Japanese Cheese Fries

🍟 Loaded Waffle Fries with Miso Queso, Bacon & Furikake

Take your game-day or late-night snack to the next level with these Loaded Waffle Fries, drenched in a creamy, umami-packed miso queso and topped with crispy bacon, sweet corn, bonito flakes, and a bold sprinkle of furikake. It’s cheesy, savory, and irresistibly crunchy all in one epic bite.

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins

---

🧾 Ingredients

• 22 oz. bag frozen waffle fries

• 4 strips bacon

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies

• ½ tbsp cornstarch

• ¼ cup red miso paste

• 8 oz. evaporated milk

• 2 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature

• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated smoked gouda

• ½ tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2–3 tbsp furikake seasoning (to taste)

• 1 cup canned or thawed frozen corn kernels, drained

• 1 cup bonito flakes

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

---

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Waffle Fries

• Prepare the waffle fries according to the package instructions. While they bake or fry, get started on the toppings.

2. Fry the Bacon

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 4–5 minutes per side.

• Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

3. Make the Miso Queso

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

• Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened and translucent.

• Stir in the green chilies, then sprinkle in the cornstarch and cook for 1 minute.

• Add the red miso paste and stir until fully incorporated.

4. Add the Cheeses

• Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk.

• Add the cream cheese, cheddar, smoked gouda, and Dijon mustard.

• Whisk continuously until all the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy queso.

• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (note: miso adds a lot of saltiness on its own).

5. Assemble the Loaded Fries

• Transfer the cooked fries to a serving platter or tray.

• Pour the warm miso queso generously over the fries.

• Sprinkle with furikake, then top with chopped bacon, corn, bonito flakes, and green onions.

Optional: Microwave the corn briefly to serve it warm before topping.

---

🔥 Pro Tips

• Red miso gives the queso a deeper umami flavor, but white or yellow miso can be used for a milder taste.

• If the queso gets too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk.

• Add pickled jalapeños or kimchi for a spicy-tangy twist.

---

🍽 Perfect For

• Game day parties

• Late-night snacks

• Sharing platters for casual gatherings