Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe
These Loaded Cheese Fries are the ultimate comfort food! Featuring crispy fries, a creamy homemade cheese sauce, crispy bacon bits, and fresh green onions, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun snack at home. With simple ingredients and only 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, indulgent treat that rivals any restaurant version!
Equipment
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Cutting board & knife (for green onions and bacon)
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen French fries steak fries, crinkle-cut, or tater tots work best
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided (use freshly shredded for best results)
- ½ tsp cornstarch helps thicken the cheese sauce
- ¼ cup heavy cream for a rich, creamy cheese sauce
- ¼ cup bacon bits or 4 slices of crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 green onion sliced (or substitute with chives or diced red onion)
- Optional Toppings & Dips:
- Sour cream – For a tangy contrast
- Jalapeños – Adds a spicy kick
- BBQ sauce or ranch dressing – Perfect for dipping
- Guacamole or diced avocado – A creamy fresh touch
- Hot sauce – For extra heat
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Cook the Fries
- Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions.
- Spread fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake until crispy.
- Air Fryer Method (Recommended for Crispier Fries!):
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook fries for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- 2️⃣ Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ tsp cornstarch.
- Add ¼ cup heavy cream and heat over medium, stirring constantly until smooth and melted.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- 3️⃣ Assemble & Bake
- Spread half of the crispy fries on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with half of the cheese sauce, sprinkle ¼ cup shredded cheddar and half of the bacon.
- Add another layer of fries, cheese sauce, cheese, and bacon.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes or until cheese is fully melted.
- 4️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- ✔ Sprinkle with green onions and serve immediately.
- ✔ Enjoy with ranch dressing, sour cream, or BBQ sauce for dipping!
Notes
✔ For crispier fries: Use an air fryer or bake fries longer than the package instructions.
✔ For best cheese sauce: Use freshly shredded cheddar and melt on low heat to avoid clumping.
✔ Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms instead.
✔ Storage & Reheating: Best enjoyed fresh! To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 3-5 minutes (avoid microwaving).
✔ For best cheese sauce: Use freshly shredded cheddar and melt on low heat to avoid clumping.
✔ Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add crispy fried onions or sautéed mushrooms instead.
✔ Storage & Reheating: Best enjoyed fresh! To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 3-5 minutes (avoid microwaving).