Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! There are some foods that just embody comfort, and for me, a heaping platter of Loaded French Fries with Cheese and Bacon is at the very top of that list. It’s the ultimate combination of savory, salty, and cheesy goodness, a perfect indulgence for a game day, a movie night, or just a Tuesday when you need a little something special. While it might feel like something you can only get at a restaurant, I’m here to show you how easy it is to make a truly spectacular version right in your own kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is proof that some of the best foods are the simplest. What I love most about loaded fries is the texture contrast: the crispy, golden fries providing a sturdy base, the gooey, melted cheese creating a savory blanket, and the crunchy, salty bacon adding a final pop of flavor. It’s a complete sensory experience. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to turn a simple bag of frozen fries into a show-stopping appetizer or a fun, family-friendly meal. The best part? It’s incredibly customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen french fries (waffle, crinkle-cut, or steak fries work great)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or a cheddar-jack blend
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream or ranch dressing
- Sliced jalapeños
- Ketchup or a spicy aioli
Swaps and Notes
- Fries: While I’m using frozen fries for convenience, you can absolutely make your own from scratch. For frozen fries, choose a thicker cut—they hold up to the toppings better.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar is a classic for a reason, but feel free to experiment. Pepper Jack would add a nice kick, or you could use a three-cheese blend. For the best melt, I highly recommend shredding a block of cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
- Bacon: A thick-cut bacon will give you a heartier flavor and texture. You can cook it in a skillet, but baking it on a sheet pan is an easy, low-mess method.
- Green Onions: The green onions add a fresh, sharp bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon. Don’t skip them!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your frozen french fry package, typically around 425°F (220°C).
- Cook the Bacon: While the oven preheats, cook your bacon. I like to lay the strips on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until crispy. Once cooked, let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate before crumbling.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the frozen french fries in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet. This is crucial for getting them crispy. Follow the package directions for cooking time, usually about 20–25 minutes.
- Assemble the Loaded Fries: Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot fries, then scatter the crumbled bacon over the top.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the baking sheet back in the oven and turn on the broiler. Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching it very closely. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, but not burned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the fries from the oven. Sprinkle the fresh, thinly sliced green onions over the top. If you’re using optional toppings, now is the time to add them. Serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and gooey.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For crispy fries, you need to give them space. If your baking sheet is too small, use two or cook them in batches.
- Hot Surface: For extra crispy fries, let your baking sheet heat up in the oven for a few minutes before you add the fries. This helps to sear the fries as soon as they hit the pan.
- Watch the Broiler: The broiler can go from perfect to burned in a flash. Stay right by the oven and watch the cheese melt.
- Serve Immediately: Loaded fries are best eaten as soon as they’re ready. As they sit, the fries can get soggy from the toppings.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Loaded fries are a party food hack, and they’re the star of the show. You can serve them as an appetizer alongside other crowd-pleasing snacks like crockpot nacho dip or totchos. For a fun, interactive dinner, serve them as part of a meal with a build-your-own topping bar, much like my walking taco bar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Loaded fries are best eaten fresh. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, the best method is to pop them in an air fryer or a hot oven (350°F / 175°C) until crispy and heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of these easy, crowd-pleasing comfort foods, you might also enjoy these other recipes:
- This Dorito Casserole is my favorite weeknight dinner shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas are my favorite way to feed a crowd fast
Final Thoughts
This Loaded French Fries recipe is a simple, indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. It proves that you can create something truly special with just a few ingredients and a little bit of love. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a platter of these incredible fries.
What’s your favorite topping for loaded fries? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that make cooking fun and delicious.
Ultimate Loaded French Fries with Cheese and Bacon
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen French fries
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the French fries.
- Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake the fries in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Once out of the oven, drizzle sour cream over the fries and sprinkle with sliced green onions.
- Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy your ultimate loaded French fries!
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