Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries

Loaded bacon cheese fries are my answer when cravings strike and regular fries simply will not do. These crispy oven-baked potatoes get smothered in gooey melted cheese and plenty of bacon then topped off with cool sour cream and scallions for that perfect salty rich bite.

Making these for Friday movie nights has become our favorite little ritual Everyone cheers when the pan hits the table and not a single fry is ever left behind

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: They hold their shape and crisp up best in the oven Choose ones that feel heavy and firm with minimal blemishes
• Olive oil: Helps the fries get that golden exterior Use a fresh extra virgin for best taste
• Smoked paprika: Lends deep savoury flavor and that classic loaded fry aroma Spanish smoked paprika or pimentón is ideal
• Garlic powder and chili powder: Add layers of warmth and little heat Use fresh spices for best punch
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for bright potato flavor and heat Always taste and adjust right after baking
• Thick cut bacon: The star of the show Choose bacon with a nice balance of meat and fat and slice it thick if possible
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and brings rich tang Pro tip Grate it yourself for max melt
• Blue cheese (optional): Adds a funky creamy contrast Go for a quality blue crumbled just before serving
• Green onions: Their freshness lifts the whole dish Chop them superfine for even flavor
• Sour cream: Cool creamy dollops balance all that saltiness
• Fresh parsley: For a pop of color and grassy notes Just a sprinkle to finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Potatoes:

Scrub russet potatoes well since you leave the skin on for added flavor and texture Cut them into thin fries about one quarter inch thick Try to make them as even as possible for perfect crisping

Toss with Seasonings:

Toss the raw fries in olive oil smoked paprika garlic powder chili powder salt and pepper Use your hands to coat every fry Make sure spices do not pile up in one spot

Bake Until Perfect:

Spread the fries out on a parchment lined baking sheet in a single layer This is key for crispiness Bake at four twenty five degrees Fahrenheit for about twenty to twenty five minutes Flip the fries halfway through so both sides brown Watch for deeply golden color and crisp edges

Cook the Bacon:

While fries bake cook thick cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat Cook until evenly browned and crisp Lay the bacon on a paper towel to drain then chop it into generous bits

Add Cheese and Bacon:

Pull the hot fries from the oven and scatter chopped bacon on top Sprinkle a full cup of sharp cheddar over everything Include blue cheese if you like strong cheesy notes Return the fries to the oven for three to five minutes so the cheese melts into every nook

Finish and Serve:

Once cheese is bubbling pull the pan Go over the top with green onions little plops of sour cream and sprinkle of fresh parsley Serve piping hot straight from the tray if you are feeling casual

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I am personally obsessed with the smoky paprika here It always takes the loaded fries from tasty to totally unforgettable My kids help with the toppings now and love making fry patterns for family game night

Storage Tips

Leftovers really are rare but if you somehow have extra pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days To reheat spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at four hundred degrees for about eight minutes Cheese gets gooey again and everything crisps up beautifully

Ingredient Substitutions

Yukon Gold potatoes can work in a pinch or even frozen fries if you want ultra fast prep Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese steps in well if you need a milder or spicier cheese Instead of bacon try chopped roast chicken or veggie bacon to keep things meatless

Serving Suggestions

Make it a meal by adding a side salad or layering with pulled pork for a next level dinner These fries play well with ranch or buffalo sauce drizzles too The bold flavors hold up to even a hearty main like burgers or grilled sausage

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Flavors Behind the Dish

Loaded fries have roots in classic American diner fare and tailgate food and there is something about those creamy salty toppings that just brings people together It is a mashup of classic bar snacks and comfort food at home and the possibilities for topping combos are endless

Common Queries

→ How do I make fries extra crispy?

Cut potatoes evenly and soak in water to remove starch, then dry thoroughly before tossing with oil and baking at high heat.

→ Can I use other cheeses?

Yes, try mixing in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella alongside cheddar for different flavor combinations.

→ Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted peppers for a meat-free variation.

→ What’s the best way to serve these fries?

Serve hot straight from the oven with sour cream and chopped scallions on top for maximum flavor and texture.

→ Can I prep anything ahead of time?

Bake the fries and cook the bacon in advance, then assemble and quickly bake with cheese just before serving.