Shout out to Derek Campanile for joining our Friesgiving table! Derek is the culinary creator behind @dadwithapan, and brings a fresh, family-first approach to home cooking. His easy-to-follow recipes and creative twists on comfort classics inspire everyday cooks to bring joy to the table, one meal at a time.
Derek’s recipe, Cheesy Potato "Casserole" Fries, will surely become a comfort-food classic. McCain Quick Cook Crinkle Fries serve as the crispy foundation, delivering irresistible crunch in every bite. A decadent mushroom-cheddar sauce envelops the fries, creating layers of rich cheese and savory flavor reminiscent of the best potato casseroles. Smoky bacon and sweet caramelized onions add depth and a hint of nostalgia, while a crown of crispy fried onions brings golden texture and a satisfying finish. The entire dish comes together quickly in the air fryer, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether you’re hosting a festive celebration or seeking an easy twist on a beloved side. Every forkful offers hot, creamy goodness and crowd-pleasing appeal—sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (22 oz) McCain® Quick Cook Crinkle Fries
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ cup condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup whole milk (plus 1–3 tbsp more if needed for consistency)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tbsp sour cream (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (or diced ham), divided
- ¼ cup caramelized onions
- ¼ cup crispy fried onions
- 2 tbsp chopped scallions or chives
How to make it
- Prepare the McCain® Quick Cook Crinkle Fries per the directions on the bag.
- While the fries cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
- Whisk in the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in ¾ cup of the cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust with a splash of milk if needed for a pourable sauce.
- Transfer the hot fries to a serving platter and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup cheddar over the top so it begins to melt. Spoon about half of the mushroom-cheese sauce evenly over the fries.
- Add half of the bacon and all of the caramelized onions, then drizzle with the remaining sauce. Finish with the rest of the bacon for that extra layer of flavor.
- Top with crispy fried onions and scallions. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
4
20 mins
2
