Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 22 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
You can substitute the homemade seasoning blend with Cajun seasoning—see the note above for how to make that switch. Always use freshly shredded cheese, as it melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties. Stick with mild or medium cheddar for the best flavor and texture—sharp cheddar can be overpowering and doesn’t melt as easily. This recipe is not suitable for freezing, so we recommend making and serving it fresh. For the best texture, we prefer hand-cut or homestyle fries, which hold up well under toppings. Try not to use more than ¼ cup of cheese sauce per serving to avoid the fries becoming soggy too quickly. For optimal crispiness, bake the fries on two separate baking sheets to prevent overcrowding—putting an entire bag on a single tray can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries instead of a crispy finish.