Crispy fries topped with melted cheddar, bacon, and other yummy toppings are what culinary dreams are made of!
What do you get when you combine two favorite side dishes—loaded baked potatoes and French fries? Loaded fries, of course! The combination is as irresistible as it sounds, and your family will beg you to make it time and again. With the smokiness of bacon, the tang of ranch dressing, and the creamy goodness of melted cheddar, you get what can only be described as a flavor explosion in every delicious bite.
Most kids would easily say that French fries are their favorite vegetable side, which, of course, makes many parents cringe. We want them to make healthy choices, and while loaded fries have more calories than plain ones, baking these potatoes reduces the fat you would get from deep-fried ones.
Now, if you want to get really sneaky (insert maniacal mom laugh), add some roasted carrot sticks, zucchini sticks, and asparagus spears to the tray before you sprinkle on the shredded cheese. Not only will it look pretty with all those colors, but you may even see the veggies disappear with the potatoes. If you mix them in with the French fries, the little ones will be hard-pressed not to “accidentally” grab a few while eating.
These fries are perfect for a casual dinner, game-day snack, or anytime you get the urge for a savory, cheesy treat. If feeding a crowd, be prepared to make a few batches, as they disappear as fast as you bring them to the table. You can make the potatoes in an air fryer before placing them on the baking sheet and covering them with cheese and other toppings. That is especially helpful if you need to make multiple batches. The potatoes can heat up in the air fryer while others are in the oven. Cooking the bacon in the air fryer is another excellent option for incredible crispness.
*Note: I like to put a layer of parchment paper on the baking sheet before I add the potatoes. That way, cleanup is a bit easier since I don’t have to worry about melted cheese sticking to the pan.
Try these loaded fry flavor mashups
One of the best things about making loaded fries is that there are no rules about which toppings you can use. When using cheese, I always recommend shredding it yourself if you have a few extra minutes. That way, you don’t have the fillers added that prevent clumping but also inhibit ideal melting. A big-holed grater is perfect for quickly shredding cheese.
Use any potatoes, including sweet potato fries, Tater Tots, and waffle fries, for loaded spuds. Turn loaded fries into loaded nacho fries with toppings like cooked ground beef, chopped tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped avocado, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and sour cream. Swap ranch dressing for barbecue sauce, Buffalo sauce, pizza sauce, blue cheese dressing, or taco sauce. Here are some fun cheese and sauce combinations:
- Sharp cheddar or Colby Jack blends taste great with blue cheese dressing.
- Mozzarella is great with pizza sauce.
- Pepper or Monterey Jack cheese is delicious with taco or Buffalo sauce.
- Smoky cheddar or provolone goes well with barbecue sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Although best right from the oven, you can let loaded fries cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven or under the broiler for a few minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted again. Watch closely if using the broiler so that they don’t burn.
Serving suggestions
Loaded fries are the perfect accompaniment to Buffalo Wings, Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, and this Bacon Cheeseburger Recipe. Add some Roasted Green Beans that are also fun to eat. Serve a game-day spread featuring loaded fries, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Shrimp Deviled Eggs, Hot Wings, and this delicious Avocado Dip Recipe. Don’t forget to put out an assortment of chips and fresh veggies for dipping.
Loaded Fries
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 16 ounces frozen French fries
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green onions sliced
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Pickled jalapeño slices (or fresh slices) for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Dice the bacon and cook in a pan over medium heat until crisp. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F and spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake the fries according to package directions, until they are golden and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the oven. Sprinkle the fries with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the fries, then add the cooked bacon and green onions.
- Return the fries to the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle on pickled jalapeños (if using) before serving immediately.
Leave a Comment