Description
Voodoo Fries Louisiana deliver a bold, spicy taste of the Bayou with crispy double-fried russet potatoes topped with a zesty, creamy Creole-inspired sauce, crumbled andouille sausage, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and fresh herbs. This indulgent Southern-style snack or appetizer offers complex flavors with a perfect balance of heat, smoke, and richness.
Ingredients
Fries
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Voodoo Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Creole mustard (or Dijon mustard if Creole isn’t available)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon horseradish sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (Louisiana-style preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled andouille sausage (or smoked sausage)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
- Optional: Pickled jalapeños, for extra heat
Instructions
- Soak the Fries: After cutting the potatoes into fries, place them in a large bowl filled with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, changing the water a couple of times during the soaking process to remove excess starch for crispier fries.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and set aside to coat the fries later.
- Dry the Fries: Drain the soaked fries thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels to avoid oil splatter and to help the seasoning stick well.
- Toss with Seasoning: Place the dried fries in a large bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss well to ensure all fries are evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
- First Fry (Blanching): Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Fry the fries in batches for 5-7 minutes until they are softened but not browned. Remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- Cooling Period: Let the fries cool completely for at least 30 minutes. For advance preparation, refrigerate them during this resting phase to improve crispiness on the second fry.
- Second Fry (Crisping): Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the fries again in batches for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
- Drain and Season: Immediately season the hot fries with a little extra salt to taste while still hot for maximum flavor.
- Combine Ingredients (Voodoo Sauce): In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Creole or Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
- Add Fresh Herbs (Voodoo Sauce): Stir in finely chopped green onions and parsley for fresh herbaceous notes in the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust (Voodoo Sauce): Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Chill (Optional – Voodoo Sauce): For optimal flavor, cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld, or use immediately if short on time.
- Arrange the Fries: Spread the crispy fries on a large serving platter or individual plates as desired.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Generously drizzle the prepared Voodoo sauce evenly over the fries.
- Add the Sausage: Sprinkle cooked and crumbled andouille or smoked sausage over the fries and sauce for hearty, smoky flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the sausage-topped fries.
- Garnish: Finish with chopped green onions for a fresh contrast and optional pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Voodoo fries hot so the cheese is melted, and the flavors are at their peak.
Notes
- Soaking the fries removes excess starch, ensuring a crisp exterior.
- Double frying (blanching then crisping) is key for perfectly crispy fries.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- Pickled jalapeños add extra heat and acidity, but they are optional.
- You can prepare the fries up to the cooling step ahead of time and refrigerate before the final fry.
- Substitute andouille sausage with any smoked sausage if unavailable.
- For best sauce flavor, make it a few hours in advance.
- Use a thermometer to maintain correct oil temperatures for frying safety and quality.