Name: Loaded Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½–2 lb frozen or homemade fries (crinkle, curly, steak, or waffle cut); 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese (optional); 2–3 stalks green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated); Pickled jalapeños, to taste (optional); Sour cream or ranch dressing, for garnish and dipping; 3 Tbsp butter (for cheese sauce); 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for cheese sauce); 2 cups whole milk (for cheese sauce); ¼ cup heavy cream or 1 cup brown gravy (optional for drizzle)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded fries combine crispy, golden fries with rich, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh accents like green onions or jalapeños. They’re quick and easy, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at parties or game-day gatherings.

ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen or homemade fries – 1½–2 lb (crinkle, curly, steak, or waffle cut)

Bacon – 6–8 slices, cooked and crumbled

Shredded cheddar cheese – 1½ cups

Additional cheese (mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack) – 1 cup (optional for extra gooeyness)

Green onions – 2–3 stalks, sliced (reserve white and green parts separately)

Pickled jalapeños – to taste (optional for heat)

Sour cream or ranch dressing – for garnish and dipping

Butter – 3 Tbsp (if making cheese sauce)

All-purpose flour – 3 Tbsp (cheese sauce)

Whole milk – 2 cups (cheese sauce)

Cream or gravy – optional drizzle (e.g., ¼ cup heavy cream, or 1 cup brown gravy)

directions
Preheat oven to 425 °F. Bake fries per package instructions until crisp (25–30 minutes).

Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble.

If making cheese sauce: melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, slowly add milk, then stir in cheese until smooth and creamy.

Spread half of the fries on a baking dish or platter. Drizzle with cheese sauce or sprinkle shredded cheese. Add half of the bacon and white parts of green onions.

Repeat layering with remaining fries, cheese, and toppings.

Broil for 1–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.

Garnish with green onion tops, jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream or ranch.

Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 as an appetizer or snack.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes (baking fries) + 2–5 minutes (melting toppings)
Total: 35–40 minutes

Variations
Loaded chili cheese fries: Top with warm chili and shredded cheddar or mozzarella.

Burger-style fries: Add ground beef, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese.

Fried-chicken mac’n’cheese fries: Add creamy mac & cheese and crispy chicken pieces.

Healthier version: Use air-fried potato fries, light cheese, and avocado or Greek yogurt.

storage/reheating
Store: Let fries cool for 15 minutes to prevent sogginess. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Spread fries on a baking sheet and reheat at 400 °F for 4–6 minutes or until fries are crisp and cheese is melty.

FAQs
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes! Slice potatoes, soak in cold water for 20–30 minutes, dry thoroughly, and bake or air-fry until crisp.

2. What cheeses melt best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack melt well. Velveeta or processed cheese makes an extra creamy sauce.

3. How can I make a creamy cheese sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour, slowly add milk, and stir in cheese until smooth and thickened.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour for the sauce and check that bacon and fries are gluten-free.

5. Are loaded fries suitable for parties?
Absolutely. Bake fries ahead and reheat with toppings under the broiler just before serving.

6. Can I prep ahead?
You can pre-cook bacon, shred cheese, and chop toppings. Assemble and broil just before serving.

7. What if I don’t have a broiler?
Use a hot oven (425–450 °F) for 3–5 minutes to melt the cheese.

8. How can I add more protein?
Add ground beef, pulled pork, shredded chicken, or a scoop of chili.

9. How can I reduce calories?
Use baked fries, turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and lighter sauces like Greek yogurt.

10. Can I make them spicy?
Yes! Add pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, spicy cheese, or a sriracha drizzle.

Conclusion
Loaded fries deliver unbeatable comfort food vibes—with crispy fries as the foundation, rich cheese, savory bacon, and fresh toppings creating pure indulgence. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any casual gathering or satisfying snack. Try them as-is or get creative with toppings like chili, pulled pork, or fried chicken—it’s all fair game. When you’re craving something fun and delicious, loaded fries always deliver.