Disco Fries: A New Jersey Classic

Disco fries, made with thick-cut fries, gravy, and melted cheese, are a beloved New Jersey delicacy. You may find this dish on the menus of many restaurants and diners across the state, usually as a side or appetiser.

Even while nobody can agree on when exactly disco fries were first made, most people think it was in the 1940s or 1950s. While some say it came from a New York City restaurant, others say it was conceived in a diner in northern New Jersey.

Although its exact beginnings are a mystery, disco fries have undeniably become a treasured New Jersey favourite. The dish is a mainstay at restaurants all around the state and is often linked to comfort food and late-night snacks.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

A solid foundation of fries is the secret ingredient to perfectly cooked disco fries. Fries with a thick cut are ideal since they can withstand the sauce and cheese without falling apart. When it comes to fries, some customers want them crinkle-cut, while others like them straight-cut.

Disco fries are usually topped with a brown gravy that is a combination of flour, butter, and beef stock. Onions, garlic, or Worcestershire sauce are some of the other components that may be added to some versions.

Cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, which are mild and melty, are often used in disco fries. To amp up the flavour, some diners may use a combination of cheeses.

Recipe

Preparing the fries

Set the oven temperature to 425°F.
Arrange the fries on a baking pan in a single layer.
Fries should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they have a golden brown and crispy texture.

Making the gravy

Cook 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour until combined.
Stir the flour mixture occasionally for one to two minutes, or until it begins to take on a little brown hue.
Add 2 cups of beef stock slowly while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
First, mince one shallot and add one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the pan.
To thicken the gravy to your liking, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 to fifteen minutes.

Assembling the dish

Transfer the fries from the oven to a wide serving platter.
Spread the fries equally with the gravy and pour it on top.
Top the fries and gravy with shredded cheese.
To make the cheese melt and bubble, broil the dish for two or three minutes.

Variations

Although cheddar and mozzarella are the most popular cheeses to use in disco fries, feel free to try other kinds if you want to amp up the flavour. Provolone, Gruyere, and blue cheese are a few of the more common choices.

While brown gravy has long been associated with disco fries, other varieties of gravy might be used for variety’s sake. For those who want a little more flavour, there’s chicken gravy and mushroom gravy.

The most typical kind of fries to use in disco fries are thick-cut fries, but you may experiment with other varieties to make the meal your own. You can make disco fries using any kind of french fry—sweet potato, curly, or even tater tots.

Conclusion

The first step in making disco fries is to bake some thick-cut fries until they are golden and crispy. Make a brown gravy with beef stock, flour, and butter while the fries are frying. After the fries are cooked, cover them with the gravy and then top with shredded cheese. To make the cheese melt and bubble, broil the dish for a few minutes.

Everyone should give disco fries a go at least once; they’re an iconic New Jersey delicacy. A satisfying appetiser or late-night snack, this dish combines crunchy fries, savoury gravy, and melting cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.

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