Copycat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries

• AUSSIE CHIPS
• 2 medium russet potatoes
• 6 cups vegetable oil (to 8) or 6 cups shortening (to 8)
• SEASONING
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon ground thyme
• ON THE SIDE
• ranch dressing
• AUSSIE CHEESE FRIES
• cloned aussie chips, 1 plate (from above recipe)
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 slice bacon, cooked
• ON THE SIDE
• ranch dressing

1. For the Aussie Chips: Preheat oil to 375 degrees in a deep fryer.
2. Cut potatoes into french fry slices using a vegetable slicer or mandolin. It's important to use a gadget for the slicing so that the fries will all be the same thickness, and will cook evenly. Submerge all of the sliced potatoes in a large bowl fill with cold water for 30 minutes.
3. Combine all of the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
4. Remove potato slices from the water and onto a clean towel. Blot dry.
5. Fry potato slices for 8 to 12 minutes in hot oil until light brown. Drain fries on a rack or paper towels and sprinkle with some of the seasoning. Pile the fries on a plate and serve with ranch dressing on the side, if desired.
6. For the Aussie Cheese Fries: Prepare the clone for the Aussie Chips and arrange the seasoned fries on an oven-safe plate. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
7. Mix the cheeses together and sprinkle the blend over the fries. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the cheese. Bake the plate for 4 to 5 minutes in the hot oven, until cheese is melted. Serve with ranch dressing on the side.
8. This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings of either selection.

chips, potatoes, vegetable oil, salt, garlic, fresh ground black pepper, onion powder, ground thyme, ranch dressing, aussie cheese fries, aussie chips, shredded monterey jack cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch dressing

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/copycat-outback-aussie-cheese-fries-446848 (may not work)