If you are craving a crowd-pleasing, irresistible snack that hits all the right savory notes, look no further than this Loaded Fries with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe. It perfectly combines crispy golden fries with melted sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon bits, and fresh, bright green onions for a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, hosting a casual gathering, or just want an indulgent comfort food, these loaded fries bring warmth, texture, and loads of deliciousness right to your plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for satisfying those hearty snack cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Loaded Fries with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe lies not in complicated ingredients but in the simple, essential ones that deliver big on flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role: crispy fries provide the perfect base, melted cheddar cheese wraps everything in gooey goodness, bacon adds that savory crunch, and green onions lend a fresh, zesty finish.
- Frozen French fries (32 oz): The crispy foundation that delivers unbeatable crunch and comfort.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Sharp and melty, it creates the ooey-gooey factor loved by all.
- Cooked and crumbled bacon (½ cup): Adds smoky richness and a satisfying crunch.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Provides a creamy tang that balances the richness.
- Chopped green onions (¼ cup): Brings brightness and a mild onion kick to lighten each bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps crisp the fries beautifully with a subtle fruity flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Optional toppings: Jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, or ranch dressing to personalize your loaded fries.
How to Make Loaded Fries with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Fries
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F or as per the instructions on your frozen fries package. Spread the fries out evenly on a large baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and get that coveted crispiness. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to coat every fry.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the fries for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This flipping step is key to getting both sides perfectly golden brown and crispy, creating the ideal base for our loaded toppings.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Bacon
Once the fries are cooked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the fries. Follow that with generous crumbles of cooked bacon. Pop the fries back in the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, just enough to melt the cheese to creamy perfection without overcooking the bacon.
Step 4: Top with Sour Cream and Green Onions
After carefully removing the loaded fries from the oven, top them with dollops of cool sour cream and a scattering of fresh chopped green onions. If you want to get creative, add jalapeño slices or diced tomatoes for an extra kick or freshness. Serve immediately for the best gooey, crunchy, creamy experience.
How to Serve Loaded Fries with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates your loaded fries from delicious to spectacular. Bright green onions add freshness, diced tomatoes bring juiciness, and sliced jalapeños amp up the heat. A drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add an extra layer of flavor that makes this appetizer pop.
Side Dishes
This Loaded Fries with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe stands beautifully on its own but also pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, grilled chicken, or a vibrant coleslaw to balance the richness. For a full meal, add a side of steamed vegetables or a light sandwich to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your loaded fries in individual small cast iron skillets or rustic wooden boards for a fun, casual vibe. You can also make smaller loaded fry portions in muffin tins to serve as party bites—the melty cheese and bacon inside each scoop make them totally irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is sometimes hard to believe), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the toppings separate when you can, especially sour cream and green onions, to maintain the best texture after reheating.
Freezing
Freezing loaded fries isn’t ideal because the cheese and toppings can lose their texture, but you can freeze plain cooked fries. Just bake fresh cheese and toppings when ready to serve for the best experience with this Loaded Fries with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the leftover loaded fries on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore crispiness to the fries and gently melts the cheese without making everything soggy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potato fries instead of regular fries?
Absolutely! Sweet potato fries add a delightful sweetness and softer texture, which pairs wonderfully with the salty cheese and bacon. Just watch your bake time, as they can cook faster than regular fries.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for that savory depth. You can also sprinkle on some chopped nuts or roasted chickpeas for a different kind of crunch.
What’s the best cheese to use apart from cheddar?
While sharp cheddar is classic, you can easily swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a milder or stretchier melt. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep the fries loaded and gooey.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free frozen fries to keep the dish gluten-free. Just be sure to check all your toppings for any added gluten ingredients.
Is it possible to bake everything together at once?
It’s best to bake the fries first to get them crispy, then add the cheese and bacon for a shorter bake just to melt the cheese. Baking everything together for too long can make the fries soggy.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully satisfying about a plate of Loaded Fries with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe that appeals to everyone. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, smoky, and fresh flavors that make it a guaranteed winner at any gathering or a cozy night in. Dive into this recipe, enjoy the rich layers of flavor, and watch how quickly these fries disappear from the plate. You’re in for an unforgettable treat!
Print
Loaded Fries with Cheddar, Bacon, and Green Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Loaded Fries are a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring crispy baked fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and fresh green onions. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare and customizable with extra toppings like jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, or ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen French fries
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Jalapeño slices
- Diced tomatoes
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (or follow the package instructions on the frozen fries). This ensures the fries cook evenly and become crispy.
- Prepare the fries: Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss lightly to coat evenly.
- Bake the fries: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake according to package directions, usually about 20 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through baking to promote even crisping.
- Add cheese and bacon: Once fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven. Transfer fries to an oven-safe dish if desired or keep them on the baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the hot fries.
- Melt the cheese: Return the dish to the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and becomes gooey.
- Add toppings and serve: Remove from the oven and top the loaded fries with dollops of sour cream, chopped green onions, and any optional toppings like jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, or ranch dressing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, bake a few additional minutes before adding the cheese and bacon toppings.
- You can substitute regular fries with sweet potato fries or curly fries for variety.
- To make this gluten-free, ensure the fries used are certified gluten-free.
- Customize toppings based on preference and dietary needs.
