If you have a craving for something crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly savory, then this Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe is going to become your new go-to snack or appetizer. Picture golden-crisp crinkle-cut fries blanketed in a melty mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then topped with crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making these fries perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a little cheesy indulgence. Trust me, once you try this Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe, you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but essential for building the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory flavors. Each one plays a key role from the crispiness of the fries to the melty cheese and crunchy bacon that make this dish so irresistible.
- Frozen crinkle-cut French fries (28 oz): The foundation of this recipe, their ridges hold cheese and toppings beautifully and bake up crisp.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Adds that classic sharp, rich, and gooey cheese goodness everyone loves.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (½ cup): Brings a creamy mildness that melts smoothly alongside the cheddar.
- Bacon, 6 slices cooked and crumbled: Crispy, smoky bits that add irresistible texture and flavor depth.
- Sour cream (¼ cup): Provides a cool, tangy contrast to the warmth and richness of the cheese and fries.
- Green onions (2 thinly sliced): Fresh bursts of mild onion flavor and bright color on top.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Adds a touch of herbal freshness and visual appeal.
- Salt and pepper: Essentials for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
How to Make Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Fries
Start by baking the frozen crinkle-cut fries right in their bag’s recommended temperature and time until they turn golden and crispy. This ensures the base is perfectly crunchy, creating the ideal canvas for everything that follows.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
While the fries are baking, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s delightfully crisp. Then, transfer the slices onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and crumble them up once cooled. This crispy bacon gives the dish its smoky punch.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses
Once your fries are ready, spread them out on a large oven-safe dish or a sheet pan. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the fries. Pop them back in the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a bubbly, gooey layer that clings to each fry.
Step 4: Top and Season
Take the cheesy fries out of the oven and immediately pile on the crumbled bacon, drizzle on the sour cream, scatter the green onions, and sprinkle the optional parsley. Finish with a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve these beauties hot for maximum enjoyment.
How to Serve Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the standard toppings, you can customize your garnishes to your liking. Chopped jalapeños add a fiery kick, while a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of smoky paprika can elevate the flavor profile. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives also make lovely colorful additions.
Side Dishes
This Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or a vibrant fresh salad. For a full game-day spread, offer a selection of dips like guacamole, salsa, or creamy aioli on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these loaded fries in small cast-iron skillets or individual ramekins to keep them hot and crispy. A platter lined with parchment paper and piled high makes for fantastic party presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Because the cheese and fries can lose their crispiness, reheat carefully to revive their texture.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze leftover fries before adding toppings. Place cooled fries in a freezer-safe bag, then bake and top when ready to serve. Avoid freezing after adding sauce or toppings, as texture will suffer.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet so air circulates under the fries, helping them crisp up instead of turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices for this Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe, feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even gouda for unique flavors.
What’s the best way to make fries extra crispy?
Baking fries on a preheated sheet pan and ensuring they’re spread in a single layer helps them bake up crispy. If possible, avoid overcrowding the pan so they cook evenly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon and add extra cheese or toppings like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.
Is it okay to prepare this recipe without an oven-safe dish?
You can use a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper instead. Just make sure the pan is sturdy enough to go back into the oven for melting the cheese.
How spicy can I make the Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe?
Spice it up by adding sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or spicy sausage. A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper also gives a pleasant kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The combination of crunchy fries, melted cheeses, smoky bacon, and fresh toppings brings together comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a delicious treat, this recipe is sure to brighten your day. So go ahead, give it a try and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite cheesy indulgence.
Print
Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Loaded Cheese Fries are a deliciously indulgent appetizer featuring crispy crinkle-cut fries topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and a dollop of creamy sour cream. Perfect for game day snacks or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe combines savory and creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Fries and Cheese
- 1 bag (28 oz) frozen crinkle-cut French fries
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Toppings
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fries: Bake the frozen crinkle-cut French fries according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Cook the bacon: While the fries are baking, place the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, then transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Assemble the loaded fries: When the fries are done, transfer them to a large oven-safe dish or sheet pan. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the hot fries.
- Melt the cheese: Return the fries and cheese to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add toppings and season: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately top the cheesy fries with crumbled bacon, a drizzle of sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Serve the loaded cheese fries hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Substitute sour cream with ranch dressing for a different creamy flavor.
- Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
