Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These fries are crispy, spicy, and generously topped with creamy sauce. They are easy to customize and perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a flavorful treat.
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Louisiana Voodoo Fries: Bold, Spicy, and Irresistibly Loaded
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Louisiana Voodoo Fries are crispy golden fries tossed in Cajun seasoning and topped with creamy cheese sauce, ranch drizzle, and a spicy kick for a bold Southern-inspired snack.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss cut potatoes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread fries evenly on baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk while whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Arrange hot fries on a serving plate.
- Pour cheese sauce over fries and drizzle with ranch dressing.
- Add hot sauce and sprinkle green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking.
- Fries can be air-fried at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and hot sauce for preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Russet potatoes provide the ideal texture, creating crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors when fried or baked.
Vegetable oil is used for frying, ensuring golden, evenly cooked fries.
Cajun seasoning delivers signature Louisiana-style spice, combining paprika, garlic, and subtle heat.
Garlic powder enhances savory depth and complements the seasoning blend.
Paprika adds color and a mild smoky undertone.
Salt sharpens the flavors and enhances crispness.
Cheddar cheese forms the base of the creamy cheese sauce, offering sharp, meltable richness.
Heavy cream creates a smooth, velvety texture for the sauce.
Butter adds richness and helps emulsify the cheese sauce.
Ranch dressing provides cool contrast to the spicy fries.
Green onions add freshness and mild bite as garnish.
Hot sauce offers optional extra heat for those who prefer a spicier finish.
Directions
Begin by cutting the russet potatoes into even fry shapes. Soak them briefly in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot and fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crisp. Alternatively, bake or air fry until crispy.
While the fries cook, prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese gradually until smooth and thickened.
Once the fries are hot and crisp, toss them immediately with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Arrange on a serving platter, drizzle generously with cheese sauce, and finish with ranch dressing, sliced green onions, and optional hot sauce.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people as a side dish. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, with cooking time of 20 to 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Fries are best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to two days and reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore crispness. Reheat the cheese sauce separately to maintain smoothness.
Variations and Customizations
Louisiana Voodoo Fries are highly adaptable. For added protein, top with shredded chicken or crispy bacon. I tested this recipe with pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar, and it delivered extra heat without overwhelming the dish.
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning and use a lighter drizzle of hot sauce. Sweet potato fries can also be substituted for a slightly sweeter contrast to the spice.
For a baked version, toss the potatoes with oil and seasoning before roasting until crisp. These variations allow you to tailor the fries to different preferences while keeping their bold character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 640 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 68 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 980 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Starch Removal
Soaking potatoes improves crispness significantly.
Season Immediately
Toss fries with seasoning while hot for better flavor adhesion.
Cheese Sauce Texture
Add cheese gradually to prevent clumping.
Serve Fresh
These fries are best enjoyed immediately after assembling.
FAQs
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake at high temperature until crisp, turning once for even browning.
Are these fries very spicy?
They are moderately spicy but easily adjustable.
Can I use frozen fries?
Yes, frozen fries work well and save preparation time.
What cheese melts best for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and provides strong flavor.
Can I prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently and whisk before serving.
How do I keep fries crispy?
Avoid overcrowding during cooking and serve immediately after topping.
Conclusion
Louisiana Voodoo Fries deliver bold Cajun flavor, creamy indulgence, and satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a flavorful side, this recipe brings vibrant Southern-inspired taste straight to your table with simple techniques and big results.
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