These Cheesy Mozzarella Fries are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese for an irresistible treat. The combination of perfectly fried potatoes with a flavorful seasoning mix and melted cheese creates a delicious indulgence that’s sure to become a favorite snack or side dish.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Yield: Serves 2-3
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Cuisine: Snack, Comfort Food
Full List of Ingredients
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2 potatoes (approximately 450g)
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Water (for boiling)
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1/5 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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100g mozzarella cheese, shredded
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100g corn starch
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5g coriander, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon cooking oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and Slice: Peel the potatoes and slice them into sticks or your desired shape. Try to make them even in size to ensure uniform cooking and crispy fries.
Boil Potatoes: Place the potato sticks in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, until they are slightly tender but still firm enough to hold their shape. Drain them well and set them aside.
2. Seasoning Mix
Mix Seasonings: While the potatoes are boiling, mix the black pepper, salt, and corn starch in a bowl. This mixture will help create a crispy, flavorful crust on the fries.
3. Dry and Coat the Potatoes
Dry Potatoes: After draining the boiled potatoes, pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick and prevent sogginess when frying.
Coat with Seasoning: Toss the semi-cooked, dry potatoes in the corn starch seasoning mix to coat them evenly. Make sure all the potato sticks are well-coated.
4. Frying to Perfection
Heat Oil: In a frying pan, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
Fry Potatoes: Add the coated potatoes to the pan and fry them for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Turn the fries occasionally to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
Drain Excess Oil: Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
5. Cheesy Delight
Add Cheese: While the fries are still hot, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. The heat from the fries will melt the cheese, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
6. Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander on top of the cheesy fries for added color and freshness.
Serve Immediately: Serve the fries hot to enjoy their crispy texture and melted cheese. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 350
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 8g
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Cholesterol: 30mg
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Sodium: 450mg
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Carbohydrates: 39g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugars: 2g
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Protein: 10g
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Fries are a beloved comfort food around the world, and adding cheese is a common way to elevate them. Cheese fries, especially with mozzarella, are popular in various countries, often as a snack or appetizer. This cheesy variation with coriander and a light seasoning is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy fries, and it has gained popularity due to its ease of preparation and satisfying flavors.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of crispy fries and gooey cheese is a classic indulgence that’s hard to resist.
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Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect snack or side dish.
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Customizable: You can add other toppings like chili flakes, sour cream, or bacon bits to customize the flavor to your liking.
Health Benefits
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Potatoes provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which support digestive health.
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Mozzarella Cheese is high in calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth, and provides protein for muscle repair and growth.
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Coriander is rich in antioxidants and can help detoxify the body and improve digestion.
Serving Suggestions
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With Dipping Sauces: Serve with a side of garlic aioli, ketchup, or spicy mayo for a variety of flavors.
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As a Side Dish: These cheesy fries pair perfectly with grilled meats, burgers, or sandwiches.
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For a Party: Serve them as a snack at parties or gatherings for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Cooking Tips
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Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the potatoes, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to ensure the fries are crispy on all sides.
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Ensure Even Coating: Coat the potato sticks evenly with the seasoning mix to achieve a uniform, crispy texture.
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Use Fresh Mozzarella: Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and creates a creamier texture than pre-shredded mozzarella.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Version: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
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Loaded Fries: Top with sour cream, chives, or crumbled bacon for a loaded cheesy fry experience.
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Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a blend for a different flavor.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Mozzarella Fries are the ultimate comfort food – crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they are sure to be a hit. With a quick prep time and easy ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for satisfying your cravings.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these fries in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the fries instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), place the coated fries on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I make these fries ahead of time?
While fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can make them ahead and reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
3. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used in place of regular potatoes for a healthier, sweeter version of this recipe.
4. How can I make these fries spicier?
Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a bit of hot sauce to the seasoning mix for an extra spicy kick.
5. Can I use non-dairy cheese?
Yes, you can substitute vegan cheese for a dairy-free version of this dish.
6. How do I prevent the fries from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the potatoes well after boiling and pat them dry before coating them in the seasoning mix. This will help prevent sogginess.
7. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use any cooking oil of your choice, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
8. How do I know when the fries are done?
The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can test one by cutting it open; it should be soft on the inside.
9. Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese for a lighter, dairy-free version, or substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
10. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.