Delicious Loaded Potato Fries: The Perfect Snack
Hungry? Let me tell you about the ultimate comfort food: loaded potato fries recipe. This dish is a heavenly combination of crispy waffle-shaped French fries drenched in cheese sauce, topped with flavorful bacon bits and fresh green onions. It’s everything you want in a baked potato, but in the form of fries.
If you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a perfect appetizer for your next game day party, then you’ve come to the right place. Loaded potato fries are sure to please everyone at the table, young and old alike.
One of the best parts of this dish is how versatile it is. You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole or even roasted sweet potatoes.
The process of making loaded potato fries recipe is also uncomplicated – you will be surprised at how easy it is to whip up a big batch of these delicious treats in no time.
Are you ready to take your love for fries to the next level? Keep reading to get all the tips and tricks you need to make the best loaded potato fries recipe ever.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, food lovers! I have a recipe that will blow your taste buds away. Are you a fan of potatoes? What about bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and green onions? Well, I’ve got the perfect dish for you – Loaded Potato Fries!
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food that will make your mouth water with every bite. Imagine crispy waffle-shaped French fries baked to perfection, topped with creamy cheese sauce, savory bacon bits, and thinly sliced green onions. This dish is all about combining the best of both worlds: the crispy sensation of baked fries and the indulgent toppings of a loaded baked potato.
But wait, there’s more! You can also make this recipe with sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potatoes if you prefer a healthier option. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding guacamole or your favorite dipping sauce to take your loaded fries game to a whole new level!
Not only is this recipe satisfyingly delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Soaking the sliced potatoes before baking ensures that they come out perfectly crispy every time without any fuss. Plus, you can prepare these loaded fries recipes in just 10 minutes and they cook in under 30 minutes!
In summary, whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, cheesy or spicy, these loaded potato fries are sure to satisfy your taste buds. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and start cooking! Trust me when I say there is nothing better than enjoying a plate of these cheesy potato fries with your loved ones or devouring it all by yourself after a long day. You won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Get Ready to Load Up the Flavor!
Here’s what you need to make these loaded potato fries-
– 1 bag of waffle-shaped French fries
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of crispy bacon bits
– 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional Toppings
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– Ranch dressing (to drizzle on top)
Pro tip: Want to switch it up? Try using sweet potato fries or even potato wedges as a base for this recipe.
For the Cheese Sauce:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Note: For a vegan option, use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese instead.
Soaking sliced potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before baking can help get them nice and crispy. Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
The Recipe How-To
Now that the ingredients are ready, it’s time to start cooking. In this section, I’ll guide you through each step of making the perfect Loaded Potato Fries.
Step 1: Soak and Dry the Potato Fries
Soaking sliced potatoes in ice-cold water removes excess starch and makes them crispy when baked. Preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain the water from the potatoes, then dry them with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Place them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden brown.
Step 2: Add Toppings
After 20 minutes of baking, remove the fries from the oven and add your desired toppings. Start with shredded cheddar cheese by sprinkling it over the fries. Add some bacon bits, diced cooked bacon or roasted chicken pieces if you prefer protein. Then, chopped some green onions and sprinkle over everything to add a fresh taste. Place the baking sheet back in the oven for about 10-12 more minutes until everything is nicely melted.
Step 3: Optional Cheese Sauce
If you want a sauce instead of shredded cheese, no problem! You can make your own cheese sauce by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Then whisk in 1 tablespoon flour until smooth and bubbly. Gradually stir in 1 cup milk until the sauce thickens. Finally, add one cup shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts.
Step 4: Serve Your Loaded Potato Fries
When everything is fully melted, take out your delicious fry laundry from the oven and use a spatula to move your fries to a serving plate. You can serve these loaded fries right away with some sour cream, ranch dressing, or even some home-made guacamole on top!
I hope you enjoy these crispy potato bites as much as I do.. Or even better!
Substitutions and Variations
Well, well, well. So you want to mix things up a bit? You want to take this already delicious loaded potato fries recipe and make it your own? I like your style. Here are some suggestions to make these fries even more finger-licking good.
Let’s start with the base: the fries. While the recipe calls for waffle-shaped French fries, don’t be afraid to switch things up. How about trying sweet potato fries for a change? The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the bacon bits and cheese sauce.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, why not try making your own fries using baked potato wedges? Keep the skins on for that extra crunch and flavor.
When it comes to toppings, the sky’s the limit. Swap out cheddar cheese for a different shredded cheese like Colby Jack or Pepper Jack. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, try adding some jalapenos or hot sauce.
And let’s not forget about the sauces. While ranch dressing is a classic accompaniment to loaded fries, how about trying guacamole instead? The creamy avocado goodness pairs perfectly with crispy potato fries.
