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
- 8–10 ounces (227–283 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
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and arrange frozen french fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake fries for the recommended time on the package, typically 20-25 minutes, until they achieve a crispy golden exterior.
- After removing fries from the oven, immediately season with a light sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Distribute shredded cheddar cheese generously across the hot fries, allowing the residual heat to begin melting the cheese.
- Scatter crispy bacon pieces evenly over the cheese-covered fries.
- Return the loaded fries to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with cool ranch dressing in a zigzag pattern across the surface.
- 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