Name: Loaded Fries Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen French fries; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup sliced green onions; Optional: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, ranch dressing, or guacamole

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There’s nothing quite like digging into a piping hot plate of Loaded Fries – a golden, crispy mountain of fries smothered with melting cheddar, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: deeply satisfying, endlessly customizable, and a surefire way to turn any gathering into a true party. If you love bold flavors and crave-worthy textures, these Loaded Fries will become your new obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients come together to create pure magic. Each ingredient in these Loaded Fries adds its own vibe – from the crunchy fry base to the gooey cheese and all those irresistible toppings.

Frozen French fries: The blank canvas and crispy base that brings all the toppings together – feel free to use your favorite cut.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over hot fries, adding a rich, sharp flavor that makes these fries truly “loaded.”
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Salty, smoky goodness that brings the umami and a fabulous crunch.
Sour cream: Its cool, tangy creaminess balances the richness and brings everything together.
Sliced green onions: A fresh, zesty pop of color and texture – these also add a mild onion bite that brightens up every forkful.
Olive oil: Helps the fries crisp up while seasoning them beautifully.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory backbone to the fries – a tiny bit goes a long way!
Paprika: Lends subtle smokiness and a warm color that makes every fry extra inviting.
Salt and pepper: Essential for boosting all the flavors and ensuring the fries taste their very best.
Optional toppings: Jalapeños, diced tomatoes, ranch dressing, guacamole – the sky’s the limit when personalizing your Loaded Fries.

How to Make Loaded Fries

Step 1: Prep and Season the Fries

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lay the frozen French fries out in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded so they can crisp up properly. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the fries evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for that irresistible seasoned crust.

Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Pop the tray in the oven and bake the fries for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through so each fry gets perfectly golden and crispy. If you love your fries extra crunchy, watch for that moment when the edges are just turning deep gold.

Step 3: Top with Cheese and Bacon

As soon as the fries are done, don’t waste a second! Immediately scatter the shredded cheddar cheese across the hot fries so it starts melting on contact. Follow up with a generous sprinkle of cooked, crumbled bacon for savory, smoky deliciousness.

Step 4: Melt and Layer

Return your loaded fries to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into oozy perfection and the bacon to get even crispier. Keep an eye out, as you don’t want to overcook – the gooier, the better!

Step 5: Add Cool Toppings and Serve

Remove the tray from the oven. Top your steaming, cheesy fries with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle on sliced green onions. Don’t be shy with extra toppings – jalapeños, diced tomatoes, ranch, or fresh guac all take these Loaded Fries to the next level. Serve right away for maximum wow-factor!

How to Serve Loaded Fries

Garnishes

For that showstopping finish, generously spoon sour cream over the hot fries and scatter bright green onions on top. If you want even more pop and heat, sliced jalapeños and colorful diced tomatoes do wonders, while a drizzle of ranch or dollops of guacamole add cool, creamy contrast. Each garnish turns these Loaded Fries into a plate that looks as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Loaded Fries are pretty irresistible all on their own, but they’re also a knockout side for burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled hot dogs. Pair them with a crunchy slaw or a super simple green salad to round out your meal and balance the richness of the fries.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Loaded Fries on a big platter for sharing at parties, or portion them into mini cast iron pans or paper cones for individual servings. Try a “fry bar” setup for game day, letting each person choose their favorite toppings – it’s interactive and guarantees everyone gets their perfect plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (rare, but possible!), transfer the cooled Loaded Fries to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know that fries are at their prime fresh, so plan to wrap them up as soon as they’ve cooled to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

For best quality, freezing isn’t recommended after you’ve assembled your Loaded Fries with all the toppings. However, you can freeze baked fries alone and crisp them up later in the oven before adding fresh toppings whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that crispy magic, spread leftover fries on a baking sheet and warm them in a hot oven (about 400°F/200°C) for 8–10 minutes. This helps restore crunch better than the microwave. Add your toppings after reheating for the boldest flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Loaded Fries with sweet potato fries instead?

Absolutely! Sweet potato fries add a little sweetness and beautiful color. Follow the same steps, and you’ll love the flavor twist.

Is there a vegetarian version of Loaded Fries?

Totally! Just skip the bacon or use vegetarian “bacon bits,” then pile on vegetables like grilled peppers, black beans, or corn for plant-based flair.

How do I make sure my fries get really crispy?

Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and always use a hot oven. Tossing the fries with olive oil and flipping them halfway through baking ensures extra crunch in every bite.

Can I use different cheeses for Loaded Fries?

Of course! Swap in pepper jack for heat, mozzarella for super stretchiness, or even a cheese blend. Just make sure whatever you use melts well.

Are Loaded Fries gluten-free?

They can be! Just double-check that your fries are certified gluten-free, and all your toppings should be good to go for a gluten-free snack or side.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried these Loaded Fries, you’ll understand why they disappear almost instantly at every party and weekend get-together. Whether you deck them out with every topping under the sun or keep them classic, they always hit the spot. Roll up your sleeves, invite some friends, and serve up the most craveable, cheesy, crowd-pleasing fries you’ll ever make!

Loaded Fries Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Loaded Fries are the ultimate indulgence, perfect for a party appetizer or as a delicious side dish. Crispy golden fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions – it’s a flavor explosion in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

Fries:

1 (32-ounce) bag frozen French fries
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup sliced green onions
Optional: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, ranch dressing, or guacamole

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the fries: Spread the frozen fries on a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Add toppings: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with cheddar cheese and bacon. Return to the oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Finish and serve: Top with sour cream, green onions, and any additional toppings. Serve hot.