Cheesy Potato Strips with Creamy Cheese Sauce

### **Instructions**

#### Step 1: Prepare the Potato Strips
1. **Peel and cut the potatoes:** Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into thin strips. You can cut them thicker for more of a fry-like texture or thinner for crispier results.
2. **Soak the potatoes:** Place the potato strips in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier when fried.
3. **Drain and dry:** After soaking, drain the potato strips and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
4. **Season and coat:** In a bowl, toss the potato strips with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure each strip is lightly coated for extra crispiness.
5. **Fry the potatoes:** Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato strips in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

#### Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
1. **Melt the butter:** In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling.
2. **Make the roux:** Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
3. **Add the milk:** Gradually pour in the milk while whisking, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
4. **Add the cheese:** Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add mustard powder (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.

#### Step 3: Assemble and Serve
1. Place the crispy potato strips on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Drizzle the warm, creamy cheese sauce generously over the potato strips.
3. For added flair, garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or crumbled bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy!

### **Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potato Strips**
– **Soak the potatoes:** Don’t skip the soaking step—it’s key to achieving crispy potato strips.
– **Use the right cheese:** A sharp cheddar works beautifully in the cheese sauce, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a mix of your favorites.
– **Serve fresh:** These potato strips are best enjoyed fresh and hot to maintain their crispy texture.

### **Variations to Try**
1. **Spicy Kick:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or sprinkle chili flakes over the potato strips.
2. **Loaded Style:** Top the potato strips with sour cream, crumbled bacon, and chives for a loaded potato experience.
3. **Vegetarian Delight:** Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted veggies for an extra layer of flavor.

### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**
Cheesy Potato Strips with Creamy Cheese Sauce is everything you want in a comfort food dish: simple, indulgent, and utterly satisfying. The combination of crispy potatoes and velvety cheese sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or a regular weekday, this recipe is a surefire way to bring joy to the table.

Try it out and experience the perfect blend of textures and flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!