How to Make Delicious Crab Fries Sauce at Home

Crab fries with creamy cheesy sauce are a popular appetizer or side dish found on many restaurant menus. But did you know you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home? Making your own crab fries sauce is simple and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of making crab fries sauce step-by-step. I’ll also share tips for choosing ingredients, storing and reheating the sauce, and serving ideas to take your crab fries to the next level. After reading, you’ll be ready to wow your family and friends with homemade crab fries coated in an irresistible cheese sauce.

An Overview of Crab Fries

Crab fries feature crispy french fries smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with lump crab meat. The dish originated in Philadelphia and is strongly associated with the city’s sports bars and pubs

Chickie’s & Pete’s is credited with popularizing crab fries on their menu. Their signature crab fry sauce contains just American cheese, milk, and seasonings. The key is heating the ingredients slowly so the cheese melts smoothly into a rich, creamy sauce.

To make crab fries at home, you’ll need just a few simple components:

• French fries – crinkle cut work best to hold the sauce
• Cheese sauce – the base is American cheese melted into milk or cream
• Lump crab meat
• Seasonings like Old Bay, garlic powder, paprika

That’s it! Now let’s get into the step-by-step process.

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

You can use fresh hand-cut fries, frozen fries, or even potato wedges for crab fries. I prefer crinkle cut frozen fries because the ridges help grab all that delicious sauce.

Here are some tips for crispy crab fry fries:

• Use Russet potatoes if making fresh fries. Soak in cold water for 1 hour to remove starch.
• Pat fries very dry before frying to prevent splattering.
• Fry at 350°F until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
• Drain on a paper towel-lined pan then season immediately with Cajun seasoning or Old Bay.

The fries can be baked instead of fried. Simply follow package instructions for oven-baking.

Pro tip: prepare the fries while the cheese sauce simmers so both components finish around the same time.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is what makes crab fries restaurant-worthy. Use good quality American cheese and heat it slowly for the best consistency. Here’s how:

• Dice 1-2 lbs of American cheese into small cubes
• Add 2 cups milk or heavy cream to a saucepan over low heat
• Add a few cheese cubes at a time, stirring constantly as they melt
• When smooth, add more cheese a bit at a time until all incorporated into a creamy sauce
• Remove from heat; season with garlic powder, salt, Worcestershire sauce, etc.

Go slow, be patient, and whisk constantly for an ultra creamy, smooth sauce. The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently when ready to use.

Pro tip: Sodium citrate helps create an extra smooth cheese sauce that won’t separate. Use 1/2 tsp per 1 lb of cheese.

Step 3: Finish the Crab Fries

Now it’s time to bring the components together!

• Place seasoned fries on a baking sheet.
• Ladle warm cheese sauce evenly over the fries.
• Top with 1 lb of lump crab meat, carefully broken into pieces.
• Add more cheese sauce and shredded cheese if desired.
• Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.

Fresh chives, Old Bay, and lemon wedges make tasty garnishes! Serve the crab fries immediately while hot and melty.

Pro tip: substitute shrimp or lobster meat for a luxurious twist.

Tips for Making Perfect Crab Fries

Follow these tips and tricks for the best homemade crab fries:

• Use good melty cheese like Land O’Lakes for the sauce. Avoid pre-shredded cheese which can make gummy sauce.
• Cook the sauce over low heat to prevent curdling or separating.
• Thin the sauce with milk, cream, or chicken stock if too thick.
• Make sure fries are fully cooked before topping to prevent sogginess.
• Use lump crab meat, well drained and picked over for shell pieces.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon, hot sauce, malt vinegar, etc.
• Serve with dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, ranch or cheese sauce for dipping.

Storing and Reheating Crab Fries

The components of crab fries hold well for reheating later. Here are some storage tips:

• Store unsauced fries in an airtight container up to 3 days. Re-crisp in a 400°F oven.
• Refrigerate cheese sauce in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Drain crab meat well and store no more than 2 days.
• When ready to eat, steam cheese sauce until warm and smooth.
• Reheat fries in oven until hot and crispy.
• Assemble and broil just until cheese melts again before serving.

With proper storage, you can enjoy homemade crab fries all week long!

Creative Serving Suggestions for Crab Fries

Crab fries make a great appetizer or snack on their own. But you can also turn them into a meal by serving with sides like:

• Coleslaw or potato salad
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans or mac and cheese
• Fried pickles, mushrooms, or jalapenos
• Wedge salad or Caesar salad
• Cornbread muffins
• Homemade crab cakes

Or use crab fries as a tasty topping for:

• Hot dogs, burgers, or sandwiches
• Nachos
• Baked potatoes
• Omelets or breakfast hash
• Tacos
• Pizzas
• Salad

However you choose to enjoy them, crab fries make an indulgent special treat. The combo of hot crispy fries, rich cheese sauce, and sweet crab is irresistible.