Southwestern Cheddar Steak Fries

1 lb red potatoes, washed and cut into wedges or chunks  (used regular white)
1-2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp Chipotle Chili Pepper Seasoning
1 tsp cilantro
1/4 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped red (or green) bell pepper
1 Jalapeno, finely diced (Optional)


Preheat oven to 425F. Line a large baking sheet with tinfoil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Place potatoes in a medium bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Stir potatoes, making sure each one is coated well. Measure seasonings into a small bowl, stir to blend. Dump over potatoes and stir until potatoes are coated.

Spread in single layer on cookie sheet and bake in oven until potatoes are tender. Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped bell pepper and diced jalapeno, bake 10 minutes, remove from oven, top with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to oven until cheese is melted.

Quick Method:
Now that you know the Oven Method- here's the quick method to cook these in under 20 minutes total.

Wash the potatoes, cut them into chunks and place them in a Ziploc Steamer Bag. Cook them for 5 minutes in the microwave. Dump the hot potato chunks into a bowl, add the olive oil, stir to coat, add the seasonings. Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with chopped bell pepper and diced jalapeno, bake 10 minutes, remove from oven, top with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to oven until cheese is melted. Total time is about 18 minutes.