Vegan Loaded Cheese Fries (Printable)

Crispy fries topped with creamy cashew cheese and colorful fresh veggies. Perfect for sharing or snacking.

# Components:

→ Fries

01 - 2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into fries
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Cashew "Cheese" Sauce

07 - 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1 hour and drained
08 - 3/4 cup water
09 - 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
10 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
11 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
12 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ Toppings

17 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
18 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
19 - 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
20 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
21 - 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
22 - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for even crisping and easy cleanup.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss until fries are fully coated.
03 - Arrange fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway, until fries are golden brown and crispy.
04 - While fries bake, combine soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, turmeric (if desired), and Dijon mustard in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
05 - When fries are done, transfer to a serving platter. Spoon or drizzle warm cashew cheese sauce generously over the fries.
06 - Top with diced cherry tomatoes, red onion, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, scallions, and black olives (if using). Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry staples and garden-fresh toppings
  • Bakes everything in the oven with no deep frying
  • Creamy dairy-free cheese tastes truly cheesy thanks to cashews and nutritional yeast
  • Easily made gluten-free for all diets
  • Great for game day parties or a fun weeknight treat
02 -
  • High in plant-based protein from cashews and potatoes
  • Naturally gluten free so all can enjoy
  • Cheese sauce can be made ahead for easy party prep
03 -
  • Soak your cashews in boiled water for an hour if you forgot to do it overnight This ensures your sauce turns out impossibly creamy and not gritty
  • Flip the fries halfway through baking for an even golden crunch on every side
  • Make your sauce a day in advance and gently reheat with a splash of water This keeps busy party days stress free

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