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Crispy oven-baked French fries get a Louisiana-style makeover in this copycat Wingstop Louisiana Voodoo Fries recipe. These golden beauties are seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, then drizzled with creamy ranch dressing and velvety cheese sauce for an irresistible flavor combination.
I first tried making these after spending way too much money ordering them as takeout. My teenage son declared them even better than the original, and now they're requested at least twice a month in our house.
Potato Selection Matters
- Russet potatoes: The gold standard for French fries, with high starch content for a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
- Even sizing: Choose potatoes of similar size for uniform cooking.
- Freshness: Use within a week of purchase for the best texture and flavor.
Crafting Perfect Louisiana Voodoo Fries
- Preparing The Potatoes:
- Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into uniform sticks about ¾-inch thick and 3 inches long. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Steam Before Baking:
- Bring water to a boil, then place potatoes in a colander above the steam. Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes until edges soften but centers remain firm. Dry completely.
- Oil And Season:
- Toss dried potatoes with olive oil in a bowl, then arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Perfect Baking Technique:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Bake fries for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch closely during the last 5 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Creating The Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly. Simmer until thick, then stir in shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Final Assembly:
- Transfer hot fries to a plate, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, drizzle with ranch dressing, and pour warm cheese sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
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I've experimented with countless potato varieties for this recipe, and nothing compares to a good Russet. My grandfather was a potato farmer in Idaho, and he always said Russets were nature's perfect baking potato.
Signature Serving Ideas
Serve these loaded fries with crispy fried chicken, blackened catfish, or spicy jambalaya. For casual gatherings, arrange them on a platter and let guests customize with toppings like green onions, diced tomatoes, or crumbled bacon.
Flavorful Variations
Customize with different toppings while maintaining that Louisiana spirit. Swap ranch for blue cheese and add Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. For a seafood twist, top with seasoned crawfish or shrimp in garlic butter. For a Southwestern fusion, add black beans, corn, and avocado.
Leftovers Magic
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Cheese sauce can be refrigerated separately and reheated with a splash of milk to regain smoothness.
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There's something magical about the combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors that makes these fries irresistible. While they take a bit more effort than basic fries, the payoff in flavor makes them entirely worthwhile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen fries instead of making them from scratch?
- Yes, you can use frozen fries to save time. Bake them according to package directions until crispy, then add the cajun seasoning, ranch, and cheese sauce toppings.
- → How can I make these Louisiana Voodoo Fries dairy-free?
- Replace the cheese sauce with a dairy-free alternative using plant-based cheese and milk. For the ranch, either use a dairy-free ranch dressing or make your own with dairy-free mayo and plant milk.
- → What's the best way to serve these fries for a party?
- Serve them on a large platter with the toppings slightly drizzled over the fries, and extra cheese sauce and ranch on the side for dipping. This keeps the fries crispy longer and lets guests control how much topping they want.
- → Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the cheese sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its creamy consistency.
- → What can I serve with Louisiana Voodoo Fries?
- These fries work great alongside burgers, wings, sandwiches, or as part of a game day spread. They're hearty enough to be a main dish with a side salad for balance.