If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and indulgent textures, the Carne Asada Fries with Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Fresh Toppings Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine crispy, golden fries smothered in a velvety, sharp cheddar cheese sauce, then piled high with tender, marinated skirt steak that’s been grilled to perfection. Fresh avocado slices, zesty pico de gallo, cool sour cream, and a sprinkle of cilantro and jalapeños finish off this festive plate, turning a simple meal into a vibrant feast. This recipe combines the richness of Tex-Mex comfort food with refreshing freshness in a way that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—this recipe calls for straightforward, accessible items that come together to create a flavor-packed experience. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of taste, from the bright marinade that tenderizes the steak to the creamy cheese sauce that hugs each crispy fry. Having these ingredients on hand means a spectacular homemade meal is just around the corner.
- ¼ cup lime juice: Adds a zesty brightness that tenderizes and flavors the steak beautifully.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Balances the tang of lime with a touch of sweetness for a well-rounded marinade.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the steak evenly and promotes juiciness during cooking.
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic: Introduces a punch of savory depth that infuses the steak.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors while seasoning the steak perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and aroma to the meat seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Brings earthy warmth, a signature in carne asada seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbaceous note that rounds out the marinade.
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak: The star of the dish with its rich flavor and perfect texture for grilling.
- 1 (16-20 ounce) bag frozen seasoned fries: Your crispy base for building this indulgent meal.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Forms the base of the luscious cheddar cheese sauce.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens the cheese sauce perfectly.
- 1 ¼ cups milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and creamy without overpowering the cheddar.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt: Gives the cheese sauce a savory kick that complements the steak perfectly.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated: The rich, melty cheese that makes this dish absolutely crave-worthy.
- Avocado, sliced: Adds a silky texture and cooling contrast to the spicy and savory flavors.
- Pico de gallo: Brings freshness and brightness with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
- Sour cream: Offers a tangy creaminess that balances the dish.
- Cilantro, chopped: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note for a final pop of color and flavor.
- Sliced jalapeños: Delivers a lively heat for those who like an extra kick.
How to Make Carne Asada Fries with Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Fresh Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
The magic starts with the marinade, where lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and oregano come together in a bowl. This blend not only tenderizes the skirt steak but also infuses it with layers of bold, vibrant flavors. Marinate your steak for at least six hours or overnight if possible—this slow soak unlocks the deep, mouthwatering taste that defines this dish.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or warm up a trusty cast iron skillet. Cook the marinated skirt steak for about three to four minutes on each side for medium-rare perfection. Once cooked, give the steak a rest nestled under foil to keep those precious juices locked in, ensuring every bite stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 3: Bake the Fries
While your steak rests, pop the frozen seasoned fries into the oven following the package directions. This simple step provides a crispy, golden foundation for your loaded dish. The seasoned fries add a subtle flavor boost and a perfectly crunchy texture that harmonizes beautifully with the tender steak and creamy cheese sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheddar Cheese Sauce
As your fries bake, it’s time to whisk up an irresistible cheddar cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in flour to create a roux, cooking it for about two minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and garlic salt, stirring until the sauce thickens. Then, add the grated sharp cheddar cheese in two batches, whisking continuously until melted and silky smooth. Keeping this sauce warm is key to draping it luxuriously over your fries.
Step 5: Assemble the Carne Asada Fries with Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Fresh Toppings Recipe
Slice your rested steak against the grain for tenderness and layer it over your hot, crispy fries. Generously drizzle with that warm cheese sauce, then top with more steak and an extra helping of cheese sauce for maximum indulgence. Finish the masterpiece by adding fresh avocado slices, vibrant pico de gallo, dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños to suit your spice preference. This final assembly is where all the delicious parts come together in a party on your plate.
How to Serve Carne Asada Fries with Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Fresh Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate this dish from tasty to spectacular. The creamy avocado soothes the palate, while the fresh pico de gallo offers a tangy contrast. Cool sour cream brings balance to the rich cheese sauce and spicy jalapeños, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a bright, fresh finish. These toppings add texture, color, and a garden-fresh brightness that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
While this dish is often hearty enough on its own, pairing it with a light salad or charred street corn can round out the meal wonderfully. A simple mixed greens salad with lime vinaigrette complements the richness without overpowering. For a bold Tex-Mex side, grilled corn sprinkled with cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime amps up the fiesta vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe in individual cast iron skillets or mini casserole dishes to keep everything warm and make presentation extra special. Another idea is layering the elements in a clear glass for a “loaded fries parfait,” showcasing the layers of fries, cheese sauce, steak, and fresh toppings. This not only looks inviting but also makes serving easy at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover carne asada, fries, and cheese sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping components apart preserves textures better, especially the fries and steak.
Freezing
While freezing fries often leads to sogginess, the marinated carne asada steak freezes well. Store cooked steak slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Cheese sauce is best made fresh but can be frozen cautiously in small portions if needed.
Reheating
Reheat steak gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain juiciness. For fries, a hot oven or air fryer is best to crisp them back up. Warm cheese sauce slowly on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid separation. Once all reheated, assemble just like fresh for a delightful second round.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is traditional due to its flavor and texture, flank steak or sirloin can also work well. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary slightly.
Is it better to make homemade fries instead of frozen?
Homemade fries add a personal touch and allow you to control seasoning and crispiness, but frozen seasoned fries are a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works wonderfully for this recipe.
Can I make the cheese sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute, unsweetened plant milk, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The base recipe is moderately spicy from the jalapeños and seasonings, but you can adjust the heat up or down by altering the amount of sliced jalapeños or by adding a milder or hotter pepper variety.
What is the best way to slice the steak?
Slicing against the grain is key to ensuring each bite of steak is tender and easy to chew. Look for the lines in the meat and slice perpendicular to them for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Asada Fries with Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Fresh Toppings Recipe is the kind of dish that makes you want to gather friends and family around the table just to share the joy on everyone’s faces. It’s hearty, flavorful, and playful all at once. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a weekend treat, I promise these loaded fries will become a go-to favorite that has everyone asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, get grilling, and enjoy every cheesy, zesty bite!
Print
Carne Asada Fries with Cheddar Cheese Sauce and Fresh Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Delicious Carne Asada Fries featuring marinated skirt steak grilled to perfection, crispy seasoned fries, and a rich homemade cheddar cheese sauce, topped with fresh avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Marinade and Steak
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak
Fries and Cheese Sauce
- 1 (16-20 ounce) bag frozen seasoned fries, baked according to package directions
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (not pre-shredded)
Serving
- Avocado, sliced
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Marinate Steak: Combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and dried oregano in a mixing bowl. Place the skirt steak in the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
- Cook Steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a cast iron skillet on the stovetop. Remove the steak from the marinade and cook it for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended). Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest before slicing.
- Bake Fries: While the steak rests, bake the frozen seasoned fries according to the instructions on the package until crispy and golden brown.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and garlic salt, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese in two batches, whisking until smooth and completely melted. Keep the sauce warm.
- Assemble and Serve: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Arrange the baked fries on a large serving platter or individual plates. Generously drizzle the cheese sauce over the fries, then layer the sliced steak on top. Add additional cheese sauce if desired. Garnish with sliced avocado, pico de gallo, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños to taste. Serve immediately for best textures and flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the skirt steak overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Cooking steak to medium-rare will yield the best texture, but adjust according to preference.
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting in the cheese sauce.
- For extra heat, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftover cheese sauce can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
