Loaded Cheese Fries
Ah, the magic of loaded cheese fries! Imagine crispy, golden fries, hot out of the fryer, topped with ooey, gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a dollop of sour cream. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, let me tell you, this recipe is going to make all your snack-time fantasies come true. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving comfort food, or just want to impress your friends with something that’s as tasty as it is satisfying, these Loaded Cheese Fries are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. You’re going to love how simple yet indulgent this dish is—it’s everything you want in a snack, all in one plate!
Why You’ll Love Loaded Cheese Fries
Let’s be real—who doesn’t love fries? Now, imagine taking those crispy potato bites to the next level with melted cheese and all your favorite toppings. This recipe is a game-changer for so many reasons:
Versatile:
You can enjoy these fries as an appetizer, snack, or even as a main dish. They’re perfect for movie nights, game day, or just a cozy dinner at home. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and customize them to your taste.
Budget-Friendly:
Fries, cheese, and a few simple toppings—what’s not to love? This dish uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. You’ll be amazed at how something so easy can taste so indulgent.
Quick and Easy:
If you can make fries, you can make this dish. It’s as simple as layering fries, cheese, and toppings, then baking it all together. In just about 30 minutes, you’ve got a dish that’s sure to impress.
Customizable:
Go ahead, make it your own! Add some jalapeños for a spicy kick, throw on some green onions for extra flavor, or switch up the cheese to suit your cravings. The options are endless.
Crowd-Pleasing:
This is one of those dishes that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a family, hanging out with friends, or just treating yourself, Loaded Cheese Fries are a hit every time.

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Ingredients in Loaded Cheese Fries
Here’s the beauty of this dish: it’s all about simple ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Fries:
The base of this dish. Whether you’re using frozen fries or making your own from scratch, these crispy beauties will hold all the cheesy goodness.
Cheese:
The star of the show! You’ll need shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you love) that will melt perfectly over the hot fries. The more cheese, the better, right?
Bacon:
Crispy, crumbled bacon is the perfect salty topping. It adds crunch, flavor, and a little bit of indulgence. If you’re a bacon lover, this is where you can really go all in!
Sour Cream:
A creamy dollop of sour cream on top makes every bite extra luxurious. It cools down the heat of the cheese and adds a tangy contrast.
Green Onions (Optional):
Chop up some fresh green onions to sprinkle on top for a burst of color and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness.
Jalapeños (Optional):
If you like a little heat, sliced jalapeños add a fiery kick to balance out the richness of the cheese and bacon.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to dive in? Let’s turn those simple ingredients into something truly mouthwatering:
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your fries get perfectly crispy while everything else melts to cheesy perfection.
Cook the Fries:
If you’re using frozen fries, pop them in the oven or air fryer and cook according to the package instructions until they’re golden and crispy. If you’re making your own fries, season them well and bake or fry until crispy.
Layer the Goodies:
Once your fries are done, transfer them to a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the fries—this is the magic moment when everything starts to come together.
Add Bacon and Bake:
Top the cheesy fries with crumbled crispy bacon, then return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Finishing Touches:
Once your fries are out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions and jalapeños on top (if using). Finally, add a big scoop of sour cream in the middle—your fries are now ready to be devoured!
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these Loaded Cheese Fries immediately while they’re still warm and cheesy. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, they’re sure to disappear fast!
How to Serve Loaded Cheese Fries
These Loaded Cheese Fries are perfect on their own, but they also pair beautifully with other sides and drinks:
Fresh Salads:
Balance out the richness of the fries with a light, crisp salad. Something with a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through all that cheesy goodness.
Cold Beverages:
Serve with a cold drink, whether it’s soda, iced tea, or even a nice beer. The coolness of the drink complements the warmth of the fries perfectly.
Extra Toppings:
Go crazy with extra toppings! Add some guacamole, salsa, or even ranch dressing for an extra punch of flavor.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to make your Loaded Cheese Fries even better:
Prep Ahead:
If you’re short on time, you can prep the fries in advance. Cook them ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then just layer the cheese and toppings when you’re ready to bake them.
Spice It Up:
Want more heat? Throw some spicy hot sauce on top or use spicy cheese to give your fries an extra kick.
Dietary Adjustments:
You can make this dish gluten-free by opting for gluten-free fries. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the bacon.
Storage Tips:
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave to bring them back to their crispy, cheesy glory.
Double the Batch:
Hosting a crowd? Double the recipe to ensure everyone gets a generous helping.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the cheese with a different type? A1: Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite cheese, whether it’s mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for some heat.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time? A2: Yes, you can prepare the fries and toppings in advance. Just bake everything when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave to enjoy them again.
Q4: Can I freeze Loaded Cheese Fries? A4: You can freeze the fries before baking them, but it’s best to add the cheese and toppings just before baking for the freshest taste.
Q5: Can I add other toppings? A5: Absolutely! Think pulled pork, guacamole, or even chili. The sky’s the limit!
Q6: How can I make this dish healthier? A6: Opt for baked fries, use a lighter cheese, or skip the bacon to make a healthier version.
Conclusion
Loaded Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food, and this recipe is sure to bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re digging in solo or sharing with friends, these fries are as easy as they are delicious. Trust me, you’re going to be hooked after just one bite!
Print
Loaded Cheese Fries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Loaded Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for parties or a casual dinner. Crispy French fries are piled high with your choice of ground beef or hot Italian sausage, topped with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, fresh veggies, and sour cream. Every bite is a burst of flavor and texture
Ingredients
- For the Fries:
1 (2 lb.) bag frozen fries
For Meat Option 1:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb. ground beef
1 package taco seasoning
⅔ cup water
For Meat Option 2:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. Hot Italian Sausage (removed from casings)
For the Cheese Sauce:
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Toppings:
1 red onion, diced
1 jar jalapeños, drained
1-2 tomatoes, diced
Sour cream
Green onions, diced
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the frozen fries on a large baking sheet and bake according to the package instructions.
For Meat Option 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened (about 5-6 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer until thickened. Drain excess fat and set aside.
For Meat Option 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart until browned. Set aside.
For the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until bubbly. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, and bring to a simmer. Let it thicken (about 3-5 minutes). Turn off the heat and add cheese, 1 cup at a time, stirring until completely melted. If the cheese isn’t melting, turn the heat to low to help it melt. Stir in salt and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
For Assembly: Once fries are done, remove from the oven and top with the cooked ground meat or sausage, cheese sauce, diced red onions, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of paprika or chili powder to the fries before baking. Use a combination of ground beef and sausage for a rich, meaty topping. If you prefer spicier cheese sauce, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg