3cupsfreshly shredded Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
8slicesof baconcrisped and torn into small pieces
Chopped chives or green onions
Hidden Valley® Simply Ranchfor drizzling
Instructions
Peel and slice the potatoes into matchstick sized fries. Keep the potatoes in a large bowl of water while you continue to cut the remaining fries to prevent them from browning. After peeling and slicing potatoes, place the potatoes and vinegar in a large stock pot and add 2 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 8 minutes until the potatoes are tender, but not falling apart. Drain and spread the potatoes on paper towel-lined baking sheet and allow to dry for at least 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in large Dutch oven to 400°F.
Add a handful of the fries to oil, making sure the oil temperature does not drop lower than 350 degrees. Cook for 60-90 seconds, stirring occasionally with wire mesh spider strainer. After 60-90 seconds, remove them to another paper-towel lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining potatoes, allowing oil to return to 400°F after each addition.
Once you've fried the potatoes the first time, allow them to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Return oil to 375°F/ high heat. Fry the potatoes a second time in batches until crisp and light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes for each batch, adjusting the heat as needed to keep a consistent temperature. Once crisp. remove the fries with a wire mesh strainer and transfer to a bowl lined with paper towels and season immediately with garlic powder, chipotle powder and salt.
Transfer to a oven proof baking dish or sheet pan and sprinkle with the shredded cheeses, bacon and transfer back into the oven for 5-8 minutes until melted. Remove and top with chives. Serve immediately with Hidden Valley Simply Ranch drizzled on top.
Notes
You can fry the potatoes for the first time, let cool, then pop in the fridge until later. This helps break up all the cooking, and you will still have the fluffiest, crispiest fries.