Every once in a while, I come across a recipe that just hits the spot—like a cold drink on a scorching summer day or a warm hug from an old friend. Enter the Louisiana Voodoo Fries, a heavenly concoction that’s not just for the taste buds but also for the soul! Inspired by the legendary Wingstop flavors, these cheesy, spicy fries have become a staple in my kitchen. I remember the first time I made them; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something comforting yet indulgent to share with friends during game night. The sizzle of the fries in the oven and the aroma of melting cheddar lingered in the air, and the smiles around the table were worth every moment spent creating this magic.

Why you’ll love this recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, spice, and downright deliciousness into one bowl, then look no further. Imagine crispy golden fries—crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—smothered in a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce that has a hint of ranch and just the right kick of cayenne pepper. This is no ordinary snack; it’s a warm invitation to let loose your inner foodie. Beyond the thrill of flavors, what puts these fries over the top is their versatility. Perfect for game day, movie night, or just a cozy evening at home, they’ll make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Plus, they are super easy to whip up, and I’ve packed this recipe with shortcuts and insights that will have you feeling like a pro in no time!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you’ll need for these incredible fries. Don’t worry; most of these items are probably sitting in your pantry or are simple to grab on your next grocery run!

Frozen French Fries (26 ounces): A classic choice! Opt for your favorite brand for that quintessential fry crunch. Whether you go for crinkle-cut or steak fries, each offers its delightful charm!
Butter (2 tablespoons): This is the golden base of our cheese sauce. It adds richness that elevates this dish to new heights, but feel free to swap it with olive oil for a lighter twist.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): This helps thicken our sauce. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, cornstarch will do the trick!
Milk (2 cups): The creamier, the better! Whole milk works wonders, but soy or almond milk can also be great alternatives if you’re dairy-free.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just to enhance all those flavors—don’t overdo it as the cheese will also add some saltiness.
White Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For an earthy flavor that doesn’t muddy the color of our sauce. If you don’t have white pepper, black pepper is a fine substitute.
Ranch Seasoning Powder (2 teaspoons): The zesty secret weapon that makes this recipe pop! You can find packets at the store, or you could whip up your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cayenne Powder (1/2 teaspoon, divided): This brings the heat! Adjust according to your spice level—remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
White Cheddar Cheese (8 ounces, shredded): This is the star of the show, offering a sharpness that perfectly contrasts the creamy sauce. Feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack for added melty goodness.

Preparing Louisiana Voodoo Fries (Wingstop Copycat)

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the cooking process. Trust me, it may sound like a lot, but it’s so gratifying once you see it all come to life!

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F. This is a crucial step! Starting with a hot oven ensures that the fries will be perfectly crispy.
Arrange the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. They need that space to breathe and get crispy!
Bake them until golden brown according to package instructions. You want that crunchy exterior; it’s non-negotiable!
While the fries are baking, let’s make that luxurious cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until combined, and let it cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to bubble.
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously. This is vital—no lumps allowed! Stir in the salt, pepper, ranch seasoning, and half of the cayenne powder next.
Lower the heat to medium-low, and let the sauce simmer until it thickens—about 5 minutes should do. Then, stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and creamy. It’s like watching a glorious transformation!
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked fries once they’re ready, and let the cheesy goodness drape over them like a warm blanket. Serve warm, and if you want, sprinkle the remaining cayenne on top for that visual pop and extra spice.

How to serve it

Alright, this is where the fun really begins! Serving these Voodoo Fries is all about pizzazz. Picture this: a heaping bowl of fries smothered in that ooey-gooey cheese sauce, garnished with a sprinkle of vibrant green chives or parsley. Serve it right in the baking dish, family-style, for a cozy sharing experience, or go ahead and plate them on individual dishes for that extra touch.

Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce—think ranch or even a spicy remoulade for those who want to kick it up another notch. Want to go the extra mile? Serve them alongside some crispy chicken tenders or even buffalo wings for an unforgettable spread!

