Garlic Artichoke Fries

These Garlic Artichoke Fries are brought to you in part by Collective Bias® and its advertiser to help you create festive homegating recipes for the big game! These fries are a take on a favorite artichoke dip and turned into a classy and unique appetizer!  As always, the recipe and opinions in this post are my own. #GameTimeGrub #CollectiveBias

We're talking about "homegating" recipes this week in order to get you ready for the big game! Do you usually stay in, go to a party, or go out to celebrate and watch the game? For those of you staying in or going to a family member's or friend's house, you can easily make restaurant quality appetizers at home and not venture out to the busy restaurants and bars in order to watch the game.

This year, I decided to make a twist on a classic dish with Alexia Smart Classics Crinkle Fries that I found at Walmart. Alexia products are superb quality food to use in your recipes; I've loved their products for years! The fries are thick and crunchy, and are honestly one of my favorite frozen food products. Because of the quality, they offer a little more versatility of some of the other products that I have tried. Please see below on where you can find these products in your local Walmart, and please also keep reading for more information about these unique Garlic Artichoke Fries that I'm sharing with you today!

A favorite and classic appetizer is spinach artichoke dip. It's certainly one of mine! And actually one of my favorite appetizers is a take on spinach artichoke dip, but it's garlic artichoke dip-- take out the spinach and add in more garlic. It's a recipe that I always make for get togethers, and everyone loves it-- like "fighting for scraps" loving it!

I decided to take my favorite dip and turn it into smothered fries, which created a unique and a little more classy take of typical bar food (fries and artichoke dip). Being that bar food is some of the best tasting food in the world (for me anyway), combining the two dishes seemed like an delicious idea and the results were awesome!

I went ahead and made these into individual servings, which you can certainly do or you can make these family style and have everyone pick at them. They are pretty hearty, so they can make a small meal that you can eat with a fork.

What kinds of food will you be making for the big game?

You can find more information about Alexia products through their Facebook page, their Pinterest page. And if you're looking for some great big game recipes for your homegating, check out these game time grub recipes!

Garlic Artichoke Fries
a Tortillas and Honey original recipe

32-oz. package Alexia Smart Classics Crinkle Cut Fries
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
14-oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, plus about 1/2 c. more for garnish
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Note: you can add additions in here too! (think cooked bacon, green chile, spinach, etc.!)

Make fries according to package.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Lower the heat and combine the remaining ingredients (including any other additions if you choose, see above note) in the saucepan, except for the parsley. Stir the mixture until it is just slightly melted.

Here, decide how you're going to serve your fries! For individual portions, use 4-6 ramekins or oven-proof soup bowls. If you're serving family style, use a 9x13 rimmed baking pan or another large sized oven-safe baking dish. Make sure these dishes are safe to use under the broiler.

Preheat oven broiler. Distribute fries onto the bottom of your preferred baking dish(es). Top with artichoke mixture (you may have leftovers!), then sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Place dish(es) under preheated broiler 4-5 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley for garish. Serve immediately.

If you  have leftover/unused garlic artichoke mixture, use on a baked potato or use as a dip with your favorite chips!

Makes 4-6 servings