Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food—crispy golden fries smothered in melted cheese, crispy bacon, and finished with your favorite toppings. Whether served as an appetizer, game-day snack, or indulgent side dish, these fries are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy fries topped with gooey melted cheese and crispy bacon
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and sauces
- Great as an appetizer, snack, or indulgent side dish
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Frozen or homemade French fries (straight-cut or crinkle-cut)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Green onions, sliced
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Ranch dressing (optional, for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, or hot sauce
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or cook the fries according to package instructions.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crispy.
- While the fries are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- Once the fries are cooked, sprinkle them evenly with shredded cheese and bacon.
- Return the fries to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with sliced green onions and any additional toppings of your choice.
- Serve immediately with sour cream or ranch dressing on the side.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Bacon Cheese Fries: Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce for extra heat.
- Loaded Chili Cheese Fries: Add a layer of chili before sprinkling with cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: Replace cheddar cheese with Parmesan and add minced garlic for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and warmed through (about 10 minutes).
- Avoid microwaving as it can make the fries soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?
Yes, cut potatoes into fries, season them, and bake or fry them until crispy.
What cheese works best for loaded fries?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work well for melting.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, cook the fries in the air fryer and then melt the cheese and bacon by returning them to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
How do I make the fries extra crispy?
Soak fresh-cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before baking or frying.
Can I add ground beef or chicken?
Yes, adding seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken can turn this into a loaded meal.
What dipping sauces go well with bacon cheese fries?
Ranch, sour cream, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce are all great dipping options.
How do I keep the fries from getting soggy?
Serve immediately after baking and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Yes, turkey bacon is a lighter alternative and works just as well.
Are these fries gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the fries and bacon you use are gluten-free. Check labels to be sure.
Can I prepare loaded fries ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but for the best texture, assemble and bake just before serving.
Conclusion
Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries are the perfect indulgence—crispy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor. Ideal for sharing at game nights, parties, or enjoying as a satisfying treat, this recipe is customizable and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve with your favorite sauces and toppings for the ultimate cheesy, bacon-loaded experience!
PrintLoaded Bacon Cheese Fries Recipe
These Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries are the ultimate indulgent snack! Crispy fries are topped with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and finished with a drizzle of ranch or sour cream. Perfect for game day, parties, or when you’re craving some serious comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 900 g (2 lbs) frozen or homemade French fries
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Toppings (Optional):
- Ranch dressing or sour cream
- Jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
1. Cook the fries:
- Preheat the oven according to the instructions on your frozen fries (usually 220°C/425°F).
- Arrange the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Bake until crispy and golden, about 20-25 minutes (or according to package instructions).
2. Prepare the bacon:
- While the fries are baking, cook the bacon in a pan until crispy.
- Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
3. Load up the fries:
- Once the fries are crispy, remove them from the oven.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the fries, followed by the crumbled bacon.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish and serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Add optional toppings like jalapeño slices, ranch dressing, or a drizzle of sour cream.
- Serve immediately while hot and gooey!
Notes
- Use waffle fries or crinkle-cut fries for more surface area and extra crispiness.
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for different flavors.
- For a smoky kick, drizzle with BBQ sauce instead of ranch.