Keeping leftovers fresh

Got some leftovers? No sweat! To keep them fresh, simply let your fries cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days (if they last that long!).

When you’re ready to enjoy again, you can reheat them in an air fryer for that delightful crispiness. Trust me; it’s way better than the microwave! Just a few minutes at 350°F should do the trick, and you’ll be on your way to second-helping bliss!

Pro chef tips

Here are some of my go-to tips to ensure your Voodoo Fries are nothing short of spectacular:

Toast the spices! Before adding them to your sauce, give the cayenne and ranch seasoning a quick toast in the pan. Just a minute will enhance their flavors significantly.
Don’t skip the cheese stirring step! Keeping the heat low while you stir in the cheese is crucial to ensuring it melts perfectly without clumping.
For a healthy twist, try swapping out half of the fries for roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly!

Creative Twists

Now, let’s talk about fun variations! Love that spicy kick? Why not throw in some diced jalapeños for an extra layer of heat? Feeling adventurous? Top those fries with crispy bacon bits or crumble some feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean vibe.

For a lighter take, you could use baked sweet potato fries instead of regular ones for a touch of sweetness. The contrast with the spice is simply delightful! You can even add some chopped green onions or diced tomatoes for a fresh crunch.

Ingredients list

26 ounces frozen French fries
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
2 teaspoons ranch seasoning powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder (divided)
8 ounces white cheddar cheese (shredded)

Directions to follow

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F.
Arrange frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket.
Bake until golden brown according to package instructions.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
Gradually add milk while whisking continuously. Stir in salt, white pepper, ranch seasoning, and half of the cayenne.
Lower heat to medium-low, cooking until thickened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Pour cheese sauce over cooked fries and serve warm.

Your questions answered

Q: Can I make these fries ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the cheese sauce and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat and pour over fresh fries right before serving.

Q: What if I can’t find white cheddar cheese?
A: No problem! You can use any cheese you love—Monterey Jack and gouda are great options.

Q: How can I adjust the spiciness?
A: Simply adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference! If you love heat, add more, and if you prefer milder, leave it out altogether.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! The recipe is already meat-free, so you’re set to enjoy these cheesy fries without any worry.

Q: What should I serve these fries with?
A: They’re perfect on their own or as a side to chicken tenders, burgers, or a fresh salad!

So there you have it! These Louisiana Voodoo Fries are not only a feast for the senses but also an easy way to impress friends and family. With a little love, creativity, and the right spices, you transform simple ingredients into a dish that reminds us why we love cooking together. I hope you give this recipe a shot, unleash your culinary enthusiasm, or experiment with your own twists! Join the community of fellow food lovers, share your experience, and let the Voodoo magic work its charm in your kitchen.

Louisiana Voodoo Fries

A cheesy, spicy delight inspired by Wingstop flavors, these Louisiana Voodoo Fries combine crispy fries with a creamy cheese sauce for an indulgent snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

For the fries

26 ounces frozen French fries Choose your favorite brand.

For the cheese sauce

2 tablespoons butter Can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter twist.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Cornstarch can be used for a gluten-free option.
2 cups milk Whole milk preferred, or use dairy-free alternatives.
1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust based on cheese saltiness.
1/4 teaspoon white pepper Black pepper can be substituted.
2 teaspoons ranch seasoning powder Commercial or homemade.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder Adjust to taste; this is divided.
8 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded Optional to mix with Monterey Jack.

Instructions

Preparation and Baking

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F.
Arrange frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket.
Bake until golden brown according to package instructions.

Cheese Sauce Preparation

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to bubble.
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously, to avoid lumps.
Stir in salt, white pepper, ranch seasoning, and half of the cayenne powder.
Lower heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.

Assembly and Serving

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked fries once they are ready.
Serve warm and sprinkle the remaining cayenne on top for additional spice.

Notes

For added flavor, toast the spices before adding to the sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Keyword Cheese Fries, Game Day Snacks, Spicy Fries, Voodoo Fries, Wingstop Inspired