Disco Fries
Disco Fries are the ultimate comfort food featuring crispy golden fries topped with rich, savory gravy and gooey melted cheese. This classic diner-style dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an indulgent snack or cozy meal suitable for any time of day. Easy to prepare at home, highly customizable, and perfect for sharing, Disco Fries bring warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (with meat-free gravy), Vegan option available when substituting cheese and gravy
Fries
- Potatoes (fresh-cut or frozen) – enough for desired serving size, cut into 1/4 inch thick sticks
- Oil for frying or tossing (such as vegetable or canola oil) – sufficient for frying or coating fries for baking
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika
Cheese
- Cheese curds (authentic and preferable) or shredded mozzarella or cheddar – approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups
Gravy
- Beef gravy: beef drippings or broth, butter, flour – to make a roux and create classic gravy
- Vegetarian gravy: mushroom broth or vegetable broth thickened with cornstarch (optional for vegan variation)
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Optional for spicy variation: hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings & Variations
- Bacon bits, green onions, jalapeños (for loaded disco fries)
- Plant-based cheese and mushroom/vegetable gravy for vegan option
- Sweet potato fries instead of regular potatoes
- Truffle oil drizzle for gourmet variation
- Prepare the Fries: Choose fresh-cut potatoes for best texture. Cut into uniform sticks about 1/4 inch thick. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry completely to ensure crispiness when cooking.
- Cook the Fries Until Golden and Crispy: Fry potatoes in hot oil at 350°F (175°C) about 4–6 minutes in batches until golden and crispy. Alternatively, toss fries in a little oil and bake at 425°F (220°C), flipping halfway through, for a healthier crisp version.
- Prepare the Gravy: While fries cook, whisk up gravy using beef drippings or broth with a roux of butter and flour. Simmer until thickened and smooth. For vegetarian version, use mushroom or vegetable broth thickened with cornstarch.
- Assemble the Disco Fries: Place hot fries on a serving plate. Sprinkle liberally with cheese curds or shredded cheese. Ladle steaming hot gravy on top. The heat will melt the cheese, creating the signature gooey layer.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy Disco Fries right away while crispy and warm. Serve as a snack or side dish for best results.
Notes
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness: Fry fries once at a lower temperature, let cool, then fry again at a higher temperature for perfect crunch.
- Use Cheese Curds When Possible: They provide ideal texture and melt; substitute with fresh mozzarella if unavailable.
- Keep Gravy Warm: Pour hot but not boiling gravy to avoid sogginess.
- Drain Fries Well: Place fries on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Season Fries Generously: Salt fries immediately after cooking to help seasoning stick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Disco Fries, comfort food, fries with gravy and cheese, loaded fries, easy snack, diner food, cheesy fries, vegetarian fries, vegan fries option