Loaded French Fries
These Loaded French Fries are a total game-changer! Crispy, golden fries smothered in melted cheese, topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onion, it’s pure comfort food!
Whether you’re watching the big game or kicking back on a Friday night, this crowd pleaser is ridiculously easy to make and impossible to stop eating!
SAVE THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!
We'll send this recipe to your inbox, so you can find it when you need it!
I absolutely love French fries! They’re already amazing on their own, but when you add crispy bacon and tons of melty cheese, they become the perfect appetizer! For my kids, I keep it simple with just bacon, cheese, and onion, but when it’s my plate, I load them up with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, red onions, and sometimes do ground meat.
It’s seriously the best appetizer, a big pile of delicious French fries covered in all the toppings. Yum! I need to go make these again right now, and so do you, LOL!
What you’ll love about this French Fries Recipe:
Recipe Ingredients:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these amazing Loaded Cheese Fries:
- Bag of frozen French fries
- Bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onion
- Garlic salt- You can use garlic powder and salt instead.
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Frozen French Fries: Choose your favorite style, like steak fries, crinkle cut fries, or waffle fries, for variety. I LOVE all French fries, LOL!
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for cheesy fries, but feel free to use a cheese blend for added flavor.
- Bacon: Crispy, chopped bacon brings savory crunch to every bite, so yum! Or you bacon bits instead.
HOW TO MAKE LOADED FRENCH FRIES STEP-BY-STEP:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
Step 1: Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, or use aluminum foil. Bake according to the package directions, until French fries are golden and crispy.
Step 2: While the fries bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess oil and set the bacon bits aside.
Step 3: Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle with garlic salt.
Step 4: Top the hot fries with shredded cheese, then return to the oven for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese creates that gooey layer of cheesy goodness!
Step 5: Remove from the oven and do a drizzle of ranch dressing and sprinkle with crispy bacon, and green onions.
Step 6: Serve immediately as a game-day snack or a great option for parties.
PRO TIP:
For extra crispiness, bake the fries on a large baking sheet and flip halfway through cooking.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Heat in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer basket to crisp the fries back up.
Freezing: Not recommended, as fries lose their texture when frozen and reheated.
Additions and Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Meat Toppings: Add lean ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.
- Cheese Sauce: Drizzle with a homemade creamy cheese sauce for even more cheesy goodness.
- Veggies: Top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or jalapeños for a fresh twist.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Cheddar Cheese: Use mozzarella cheese, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different cheesy twist.
- French Fries: Swap with steak fries, tater tots, or Greek fries for a different base.
- Ranch Dressing: Replace with hot sauce, your favorite big mac sauce, or sour cream.
FAQs for for these Loaded Cheese Fries:
Can I make these in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Cook your fries in the air fryer first, then add toppings and air fry for another 2-3 minutes at 350°F to melt the cheese. Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?
Yes! Homemade fries work great. Just make sure they’re fully cooked and crispy before adding the toppings. You can use russet potatoes cut into fries, or even sweet potato fries for a twist.
What are some other cheese options?
Try American cheese, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack cheese blend for variety.
What can I serve with these baked French fries?
Serve these loaded fries as a side with our Easy Mini Meatloaf Muffins, Bacon Chicken Ranch Sliders, or Pizza Cupcakes for the perfect party spread. They also make an incredible appetizer for game days!
Are you looking for more Game Day Snacks? Try our Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls, Velveeta Sausage Dip, or our amazing Chili Soup.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try these Loaded French Fries! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!
Loaded French Fries
Equipment
- 1 sheet pan
Ingredients
- 1 26 ounce bag frozen french fries
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- Ranch dressing for serving optional
Instructions
- Bake french fries according to package directions until golden brown and crispy.
- While fries are baking, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon to paper towel-lined plate.
- Remove fries from oven and sprinkle with garlic salt.
- Top hot fries with shredded cheese and return to oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Remove from oven and top with crispy bacon, green onions and ranch, if desired.
Notes
Pro Tip:
For extra crispiness, bake the fries on a large baking sheet and flip halfway through cooking. Note: I used Ore Ida Extra crispy fast food French fries, but feel free to use your favorite fries.Nutrition
This post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you using these links. We appreciate your support!
Great for a cold cold day. Great recipe