Beef Tallow French Fries (Printable)

Ultra-crispy fries fried in beef tallow served alongside a perfectly golden grilled cheese sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef Tallow French Fries

01 - 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch sticks
02 - 4 cups beef tallow (for deep frying)
03 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

→ Grilled Cheese

06 - 8 slices sourdough bread
07 - 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispness)

# How to Make It:

01 - Soak potato sticks in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
02 - Heat beef tallow in deep pot or fryer to 325°F. Fry potatoes in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until tender but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels.
03 - Increase tallow temperature to 375°F. Fry potatoes again in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and ultra-crispy. Drain, then season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle parsley if desired.
04 - Spread softened butter and optional mayonnaise evenly on one side of each bread slice.
05 - Place 1 to 2 slices of cheddar between two slices of bread, buttered sides facing out.
06 - Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Plate grilled cheese sandwiches alongside beef tallow fries and serve immediately for best crispness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Beef tallow fries achieve a crust that stays crackling even as they cool, thanks to a technique most home cooks never attempt.
  • The contrast between crispy fries and a molten cheese center makes this feel like an indulgence without requiring fancy ingredients.
  • This is genuinely faster than ordering takeout once you understand the rhythm of the double fry.
02 -
  • If your potatoes aren't completely dry before frying, the oil will splatter violently; this isn't drama, it's physics.
  • Beef tallow smokes at a higher temperature than vegetable oil, so your kitchen will smell incredible and some smoke is normal, but if it's billowing, your heat is too high.
  • Placing cheese slices at the very edge of your bread means they'll melt out and create crispy, cheesy edges that are honestly the best part.
03 -
  • Temperature control is everything—invest in a kitchen thermometer if you don't have one, because guessing will give you soggy fries or burnt butter.
  • If you can't find beef tallow, ask your local butcher; many have it available and will often give it to you cheaply or free since they'd otherwise discard it.
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