Loaded Fries with Bacon, Cheese, and Onion

Crispy golden fries topped with melted cheese, smoky bacon, and caramelized onions. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or indulgent side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden fries with gooey cheese and smoky bacon
• Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor
• Easy to make at home with simple ingredients
• Perfect for game nights, parties, or comfort food cravings
• Fully customizable — add jalapeños, sour cream, or extra toppings

Ingredients

For the Fries

• 2 large russet potatoes, cut into fries (or frozen fries)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Toppings

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing onions)
• Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
• Optional: sour cream or ranch for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fries

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss potato fries in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. (Optional) For extra crispiness, soak raw potato fries in cold water 20 minutes, drain, and pat dry before baking.

2. Cook the Bacon

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.
2. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
3. Crumble into pieces once cooled.

3. Sauté the Onions

1. In the same skillet, melt butter or heat oil.
2. Add sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized (10–15 minutes).

4. Assemble the Loaded Fries

1. Place baked fries on a serving tray or baking sheet.
2. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and caramelized onions evenly over fries.
3. Top with shredded cheese.
4. Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese quickly.

5. Serve

• Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
• Serve warm with sour cream or ranch on the side.

You Must Know

• Spread fries out — overcrowding reduces crispiness.
• Caramelize onions slowly for maximum flavor.
• Cheese melts best when sprinkled while fries are hot, or briefly broiled.
• Use freshly cooked bacon for optimal texture and flavor.

Pro Tips

• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
• Serve immediately for the best texture — fries can get soggy if left too long.
• Try seasoning fries with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder for extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Fries: Sweet potato fries or frozen pre-cut fries
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a cheese blend
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta
• Onion: Shallots or red onion for a different flavor profile

Serving Suggestions

• Great as a side with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats
• Perfect for game-day appetizers or casual gatherings
• Drizzle with ranch, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli for extra flavor

Storage Tips

• Best eaten immediately for crispiness.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 1–2 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but assemble just before serving to prevent soggy fries.

→ Can I use frozen fries?
Absolutely — adjust bake time according to package instructions.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — omit bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute.

→ How do I keep fries crispy?
Bake on a single layer, don’t overcrowd, and optionally broil at the end for crispiness.

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