Craving a decadent treat to tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than these loaded bacon and cheese fries! This recipe elevates the humble French fry to new heights by smothering them in a luscious homemade cheese sauce, crispy bacon bits, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a savory snack, or simply want to indulge in some comfort food, these loaded fries are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag frozen French fries (32 oz)
- Cheese sauce (recipe below)
- ½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup sour cream
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, shredded (6 ounces)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Bake the frozen French fries according to the package directions until they are golden and crispy.
- While the fries are baking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle them with the prepared cheese sauce. Sprinkle the crispy bacon crumbles over the cheese sauce.
- Dollop the sour cream over the bacon and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top.
- Serve the loaded bacon and cheese fries immediately as a delicious appetizer or side dish, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: Varies Total Time: 40 minutes Servings: 6
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve the loaded bacon and cheese fries immediately after preparing to enjoy them at their crispiest and most flavorful.
- Garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.
- Pair these indulgent fries with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or spicy ketchup for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage Tips:
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place the fries on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- Avoid storing the loaded fries with the toppings for too long, as they may become soggy. Instead, store the fries separately and add the toppings just before reheating and serving.
Variations:
- Loaded BBQ Bacon Fries: Substitute the regular bacon with barbecue-flavored bacon for a smoky twist. Drizzle the fries with your favorite BBQ sauce before adding the cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Veggie Lover’s Loaded Fries: For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and instead top the fries with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Add a sprinkle of diced tomatoes and avocado slices for a fresh and colorful twist.
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper Fries: Mix diced pickled jalapeños into the cheese sauce for a spicy kick. Top the fries with cream cheese drizzle, crispy bacon, and additional sliced jalapeños for a fiery and indulgent treat.
- Mediterranean Loaded Fries: Top the fries with crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries: Toss shredded cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and layer it on top of the fries. Drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese for a tangy and spicy flavor combination.
- Breakfast Loaded Fries: Serve loaded fries for breakfast by topping them with scrambled eggs, crumbled breakfast sausage, shredded cheese, and a dollop of salsa or avocado crema. Perfect for a hearty morning meal or brunch option.
FAQs:
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries? Yes, you can absolutely use fresh potatoes to make your fries. Simply cut them into desired shapes, coat with oil and seasonings, and bake or fry until crispy before adding toppings.
- Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time? While it’s best to prepare the cheese sauce fresh for optimal flavor and texture, you can make it ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling it over the fries.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the cheese sauce. Also, ensure that your frozen fries are certified gluten-free.
- Can I use a different type of cheese for the sauce? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Gouda to customize the flavor of your cheese sauce according to your preferences.
- Can I make these fries in an air fryer? Yes, you can make these loaded fries in an air fryer. Simply follow the instructions for cooking frozen fries in your air fryer, then proceed with adding toppings as directed in the recipe.
- How can I make these fries less greasy? To reduce greasiness, be sure to drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease before crumbling it over the fries. You can also opt for leaner bacon or bake it instead of frying.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this recipe by using dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese alternatives for the cheese sauce. There are many plant-based options available that melt and taste similar to dairy cheese.
With their crispy exterior, gooey cheese sauce, savory bacon, and fresh toppings, these loaded bacon and cheese fries are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a gathering or treating yourself to a cozy night in, these indulgent fries are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. So go ahead, whip up a batch today and experience the ultimate comfort food bliss!