Ultimate Utah Cast-Iron Skillet Cheese Fries

Introduction

If you're looking for the perfect grilled side dish or an indulgent appetizer, these Cast-Iron Skillet Cheese Fries with Utah fry sauce are your answer. This recipe is cooked entirely on the Arteflame grill—no oven, no pans—just bold flavor and mouthwatering texture. Crispy shoestring fries, melty cheese, and that signature tangy Utah fry sauce create a taste you'll crave again and again. Thanks to the Arteflame’s wide flat-top griddle and blazing hot center grill grate, this recipe is easy to make and hard to forget.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (16 oz) frozen shoestring fries
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp pickle juice or white vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

1. Place three paper napkins in the center of your Arteflame grill bowl.
2. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on each napkin.
3. Layer firewood over the soaked napkins.
4. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build. In about 20 minutes, the grill will be ready for cooking.

Step 2: Grill the Fries

1. Spread a little butter on the flat top surface near the hotter inner ring.
2. Evenly scatter the frozen fries in a single layer over the flat griddle, working closest to the hot center (but not over the grate).
3. Let fries cook until crisp and golden, about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning.
4. Season lightly with salt after they crisp up.

Step 3: Make the Utah Fry Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle juice (or vinegar), garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Whisk until fully combined and set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

1. When the fries are golden and crisp, push them into a pile on the griddle.
2. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
3. Use a basting dome or heat-safe cover for 1–2 minutes over the fries to melt the cheese (optional—but helps if wind is present).

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the crispy cheese fries on a serving tray or skillet (for style!).
2. Drizzle with the Utah fry sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy straight from the grill.

Tips

• Use the inner hot ring of the Arteflame flat top for crispier fries and move them outwards to keep warm.
• You can prep the fry sauce ahead of time and refrigerate. The flavor will intensify!
• If you prefer your cheese extra melted, use a melting dome on the griddle.
• Try grating your own cheese for better melting and fresher taste.
• Keep a close eye on the fries for perfect crispiness—don’t crowd them.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Fries: Add sliced grilled jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a kick of heat.
2. BBQ Pulled Pork Cheese Fries: Top your fries with smoked pulled pork and cheddar, then drizzle with BBQ sauce instead of Utah fry sauce.
3. Tex-Mex Cheese Fries: Sprinkle on taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cheddar; top with sour cream and Utah fry sauce.
4. Buffalo Chicken Cheese Fries: Add chopped grilled buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and Utah fry sauce with a touch of hot sauce.
5. Breakfast Cheese Fries: Top fries with grilled crumbled bacon, a fried egg, and cheddar, then drizzle with a mix of Utah fry sauce and hot maple syrup.

Conclusion

These cast-iron skillet cheese fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially when made on the Arteflame grill. The crispiness of the fries and the rich flavor of the Utah-style fry sauce take this simple dish to new heights. Whether you’re serving it as a side, a snack, or the main event, you won’t be disappointed.

Best pairings

• Grilled steak (use reverse sear method on the Arteflame)
• Smoky grilled burgers
• Craft root beer or a cold pilsner
• Grilled corn elote-style
• Fresh fruit salad for contrast