Description
Cheesy Loaded Fries combine crispy oven-baked russet potato fries with a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce and a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Topped with crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions, this indulgent dish is perfect for sharing or serving as a hearty snack or side.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Soak Fries: Place the cut fries in a large bowl filled with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking the fries.
- Dry Fries: Drain the fries thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Season Fries: In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly.
- Bake Fries: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding for even cooking. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Flip and Continue Baking: Flip the fries and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Check Doneness: Pierce a fry with a fork to ensure it is tender inside and crispy outside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Create Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk little by little until smooth and lump-free.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer while stirring constantly; cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese to Fries: Once fries are baked, remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Optionally, pour the prepared cheese sauce over the fries before adding shredded cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Return the baking sheet to the oven for 2-3 minutes or use the broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly; watch closely to prevent burning.
- Add Toppings: Remove from oven and sprinkle with crumbled bacon, dollops of sour cream, and chopped green onions.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy loaded fries immediately while hot, with gooey melted cheese and fresh toppings.
Notes
- Soaking fries removes excess starch for crispier fries.
- Ensure fries are completely dry before baking to avoid sogginess.
- You can customize toppings by adding jalapeños or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use the broiler carefully as cheese can burn quickly.
- Leftover loaded fries are best eaten immediately as cheese and toppings can lose texture upon reheating.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy loaded fries, baked fries recipe, loaded fries with cheese and bacon, crispy oven fries, cheese sauce fries
