Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized fries, about 1/4 inch thick. Rinse the cut fries in cold water to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix until the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping for maximum crispiness.
Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy around the edges.
While the fries are baking, pour the shredded cheese into a medium saucepan and heat over low, stirring constantly until melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and transfer to a serving dish or keep on the baking sheet.
Pour the melted cheese generously over the hot fries, ensuring all pieces are covered with ooey-gooey cheese.
While the cheese is still warm and gooey, sprinkle the seasoning dust made from the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne over the top for an extra savory kick.
Serve the cheese fries immediately while hot and enjoy their crispy texture combined with melted cheese and flavorful seasoning.
