Healthy Cheese Fries: A Nutritious Twist on a Classic Favorite for 12 months & up

Who doesn’t love cheese fries? They’re crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! But traditional cheese fries are often deep-fried and loaded with processed cheese, making them less than ideal for a balanced diet. This healthy cheese fries recipe, made with baked French fries, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese, offers all the deliciousness of classic cheese fries but with a nutrient-dense and wholesome twist. Packed with protein, fiber, and calcium, these fries make a great snack, side dish, or even a fun meal for kids and adults alike.

Why These Healthy Cheese Fries Are a Better Choice

Baked Instead of Fried – The fries are baked into perfection, no frying required!
Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese – A creamy, nutritious alternative to processed cheese sauce, adding calcium and muscle-building protein.
Real Cheddar Cheese – Adds a rich, cheesy flavor without artificial additives.
Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved – A fun way to make fries healthier for kids without compromising on taste.

Nutritional Benefits:

1. Potatoes: A Wholesome Energy Source

Potatoes are often underrated, but they are actually a nutrient-dense carbohydrate that provides:
Energy for Active Kids – Rich in complex carbohydrates, potatoes provide long-lasting energy, making them ideal for growing children.
Fiber for Digestion – Helps support a healthy gut and prevent constipation.
Vitamin C for Immunity – Supports immune function and helps with iron absorption.
Potassium for Muscle Function – A key mineral that helps maintain healthy muscle function and hydration.
B Vitamins for Brain Development – Essential for cognitive growth and overall metabolism.

2. Cottage Cheese: A Protein-Packed Superfood

Cottage cheese is a fantastic high-protein dairy option that offers:
High-Quality Protein for Growth – Provides all the essential amino acids needed for muscle and tissue development.
Calcium for Strong Bones and Teeth – Crucial for bone health during early childhood.
Low in Sugar and Natural – Unlike many processed dairy products, cottage cheese is a natural and minimally processed food.

3. Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a great source of essential nutrients for kids, including:
Calcium for Bone Strength – Supports growing bones and teeth.

Healthy Fats for Brain Development – Provides necessary fats that help brain function and energy production.
Vitamin A for Vision and Immunity – Supports eye health and a strong immune system.
Protein for Muscle Growth – Helps build and repair muscles, keeping kids strong and active.

Tips for Best Success:

-I like to use gold potatoes, they come out so yummy and easier to eat, but you can use russet or Idaho if preferred.

-Cut the potato into 2 inch wedges for little ones.

-When stirring the cheese sauce, it must be on low heat, stirring frequently. This is very important, low and slow. If you put it on high the cheese will seperate.

-I prefer using an air fryer for the potatoes, but if you don’t have one you can use your oven.

What you need:

Small Blender

Saucepan

Air fryer– preferred but not needed

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