Description
Loaded Cheese Fries are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring crispy baked French fries smothered in melted cheddar cheese, topped with crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and drizzled with creamy sour cream. Perfect for game days or parties, these cheesy fries can be customized with optional ranch dressing or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 1 bag (about 26 oz) frozen French fries
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ranch dressing or jalapeños for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen French fries evenly on a baking sheet and bake according to the package instructions until they are golden and crispy, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Season Fries: Remove the fries from the oven and season them lightly with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring even flavor throughout.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Transfer the seasoned fries to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Evenly sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the fries. Return the skillet to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted into a gooey topping.
- Add Bacon and Green Onions: Once the cheese is melted, take the fries out of the oven and immediately top them with ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon and ¼ cup sliced green onions to add savory crunch and freshness.
- Finish with Sour Cream and Optional Toppings: Drizzle ¼ cup sour cream over the fries for a creamy finish. Optionally, add ranch dressing or sliced jalapeños if you prefer extra zest and spice. Serve the loaded cheese fries hot for the best experience.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen fries with freshly made fries or wedge-cut potatoes for a homemade twist.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella to vary the flavor profile.
- For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken or ground beef on top before serving.
