Don't throw away those leftover french fries - make this leftover french fries casserole instead! Cheesy, spicy, and so delicious it's quick and easy to make, and you'll love the taste as a perfect side for chicken, beef, or another protein.
Grease the pan, then place leftover French fries in the pan. Season with salt, chili powder and cayenne and mix well.
4 handfuls leftover French fries, butter, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Top with shredded cheese, then pour over the hot sauce.
1.5 cup shredded cheese, 4 tablespoon hot sauce
Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden. Top with sour cream and chopped scallions just before serving!
1 cup sour cream, 2 scallions
Notes
Ingredient notes & substitutions
Leftover french fries can be swapped for frozen french friesor homemade french fries, just start by baking them before seasoning
Shredded cheese: pre-shredded works great, I like a "Mexican mix" with cheddar and mozzarella but any well-melting kind works.
Hot sauce: I recommend Frank's RedHot or Cholula, but similar kinds work. Tabasco also works, but use about ⅓ of the amount.
You can top it with bacon as well, if you like
Tips & tricks
Only top what you will eat - if you're saving leftovers, keep the sour cream and scallions on the side for now
Make a bigger batch: You can double, triple, etc. this recipe. Either use a larger pan and make it in a single layer, or layer french fries and cheese in a smaller pan.
Prep ahead by finishing everything until baking, storing covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and then baking. Add a few extra minutes if baking straight from cold.
Store leftovers in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 4 days
Reheat leftovers in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 300℉ (150℃)
Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 1 minute increments