Cheesy loaded fries are the ultimate comfort food, featuring a base of perfectly crispy fries, topped with generous amounts of melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits, then finished with cool sour cream and fresh green onions. They are great as a party appetiser, and elevate a classic snack into a memorable treat.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
900 gmFrozen French fries (thick fries or crinkle cut)
8 cupsHomemade French fries (from 4-5 large russet potatoes)
for bakingVegetable oil or cooking spray
to tasteSalt
to tasteBlack pepper
1½ cupsShredded cheddar cheese (For the toppings)
3 tbspCooked bacon (crumbled) or bacon bits (4-5 strips)
Preheat your oven to 220°C and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Cut 4-5 large russet potatoes into evenly-sized fries, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry. Arrange the potato strips in a single layer without overcrowding – use two baking sheets if needed.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Bake the fries until extra crispy
Lightly spray or drizzle with vegetable oil if making fresh fries. Season with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through cooking at the 15-minute mark. The fries should be golden brown, crispy on the edges, and cooked through. For frozen fries, follow package directions but add an extra 2-3 minutes to ensure maximum crispiness. Thicker fries may need a few extra minutes, while thinner fries might be ready sooner.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Prepare the toppings
While the fries are baking, prepare the toppings. If using raw bacon, cook 4-5 strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. If using pre-cooked bacon bits, measure out 3 tablespoons. Shred 1½ cups of cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded. Thinly slice 2 green onions, separating the white and green parts. If adding optional toppings like ground meat, cook it now with seasoning and drain the fat. Keep sour cream refrigerated until serving.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Turn on the broiler and add cheese and bacon
Once the fries are perfectly crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Turn your oven's broiler to high heat, around 260°C. Working quickly while the fries are still hot, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire surface of the fries. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese. If using more mozzarella for extra meltiness, layer it with the cheddar. Return the baking sheet to the oven and place it on the top rack under the broiler.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Broil until cheese melts
Broil for 1-3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots. The cheese should be gooey and stretchy. Keep a watchful eye, as the cheese can go from perfectly melted to burned in seconds. Different ovens vary in broiler intensity, so check frequently. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, immediately remove from the oven.
Description - Step 6
Step 6: Add fresh toppings and serve
Transfer the hot, cheesy loaded fries to a large serving platter, or serve directly from the baking sheet. Drizzle the sour cream over the top in decorative lines or dollop it in several spots across the fries. Generously sprinkle with sliced green onions – both the white and green parts. If using toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, avocado, or cooked ground meat, add them now. Serve immediately.
Step 1
Step 1: Preheat and prepare the baking sheet
5 Minutes
Step 2
Step 2: Bake the fries until extra crispy
25-30 Minutes
Step 3
Step 3: Prepare the toppings
5 Minutes
Step 4
Step 4: Turn on the broiler and add cheese and bacon
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American
Easy
Appetizer
