Crunchy BBQ Cheeseburger Waffle Fries – The Ultimate Loaded Snack

Take everything you love about a BBQ bacon cheeseburger and pile it on top of golden waffle fries. That’s the magic of Crunchy BBQ Cheeseburger Waffle Fries—a snack-meets-meal that delivers major flavor with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for game day, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a twist.

With crispy fries, saucy beef, melty cheddar, and classic burger toppings, this is not your average sheet pan snack—it’s your new favorite way to do loaded fries.


Why I Love This Recipe

These loaded waffle fries are:

  • Easy to prep and baked on one sheet
  • A fun twist on burgers and fries
  • Great for crowd feeding or solo snacking
  • A fully customizable canvas for your favorite toppings
  • The kind of food that’s meant to be shared and devoured fast

Think of it as nachos… but cheeseburger-style, with waffle fries.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 bag frozen waffle fries (about 20 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup diced onions
  • ½ cup diced pickles
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins & Swaps

  • Add bacon bits or jalapeños for extra heat and crunch
  • Use ground turkey or plant-based meat instead of beef
  • Swap cheddar for pepper jack or a smoky gouda
  • Drizzle with ranch or chipotle mayo for a saucy twist

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven
    Follow the baking instructions on the bag of waffle fries—typically 425°F.
  2. Cook the beef
    In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add BBQ sauce
    Stir BBQ sauce into the cooked beef and simmer for a few minutes until thick and flavorful. Set aside.
  4. Bake the fries
    Spread waffle fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until crispy and golden, about 20–25 minutes.
  5. Assemble the loaded fries
    Remove fries from the oven. Top evenly with BBQ beef mixture, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
  6. Melt the cheese
    Return the tray to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Top it off
    Remove from the oven and sprinkle with diced onions and pickles.
  8. Mix your drizzle
    In a small bowl, stir together ketchup and mustard. Drizzle over the loaded fries.
  9. Serve hot
    Season with salt and pepper, slice into portions (or not), and dig in!

Tips for Success

  • Use convection bake or air fry setting for the crispiest fries
  • Don’t overcrowd the tray—spread fries evenly for max crunch
  • Want crispier cheese edges? Broil for the last 1–2 minutes
  • For party prep: Keep beef warm in a small slow cooker, then assemble to serve

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Make it a full comfort-food spread with:


Storage & Leftovers

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Reheat: Best reheated in a 400°F oven or air fryer for crispiness
  • Freeze: Not recommended once assembled—fries lose texture

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more loaded, cheesy party food? Try:


Final Thoughts

Crunchy BBQ Cheeseburger Waffle Fries are loud, messy, and totally irresistible—in the best way possible. Perfect for sharing (or not), this dish turns a bag of frozen fries into something unforgettable.

Try them tonight, tag @chefmaniac, and show off your loaded fry game—I can’t wait to see how golden, melty, and stacked yours turn out!