If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, you’ve just found it! Loaded cheese fries are the kind of indulgent snack or side dish that everyone can get behind. Picture golden, crispy fries smothered in ooey-gooey melted cheese, topped with crispy bacon, sour cream, and all your favorite fixings. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a late-night treat, or just need a little comfort food, these loaded fries are always a hit. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Loaded Cheese Fries
These loaded cheese fries are everything you want in a snack or side dish – crispy, cheesy, salty, and just downright delicious. Here’s why you’re going to love them:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual night in front of the TV, a party appetizer, or as a side to a burger or grilled chicken.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like frozen fries, cheese, and bacon, this dish won’t break the bank. You get all the flavor without spending a fortune.
Quick and Easy: It’s the kind of dish that’s so easy to throw together, yet it feels like a real treat. The fries cook quickly, and the toppings come together in a snap.
Customizable: Don’t be afraid to switch it up! Add jalapeños for a little spice, or top them with guacamole for a creamy twist. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing: This one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s nearly impossible to resist the combination of crispy fries, melted cheese, and savory toppings. Everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients in Loaded Cheese Fries
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible dish:
Frozen Fries: The base of this dish – golden, crispy fries that form the perfect foundation for all the cheesy goodness that’s to come. You can opt for regular fries, crinkle-cut, or even sweet potato fries if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cheese: We’re talking about melty, gooey cheese. Shredded cheddar is the classic choice, but you can use any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds that salty, savory crunch that perfectly complements the fries and cheese. It’s the perfect topping to take this dish over the top.
Sour Cream: A cool, creamy dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances out the heat of the cheese and the saltiness of the bacon.
Green Onions: These add a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the cheese and bacon. Plus, they give a nice pop of color.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to make these loaded cheese fries:
Bake the Fries: Start by baking your frozen fries according to the package instructions. Make sure they’re nice and crispy – that’s the foundation of a great dish.
Cook the Bacon: While the fries are baking, cook your bacon until it’s crispy. Once it’s done, crumble it into small pieces. Set it aside.
Melt the Cheese: When your fries are done, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Return the fries to the oven for a few more minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Assemble the Fries: Once the cheese is melted, remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the top. Add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions for that finishing touch.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the fries are crispy. These loaded cheese fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400-450 (depending on portion size and toppings)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Loaded Cheese Fries
These loaded cheese fries make an excellent snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with burgers, chicken wings, or grilled meats. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of fresh salad or coleslaw to balance out the richness.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your loaded cheese fries even more irresistible:
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of paprika or chili powder before serving.
- Want to take them to the next level? Top with some guacamole or fresh salsa for an added twist.
- If you prefer to use homemade fries, simply cut potatoes into strips, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until golden and crispy.
FAQ’s
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Yes! Cut fresh potatoes into fries, season them, and bake them just like frozen fries. Fresh fries will add a more homemade feel. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Loaded cheese fries are best served fresh, but you can bake the fries and store them in the fridge, then reheat and top them later. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack are great alternatives. Just make sure the cheese melts well. - How do I make these spicier?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of chili powder to give them a spicy kick! - Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes! Simply leave out the bacon and substitute with other toppings like sautéed mushrooms or more vegetables. - Can I use a cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese?
Yes, you can drizzle cheese sauce over the fries if you prefer a smoother, creamier texture. - How can I make these healthier?
You can opt for baked fries, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and choose a lighter sour cream or Greek yogurt. - Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry your frozen fries according to the package instructions, then top with cheese and continue as directed. - How long will these keep in the fridge?
Loaded cheese fries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results. - Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Consider adding diced tomatoes, olives, or even guacamole to make them your own.
Conclusion
Loaded cheese fries are the ultimate indulgence – crispy fries, gooey melted cheese, and all the savory toppings you can imagine. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or a fun appetizer, these fries will be the star of the show. Easy to make, customizable, and always delicious – what’s not to love? Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
Print
Loaded Cheese Fries
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Cheese Fries are crispy, golden French fries topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. This indulgent dish is perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
– 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Salt to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the potatoes into fries (about 1/2-inch thick) and toss them with vegetable oil and a pinch of salt.
3. Spread the fries evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake the fries in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over them.
6. Return the fries to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
7. Remove from the oven and top with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions.
8. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream on top, and season with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Notes
– You can add jalapeños for an extra kick if you enjoy a bit of spice.
– For a healthier version, bake the fries instead of frying them, or use sweet potatoes.
– If you prefer a non-bacon option, substitute with sautéed mushrooms or a vegetarian bacon alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 40g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg