Cheesy Fries (week 3)

This week I have 2 new dishes: one of which is a side dish.  These cheesy fries look very much like the appetizer one might find at Chili's.  It's a delicious party dish or side dish to BBQ, chili or Turkey and cheddar meatloaf (my new meal this week).

Cost: about $9, if you have the seasonings on hand already

Ingredients:
4-6 potatoes
2 cups shredded cheddar
jalapenos 
5 slices cooked bacon
1 green onion, sliced thinly
2 Tbsp olive oil

Seasoning mix:
2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp each: chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder
1/4 tsp cumin
salt - dash
pepper - to taste

Preheat oven to 400 F.  Cut potatoes into 1/4" slices.  I used a wavy cutter to give it the true "fry" look and also helps with keeping the oil and seasonings on the potato.

Put slices into 1 gallon Ziploc bag and pour in olive oil.  Close bag and work potatoes slices to coat evenly.  Next, add the seasoning mix to the bag, close and work potatoes to coat.  This is a great task for the kids to help with.

Place potato slices in single layer on foil-lined baking sheet(s) and bake about 25 min. until tender. If they need to crisp some more, turn on the broiler for about 5 minutes.  Remove from oven.  Combine into one dish (9x13 works well), if you had to use two.  Remove foil from pans.  Cover with shredded cheese; sprinkle with bacon pieces, jalapenos and onion slices.

Place back in oven to bake (350 or 400 - not broiler) for about 10 min, until cheese is melty. Serve immediately with ranch dressing for a dip, if desired.