the cheese and bacon for an extra kick. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the dipping sauce.
• Cheesy Aussie Fries: Use a combination of different cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack, for a more complex flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Aussie Fries: Omit the bacon and add other toppings, such as sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or black beans.
• Lower-Fat Aussie Fries: Bake the french fries instead of frying them to reduce the fat content. You can also use low-fat cheese and sour cream.
• Gluten-Free Aussie Fries: Use gluten-free french fries and ensure that the bacon and dipping sauce ingredients are also gluten-free.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of frozen french fries?
A: Yes, you can. Cut the potatoes into fry shapes, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes, and then fry them according to the recipe instructions.

Q: Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dipping sauce can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: What is the best way to reheat leftover Aussie Fries?
A: The best way to reheat leftover Aussie Fries is to spread them on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This will help to crisp them up a bit.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack would all work well.

Q: Can I add other toppings to the Aussie Fries?
A: Certainly! Feel free to add other toppings, such as jalapeños, green onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own version of Outback Steakhouse’s Aussie Fries is a fun and delicious way to bring a restaurant favorite into your home. The combination of crispy french fries, melted cheese, and savory bacon is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite toppings or trying different cheese combinations. Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing appetizer. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback!