Description
Loaded Fries are a delicious and indulgent appetizer featuring crispy baked French fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. This flavorful dish is perfect for game day or casual gatherings and can be customized with optional toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or cilantro.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 1 pound frozen French fries
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Fries: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen French fries according to the package instructions until they are golden brown and crispy, usually around 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Bacon: While fries are baking, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces.
- Season the Fries: When the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Top the seasoned fries with the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, spreading them evenly for consistent coverage.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the fries to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Add Final Toppings: Remove the fries from the oven and drizzle sour cream over them. Garnish with sliced green onions and any optional toppings such as jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or chopped cilantro.
- Serve Hot: Serve the loaded fries immediately while they are still hot and enjoy your tasty appetizer.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- You can use waffle fries or curly fries as a fun variation.
