Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe are the ultimate indulgent comfort food, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a treat all to yourself. Crispy, golden fries are piled high with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and an array of flavorful toppings, making every bite an explosion of savory goodness. These fries are highly versatile, allowing you to add your favorite toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, or even chili for a heartier version. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or party snack, Loaded Cheese Fries are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, making them a go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Fries:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (if making fries from scratch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup sliced green onions or chives
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional)
Optional Add-Ons:
- Chili or taco meat for a heartier dish
- Guacamole or avocado slices for a creamy twist
- Ranch dressing or hot sauce for drizzling
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fries:
- If using frozen fries, cook them according to the package instructions. For extra crispiness, bake or air fry them until golden and crispy.
- If making homemade fries, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut potatoes into thin strips, toss them in vegetable oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
-
Cook the Bacon:
While the fries are cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. You can fry it in a pan, bake it in the oven, or use a microwave. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. -
Assemble the Cheese Fries:
- Once the fries are cooked, transfer them to a large oven-safe dish or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the fries. Make sure the cheese covers the fries evenly for maximum gooeyness.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
-
Melt the Cheese:
- Place the dish in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
-
Add the Toppings:
- Remove the fries from the oven and immediately top them with sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes, if desired.
- Add any additional toppings, like chili or guacamole, to suit your taste.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the loaded cheese fries immediately while they’re hot and gooey. Add a drizzle of ranch dressing or hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.
FAQs:
1. Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the frozen fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For homemade fries, cut and season the potatoes, then air fry them at the same temperature.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for unique flavors.
3. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the bacon and add vegetarian-friendly toppings like sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or black beans.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
While fries are best served fresh, you can prep the toppings ahead of time to save time. Assemble the fries and toppings just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) to restore the crispiness of the fries. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy.
6. What dips pair well with loaded cheese fries?
Popular options include ranch dressing, sour cream, spicy sriracha mayo, BBQ sauce, or even queso for an extra cheesy experience.
Loaded Cheese Fries are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be as simple or extravagant as you like. Experiment with toppings and flavors to make this indulgent treat your own!
