Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe

Try Our Irresistible Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe Tonight

Crispy golden fries smothered in melted cheese make a mouthwatering loaded cheese fries experience that’ll spark serious snack excitement.

Layers of gooey cheddar cascade over perfectly seasoned potato strips.

Bacon crumbles and green onions add delightful crunch and flavor depth.

Bold spices complement the creamy cheese sauce, creating an irresistible combination.

Comfort food doesn’t get more satisfying than these indulgent fries packed with savory goodness.

Quick and simple to assemble, you’ll become the ultimate party hero with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Dive into this cheesy masterpiece and watch everyone’s taste buds dance with pure culinary joy.

Why Loaded Cheese Fries Are A Crave-Worthy Snack

  • Crack Open Comfort: Loaded fries bring pure joy to any gathering, offering a crowd-pleasing dish that screams deliciousness.
  • Transform Frozen to Fabulous: No complex cooking skills needed – this recipe turns simple frozen fries into a restaurant-quality appetizer with minimal effort.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for game days, movie nights, or spontaneous snack cravings.
  • Customize Your Creation: Easily swap ingredients like different cheeses, add jalapeños, or use bacon alternatives to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You Need For Loaded Cheese Fries

Potato Base:
  • Frozen French Fries: The foundation of this delicious loaded dish that provides crispy texture and satisfying potato goodness.
Protein and Savory Toppings:
  • Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to complement the fries.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy, sharp flavor that melts beautifully over hot fries.
Garnish and Seasoning:
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the fries and toppings.
  • Green Onions: Offers a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright green color as a finishing touch.
  • Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy, tangy element to complete the loaded fries experience.

How To Bake Loaded Cheese Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon

Grab a skillet and chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook the bacon over medium heat until it transforms into crispy, golden perfection.

Transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Roast the Fries

Preheat your oven following the french fry package guidelines (usually around 400°F).

Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until they become wonderfully crisp and golden.

Step 3: Season the Fries

Once the fries are out of the oven, sprinkle them with a light touch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Shred the cheddar cheese and chop the green onions.

Scatter the shredded cheese evenly over the hot fries, creating a delicious blanket of melty goodness.

Step 5: Layer the Toppings

Distribute the crispy bacon pieces and a portion of the green onions over the cheesy fries.

Step 6: Melt and Finish

Return the loaded fries to the oven for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and become gloriously gooey.

Step 7: Final Touch

Remove from the oven and drizzle with creamy ranch dressing.

Sprinkle the remaining green onions on top for a fresh, zesty finish.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy your mouthwatering loaded cheese fries immediately while they’re hot and irresistible!

Tips For Gooey Loaded Cheese Fries

  • Opt for thick-cut frozen fries for extra crispiness and better texture when baking.
  • Pat bacon dry after cooking to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy fries.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, more even melting.
  • Watch the fries closely during the final cheese-melting stage to prevent burning or overcooking.
  • Swap ranch for spicy sriracha mayo or sour cream for a different flavor profile and added zest.

Fun Toppings For Loaded Cheese Fries

  • Spicy Jalapeño Loaded Fries: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick, topped with pepper jack cheese and sriracha drizzle.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Fries: Replace bacon with roasted chickpeas, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.
  • BBQ Pulled Pork Fries: Top fries with warm pulled pork, barbecue sauce, melted cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a hearty southern-style version.
  • Buffalo Chicken Fries: Shred cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, cover with blue cheese crumbles, and drizzle with extra buffalo sauce and ranch.

Great Sips With Loaded Cheese Fries

  • Pair Crisp Beer with Loaded Fries: Light lagers or hoppy IPAs cut through the richness of cheese and bacon, refreshing your palate with each bite.
  • Match Zesty Margarita: The tangy citrus and salt rim complement the savory fries, creating a balanced and exciting flavor combination.
  • Select Creamy Dipping Sauce Variations: Blend classic ranch with sriracha or chipotle sauce to enhance the loaded fries' complex taste profile.
  • Choose Sparkling White Wine: Crisp, acidic wines like Sauvignon Blanc help cleanse the palate between indulgent, cheesy bites.

How To Store Loaded Cheese Fries Properly

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover loaded cheese fries in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
  • Freezing: Avoid freezing loaded fries as the crispy texture will become soggy and lose quality. Bacon and cheese won't maintain their original taste and consistency.
  • Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and fries regain crispiness. Add fresh green onions after reheating.
  • Microwave Quick Option: Place fries on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking texture. Might become slightly soft but provides a faster reheating alternative when time is limited.

Loaded Cheese Fries FAQs You’ll Want

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavor profiles.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits, plant-based bacon, or crispy mushroom bits.

  • How can I make the fries extra crispy?

Use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation, or pat frozen fries dry before baking to reduce moisture and increase crispiness.

  • What are some optional toppings I can add?

Consider jalapeños, sour cream, chili, diced tomatoes, or crispy onion strings to customize your loaded cheese fries.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe

Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Irresistible loaded cheese fries bring savory comfort to classic American snacking with crispy potato wedges smothered in melted cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions. Hungry crowds will devour these mouthwatering fries that deliver bold flavor in every single bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) Bacon (diced and cooked)

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) Frozen French Fries
  • 810 ounces (227283 grams) Cheddar Cheese Block (shredded)

Toppings and Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup Ranch Dressing
  • 2 Green Onions (finely diced)
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare bacon by cutting into bite-sized pieces and fry in a skillet until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F and arrange frozen french fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  3. Bake fries for the recommended time on the package, typically 20-25 minutes, until they achieve a crispy golden exterior.
  4. After removing fries from the oven, immediately season with a light sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Distribute shredded cheddar cheese generously across the hot fries, allowing the residual heat to begin melting the cheese.
  6. Scatter crispy bacon pieces evenly over the cheese-covered fries.
  7. Return the loaded fries to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
  8. Remove from oven and drizzle with cool ranch dressing in a zigzag pattern across the surface.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions, providing a vibrant and zesty finishing touch.

Notes

  • Crisp up fries by ensuring they’re spread in a single layer, preventing soggy results and maximizing golden browning.
  • Drain bacon thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess grease, keeping the fries crunchy and preventing sogginess.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack or gruyère for unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic loaded fries.
  • Make this dish vegetarian by substituting bacon with crispy mushroom bits or roasted bell pepper strips for added texture and smokiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star