01 -
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick, to resemble french fries. Rinse the cut potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispier fries. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels.
02 -
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
03 -
Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl. Dip the potato strips in the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each fry is well-coated with the seasoned flour for maximum flavor.
04 -
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to submerge the fries completely. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the coated fries to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per batch, depending on the thickness of your fries.
05 -
Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fried potatoes and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet to drain excess oil. Continue frying the remaining batches.
06 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer all the fried potatoes to a baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the hot fries.
07 -
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is completely melted and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
08 -
Remove the fries from the oven and immediately garnish with the sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon. Serve hot while the cheese is still melty for the best eating experience.