Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. frozen French fries
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread the frozen French fries in a single layer.
3. Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
4. While the fries are baking, prepare the queso crineja sauce. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled queso fresco, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, mayonnaise, and hot sauce until well combined.
5. Season the queso crineja sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish.
7. Pour the queso crineja sauce over the fries, making sure to cover them evenly.
8. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and green onions, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 425°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 10g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Shredded cheddar cheese can be substituted with any other type of shredded cheese.
- Queso fresco can be substituted with feta cheese.
- Green onions can be substituted with chopped red onions.
- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley or basil.
- Hot sauce can be substituted with chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Variations:
- Add cooked and crumbled chorizo to the queso crineja sauce for a spicy twist.
- Top the fries with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and avocado for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Use sweet potato fries instead of regular French fries for a healthier option.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the fries extra crispy, toss them in a tablespoon of cornstarch before baking.
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of milk or heavy cream to the queso crineja sauce.
- To make the queso crineja sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover fries and queso crineja sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the fries, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
- To reheat the queso crineja sauce, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the Queso Crineja Fries in a large bowl or on a platter for sharing.
- Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and green onions for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of guacamole and salsa for dipping.
- Pair with a cold beer or margarita for a refreshing drink.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mexican street corn
- Black bean salad
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the queso crineja sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or heavy cream to thin it out.
- If the fries are not crispy enough, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes or until desired crispiness is achieved.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the fries to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Store any leftover fries and queso crineja sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food history:
- Queso crineja is a Mexican cheese made from cow's milk that is similar in texture to feta cheese. It is commonly used in Mexican cuisine to add a salty and tangy flavor to dishes.
Flavor profiles:
- The Queso Crineja Fries have a crispy and salty flavor from the French fries, which is complemented by the creamy and tangy queso crineja sauce. The hot sauce adds a spicy kick to the dish, while the green onions and cilantro add a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the Queso Crineja Fries as an appetizer or as a main dish for a casual dinner or game day party.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A