Description
Loaded Cheese Fries are a deliciously indulgent snack or side dish featuring crispy oven-baked fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, zesty green onions, creamy sour cream, and optional rich brown gravy. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a hearty treat, this recipe delivers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 32 ounces frozen french fries (or 8 cups homemade french fries)
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon (or real bacon bits)
- 1 cup brown gravy (homemade or packet, optional)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is ideal for making the fries extra crisp. Alternatively, you can cook the fries using an air fryer following the guidelines provided in the notes.
- Bake the fries: Spread the frozen or homemade fries evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through baking (around 15 minutes), stir the fries to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy all around.
- Prepare to melt the cheese: Once the fries are crispy and cooked through, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Switch the oven setting to broil at 500°F (260°C) to melt the cheese quickly.
- Add cheese and bacon: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the fries, then scatter the cooked and crumbled bacon on top. Place the baking sheet back in the oven under the broiler for 1-3 minutes, keeping a close eye until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Final toppings and serving: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle thinly sliced green onions over the loaded fries. If desired, drizzle with warm brown gravy and dollop with sour cream. Serve immediately to enjoy the fries hot and melty.
Notes
- For even crispier fries, consider cooking your fries in an air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- You can use homemade fries cut from russet potatoes or your favorite frozen fries.
- The brown gravy is optional but adds a rich, savory layer that complements the cheese and bacon.
- To make the dish vegetarian, omit the bacon or substitute with vegetarian bacon bits.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness but are best enjoyed fresh.
