Name: Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag (28 ounces) frozen French fries; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 green onions, sliced; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Get ready to take your comfort food game to new heights with the Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries. Think crispy golden fries, oozy melted cheddar, smoky bacon crumbles, and a cool cloud of sour cream, all crowned with fresh green onions and parsley. This dish has it all—crunch, gooey cheese, savory toppings, and a tangy, creamy finish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on game day or looking for an indulgent snack for movie night, these loaded fries will always disappear in a flash!

Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s pure magic in the combination of simple ingredients in these Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries. Each element plays its part perfectly, layering up salty, creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors you won’t be able to resist.

Frozen French fries: Use your favorite style—crinkle cut, shoestring, or steak—for that crispy, golden foundation.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gorgeous, gooey pools and delivers robust sharp flavor.
Cooked bacon crumbles: Brings smoky, crispy bits of bliss to every bite (swap for a veggie bacon if you prefer vegetarian).
Sour cream: Adds a cool, tangy drizzle that cuts through the richness and balances perfect bites.
Green onions: These bring a fresh, zippy crunch and a burst of color right on top!
Garlic powder: Lends a subtle but essential savory note in the seasoning blend.
Paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of color for those irresistible, photo-worthy fries.
Salt: Essential for making every bite pop—don’t be shy with a sprinkle here!
Black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and earthiness that rounds out the flavors.
Fresh parsley: A final garnish that adds herby brightness and makes the whole tray look inviting.

How to Make Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries

Step 1: Bake the Fries

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), then arrange your frozen French fries on a baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions until they’re golden brown and extra crispy. The crunchier the fry, the better it holds up to all the melty goodness we’re about to pile on!

Step 2: Season and Build the Base

Once your fries are out of the oven and still piping hot, transfer them to a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. While they’re still toasty, sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper all over. This aromatic mix is what sets the Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries apart, infusing every fry with addictive flavor from the inside out.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Bacon

Next comes the ultimate indulgence—showering the hot, seasoned fries with shredded cheddar and those irresistible bacon crumbles. Make sure to spread everything out evenly so every forkful gets both gooey cheese and crispy bacon. Return the skillet or baking dish to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheddar is melted and bubbling away.

Step 4: Final Touches

As soon as you pull your fries from the oven, it’s time to finish strong. Drizzle creamy sour cream in ribbons over the hot, cheesy fries (use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for drama, or just dollop generously). Then scatter sliced green onions and fresh parsley on top, which add freshness and make your fries pop with color!

How to Serve Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries

Garnishes

The right garnishes take the Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries from craveable to completely drool-worthy! Try an extra sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions right before serving for brightness, or add some diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, or even avocado chunks if you want a fresh, zesty twist. Don’t forget a fresh crack of black pepper to finish!

Side Dishes

These loaded fries are absolutely the star of the show, but they also play well with others. Try serving them alongside a simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or classic coleslaw to cut the richness. If you’re hosting a party, crunchy pickles, crisp veggie sticks, or juicy chicken wings make great game day companions.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your friends and family, present these Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries right in the skillet or baking dish, fresh from the oven. For a fun twist, serve them in individual ramekins or small paper food baskets. You can even offer a “build-your-own” loaded fries bar with toppings like nacho cheese sauce, spicy chili, or pickled jalapeños for a customizable treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with extra Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries (it’s rare, but it happens!), let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fries will soften, but the flavors actually get even deeper!

Freezing

While these loaded fries are definitely best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Place cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Just know that the texture of the fries may be a bit softer when thawed.

Reheating

To revive leftover fries and restore some of that irresistible crunch, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. A quick run under the broiler will also help remelt the cheese and crisp up the edges. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make fries soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Absolutely! Cut fresh potatoes into your preferred fry shape, soak them in water to remove excess starch, pat dry, and bake or fry until golden. Using fresh potatoes means you can control the crispiness and thickness, making them an excellent choice for homemade Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries.

What cheese works best besides cheddar?

Cheddar is a classic, but you can easily swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or even pepper jack for a touch of heat. Use a blend of cheeses for more depth, or try nacho cheese sauce for a smoother, creamier result.

How do I make vegetarian Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries?

It’s simple to make these vegetarian: just skip the bacon or use your favorite plant-based alternative. Smoky tempeh or seasoned chickpeas are also delicious meat-free toppings that complement the cheese beautifully.

Can I prepare them in advance for a party?

You can bake and season the fries ahead of time, then assemble with cheese and bacon and refrigerate. Just before your guests arrive, pop them back in the oven to melt the cheese and finish with sour cream and fresh garnishes. It’s a stress-free way to have Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries hot and ready!

What other toppings can I add?

There are so many delicious options! Think spicy chili, shredded barbecue chicken, pulled pork, diced tomatoes, black olives, or a simple salsa. The beauty of Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries is how easily you can make them your own with all your favorite flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack or indulgent treat, it’s time to dive into these Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries. There’s just something magical about fresh, melty cheese, crispy bacon, and fluffy fries all in one glorious bite! Gather your friends, get creative with toppings, and enjoy every last cheesy morsel.

Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these cheesy loaded fries. Crispy French fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions – a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Fries:

1 bag (28 ounces) frozen French fries

Cheese Topping:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Additional Toppings:

1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles
1/2 cup sour cream
3 green onions, sliced
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the French fries until crispy. Transfer to a skillet.
Season: Sprinkle fries with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add Toppings: Top with cheese and bacon. Bake until cheese melts.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle with sour cream, garnish with green onions and parsley.