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Turn boring frozen fries into a mouthwatering treat with these Cheese and Bacon Loaded Fries. This decadent snack pairs crunchy fries with a velvety homemade cheese sauce and flavorful toppings for the ultimate comfort food that's sure to be a hit at any game night or casual get-together.
I've tweaked this recipe during many sports viewing parties and found that getting the cheese sauce right and timing when you put everything together are the keys to success.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- French fries: Go for steak-cut ones that won't get soggy
- Cheddar cheese: Shred it yourself for better melting
- Quality bacon: Chunky slices make better bits
- Whole milk: Gives you the creamiest sauce
- Fresh green onions: Adds a crisp pop of color
- Full-fat sour cream: Makes for the tastiest topping
- Real butter: Needed for the base of your sauce
Simple Cooking Instructions
- Getting Fries Ready:
- Spread them out well. Keep some space between each fry. Flip them halfway. Bake until super crunchy. Add salt while they're hot.
- Making Cheese Sauce:
- Let butter melt all the way. Mix flour well. Pour milk in slowly. Keep stirring. Take off heat before adding cheese.
- Cooking Bacon:
- Start in a cool pan. Fry until super crisp. Let grease drain off. Break into bits while still warm. Keep some for the top.
- Putting It All Together:
- Stack everything while hot. Pour sauce bit by bit. Spread toppings all around. Don't wait too long. Eat right away.
- Making It Look Good:
- Put on a hot plate. Build in layers. Save garnish for last. Offer extra toppings. Eat with forks.
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I came up with this recipe trying to match the awesome loaded fries I'd had at my favorite sports bar.
Mastering The Heat
After making these tons of times, I've learned that getting the temps right makes all the difference. I keep my cheese sauce warm but not bubbling hot, and I make the fries extra crispy so they don't get mushy under the toppings. Putting everything on a warmed plate helps keep it all at the right temp longer.
Prep-Ahead Tricks
You can't beat fresh, but you can get a head start. I often cook and break up the bacon early, and I make the base for the cheese sauce without adding the cheese yet. Just before it's time to eat, I warm the sauce gently and stir the cheese in so it melts perfectly.
Ways To Serve
When friends come over, I usually put these out on one big plate for everyone. On game days, I sometimes make little personal portions in paper trays. Setting out extra cheese sauce, bacon bits, and sliced green onions lets everyone add more of what they love.
Leftover Ideas
These taste best right away, but if you have extras, keep everything apart. Warm fries in the oven to get them crunchy again, and heat the cheese sauce with a little milk to make it smooth again.
Mix It Up
I've tried lots of different versions over time. Adding jalapeños gives it a kick, and chopped tomatoes make it fresher. For a super filling version, I sometimes throw on some pulled pork or meaty chili.
Fixing Common Problems
If your cheese sauce gets too thick, just add warm milk a little at a time while stirring. If your fries aren't crunchy enough, bake them a few minutes longer before adding the toppings.
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These Cheese and Bacon Loaded Fries have become my go-to party food. The mix of crunchy fries, smooth cheese sauce, and tasty toppings creates something really special that gets everyone gathering around. Whether I make them for watching sports or just hanging out with friends, they always vanish in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use premade cheese sauce?
- Sure! Store-bought cheese sauce works if you're short on time.
- → What cheese melts the smoothest?
- Medium or sharp cheddar is ideal. Skip pre-shredded to avoid clumping.
- → Can this be prepped in advance?
- You can make the cheese sauce ahead but save assembly and toppings for serving time.
- → What’s the best type of fries to use?
- Any frozen variety, like steak fries, crinkle-cut, or standard, will do the trick.
- → How do I keep them warm for longer?
- Serve right away, but you can hold them in the oven on low heat briefly.