Description
Crispy Louisiana Voodoo Fries topped with spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy ranch dressing, and cheesy sauce. These flavorful oven-baked fries deliver a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch, making them a perfect appetizer or side dish inspired by Southern Cajun flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 6 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2/3 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings and Dips
- 1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the fries: Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Peel the potatoes, and slice them into thick fries, approximately 3/4 inch wide by 3 inches long.
- Boil water with salt: In a pot, bring 1 quart of water to a simmer and add 3 tablespoons of salt to season the water for blanching the fries.
- Steam the potatoes: Using a basket or colander, place the potato slices over the simmering water, cover the pot, and steam the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the potatoes comes out clean. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy fries.
- Coat fries with oil: Carefully transfer the steamed potatoes into a bowl, drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil, and toss gently to coat each fry evenly without breaking them.
- Arrange fries on baking sheet: Using a slotted spoon, place the fries onto a nonstick baking sheet, spreading them out in a single even layer to promote even baking.
- Bake the fries: Bake the fries in a preheated 450°F (232°C) oven for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, rotate the baking sheet to ensure even cooking, then bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve desired crispiness.
- Make the cheese sauce: While the fries are baking, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour gradually, then slowly add milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season fries: Remove the fries from the oven and immediately sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over them. Toss thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Assemble the dish: Drizzle about 1/4 cup of creamy ranch dressing over the seasoned fries. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the cheese sauce on top of the fries, reserving the remaining sauce for dipping alongside.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can double bake the fries by baking once, then letting them cool slightly before a quick second bake.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh shredded cheddar cheese yields a smoother cheese sauce than pre-shredded varieties.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, as fries tend to soften when left to sit.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese dressing for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Steaming, Baking, Sauce Making
- Cuisine: Louisiana Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Louisiana Voodoo Fries, Cajun Fries, Cheesy Fries, Ranch Dressing, Baked Fries, Appetizer, Cajun Seasoning
