Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut potatoes into 3/4-inch wedges, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once at 15 minutes, until edges are golden and crisp.
- While fries roast, cook bacon strips in a cold skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, until crispy. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, cool for 2 minutes, then crumble.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and stir for 1 minute until pale gold. Gradually whisk in whole milk and stir for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Reduce to low, add cheddar and cayenne, and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream.
- Transfer hot fries to a serving platter, pour cheese sauce over the top, scatter crumbled bacon, and finish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
If you have time, soak the cut potato wedges in cold water for 20 minutes and dry them well before seasoning; it makes a noticeable difference in how crispy they get. The cheese sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently with a splash of milk. These are best eaten right away since the fries start to soften once the sauce goes on.
