Louisiana Voodoo Fries are a flavor-packed dish that brings the perfect blend of heat, savory goodness, and a bit of Southern flair. Inspired by Wingstop’s famous Voodoo Fries, this recipe brings the mouthwatering experience straight to your kitchen. These fries are perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with a zesty mix of Cajun seasoning, gooey melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, and crumbled bacon. If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, these fries are sure to become your new favorite snack or side dish.
Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a side to your main dish, or as a late-night treat, Louisiana Voodoo Fries are guaranteed to impress. The crispy fries, combined with the rich, melted cheese and tangy jalapeños, offer a combination of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Add in the crunch of bacon and the fresh bite of green onions, and you’ve got a dish that’s unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Bold, Spicy Flavor
The Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper give these fries a spicy kick, while the melted cheese and bacon add richness and depth.
2. Crispy Texture
With a light coating of seasoned flour and the deep frying process, these fries turn out wonderfully crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.
3. Cheesy and Savory
The mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses adds a gooey, savory richness that perfectly balances the heat from the seasonings and jalapeños.
4. Customizable Toppings
Feel free to adjust the toppings based on your preferences. Add extra jalapeños, use different types of cheese, or even top with a creamy dipping sauce to suit your taste.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion
These fries are versatile enough to be served at a casual gathering, as a side dish for dinner, or as a fun snack during game day or parties.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes (2 pounds)
- All-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
- Paprika (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon, optional for extra heat)
- Buttermilk (1 cup)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup)
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup)
- Sliced jalapeños (1/4 cup)
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup)
- Crumbled bacon (1/4 cup)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Variations
- Cheese Variations: Try different cheese blends, such as pepper jack for an extra spicy kick or a sharp cheddar for a more tangy flavor.
- Add More Heat: Increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the fries for a more intense spice level.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese and omit the bacon for a plant-based twist on this recipe.
- Extra Crunch: For an added crunch, top the fries with crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs before baking.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel the russet potatoes (optional) and cut them into thin fries. If you prefer thicker fries, adjust the slicing size accordingly. Rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up crispy.
Step 2: Season the Flour
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This seasoned flour mixture will give the fries an extra layer of flavor.
Step 3: Dip in Buttermilk
Dip the potato fries into the buttermilk, ensuring they are well-coated. After dipping them in buttermilk, dredge the fries in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each fry is evenly coated.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to reach a temperature of about 350°F (175°C) for frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small piece of potato in—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Step 5: Fry the Potatoes
Fry the coated potatoes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the potatoes for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Toppings
Once the fries are fried and crispy, place them on a serving plate. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the fries while they are still hot, allowing the cheese to melt. Then, top the fries with sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Louisiana Voodoo Fries immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Pair them with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping, if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Dry the Potatoes: Be sure to pat the potatoes dry before frying to avoid excess moisture, which can result in soggy fries.
- Adjust the Spice: You can control the level of heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper or adding hot sauce to the fries after frying.
- Double Fry: For extra crispy fries, try double frying them. Fry the potatoes once, then let them rest for a few minutes before frying them again for 2-3 minutes.
- Use a Thermometer: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying. Too hot, and the fries will burn; too cold, and they’ll be soggy.
How to Serve
Louisiana Voodoo Fries make an excellent appetizer or side dish to many meals. Here are some great ideas on how to serve them:
- As a Snack: Serve these fries on their own with a side of ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce for a satisfying snack.
- With Chicken Wings: These fries pair perfectly with a batch of crispy chicken wings, whether you’re serving buffalo, BBQ, or honey mustard.
- With Burgers: Serve them alongside your favorite burger for a delicious, indulgent meal.
- For Game Day: Perfect for a fun, shareable snack at parties or while watching sports.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fries may lose some of their crispiness upon reheating.
Freezing
To freeze Louisiana Voodoo Fries, allow them to cool completely and then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer the fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain some of their crispiness.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the fries in the oven rather than the microwave. This will help keep them crispy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the fries for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I make these fries in the oven instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the fries instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I use frozen fries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fries for convenience. Simply bake or fry the frozen fries and then follow the rest of the recipe to add the cheese, bacon, and other toppings.
3. How spicy are Louisiana Voodoo Fries?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preferences. The Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper provide heat, but you can reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder flavor.
4. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, while russet potatoes are ideal for fries, you can also use Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
5. Can I make these fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can fry the potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat them in the oven to restore some of the crispiness before adding the toppings.
6. Can I skip the buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
7. How can I make these fries even crispier?
Double frying the potatoes will give them an extra crispy texture. Fry them once, let them cool for a few minutes, then fry them again for 2-3 minutes.
8. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or mozzarella. Experiment with different combinations for a unique twist.
9. How can I adjust the flavor if I don’t like spicy food?
If you prefer less spice, simply omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the Cajun seasoning, or use a milder seasoning mix.
10. Can I add other toppings to these fries?
Yes, you can add sour cream, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for additional flavor.
Conclusion
Louisiana Voodoo Fries are the perfect combination of crispy fries, spicy seasoning, creamy cheese, and savory toppings. Whether you’re making them for a party or enjoying them as a side dish, this Wingstop copycat recipe is sure to be a hit. The balance of heat, cheese, and bacon creates a dish that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. Enjoy these fries as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for your next meal or gathering!
PrintLouisiana Voodoo Fries (Wingstop Copycat) Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes (including soaking time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Louisiana Voodoo Fries are a spicy, cheesy, and crispy indulgence, inspired by Wingstop’s popular dish. Crispy fried russet potatoes are topped with a flavorful Cajun seasoning, melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, green onions, and crispy bacon, creating the ultimate appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and slicing the russet potatoes into fries. You can cut them into thicker or thinner fries depending on your preference.
- Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat them dry with a towel.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Dip the potato slices into buttermilk, then dredge them in the flour mixture, coating them evenly.
- Fry the coated potato slices in batches for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Once all the fries are fried, place them on a serving platter. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the hot fries.
- Top the fries with sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- If you want extra heat, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add more jalapeños.
- These fries are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. If needed, you can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness.
- You can adjust the seasoning levels to your taste preference, such as using more or less Cajun seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (not including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (depending on the fry thickness)
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Louisiana voodoo fries, Wingstop copycat, Cajun fries, cheesy fries, fried potatoes, spicy fries, appetizer