So go ahead and have fun with it! Mix and match toppings and sauces to create your own unique loaded fries creation. Who knows, maybe you’ll come up with the next best loaded bacon cheese fry recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Loaded Potato Fries are hot out of the oven and ready to be devoured, let’s talk about how to serve them up right. Trust me when I say this – you don’t just slap these babies on a plate and call it a day. No, no, no. These fries deserve to be presented in a way that does justice to their deliciousness.
First things first – consider a garnish. A sprinkle of bacon bits and chopped green onions overtop each serving adds an extra punch of flavor and visual appeal. It’s like the cherry on top of a sundae, but better.
Now, let’s talk about accompaniments. While these fries are certainly hearty enough to stand on their own as a meal, they also work well as a side dish or appetizer alongside other finger foods. A simple dip in sour cream or ranch dressing is classic and always tasty, but why not take it up a notch with a homemade cheese sauce? Yes, you heard that right – cheese sauce. Just melt together some shredded cheddar cheese with a tablespoon of milk over low heat until smooth and creamy. Pour it over the fries before serving or on the side for dipping.
If you’re feeling adventurous, pair these loaded potato fries with roasted sweet potato wedges or waffle-shaped French fries for an extra potato-y feast. A side of guacamole or crispy bacon cheese fries also make great additions to complement the loaded bacon cheese flavor.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair these loaded baked potato fries, one thing is for certain – there won’t be any leftovers.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Hey there, folks! Are you interested in prepping up your loaded potato fries recipe ahead of time, or saving your leftovers for later snacking? Fear not, for I have got you covered! Here are some tips and tricks to make-ahead, store, and reheat these tasty loaded fries.
First off, let’s talk about make-ahead instructions. I recommend you prepare the waffle-shaped French fries as directed on the package, then let them cool to room temperature before layering them onto the baking sheet. You can prepare and refrigerate the cheese sauce and toppings up to a day in advance.
As for storing your potato fries leftovers, I suggest transferring them to an airtight container or a ziplock baggie. Keep in mind that while they will still taste good after refrigerating them, they might lose some of their crispy texture. So if you’re someone who values crunchiness or crispiness in these cheesy baked fries, it’s better to enjoy them fresh!
Now let’s talk about reheating. You can reheat the loaded baked potato fries in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again. If you prefer reheating them in the microwave instead, keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t become soggy.
It’s worth noting that you can also make this recipe with sweet potatoes instead. To make roasted sweet potato wedges instead of the traditional waffle fries is quite simple too! Just slice the sweet potatoes into wedges, season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until crispy.
In conclusion, these loaded potato fries are guaranteed to satisfy any craving with their cheesy and savory flavor combination. By following these simple guidelines for make-ahead instructions, storing tips and reheating tricks, you can enjoy them any time of day or night without losing any of their deliciousness!
Tips for Perfect Results
Let me tell you something, my friend. The key to success in life is all in the details, and that applies to cooking as well. You may have all the right ingredients for this loaded potato fries recipe, but if you miss any of these tips, you could end up with a lackluster dish that will make you feel blue.
Here are some things you need to bear in mind:
1. Resist the Temptation to Crowd the Fries:
Listen, the more waffle-shaped French fries you can fit on a baking sheet or frying basket, the better. Right? WRONG! Resist adding too many fries in one go. You want them to crisp up good and proper, so give them some space to breathe. Let them do their thing without getting too cozy with one another.
2. Go for Fresh Potatoes:
Now’s not the time to skimp on quality: choose fresh potatoes and slice them up yourself. Soaking sliced potatoes in cold water for at least 10 minutes before cooking also helps remove excess starch and makes for crunchy fries.
3. Preheat Your Oven Rigorously:
Unlike pancakes or cookies where you can take your time building up to temperature, hot and fast is what makes these loaded baked potato fries perfection itself! So preheat your oven rigorously until it reaches 450 degrees so your fries come out crispy every time.
4. Cheese Sauce Rules Everything Around Me:
Oh baby, this is where it’s at! Don’t be cheap when it comes to cheese sauce; it’s what brings those loaded bacon cheese fries and cheesy potato wedges to life. If you want extra oomph, try oven-baked sweet potato wedges (trust me on this one) – they go perfectly with a drizzle of cheese sauce.
5. Don’t Hold back on Toppings:
Now it’s time to get creative with your toppings! From savory bacon bits to zesty green onions or tangy sour cream– we promise all the toppings will bring your loaded fries games from zero to ten quickly!
In short, it doesn’t matter how experienced you are as a cook or how many times you’ve made baked potato fries; follow these tips with religious zeal and it won’t be long until everyone in your household is bowing down to you as their true kitchen king or queen!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be questions or concerns that arise during the cooking process. To help keep you on track, I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers that may come up while making these loaded potato fries. Let’s dive in and get your questions answered so you can cook with confidence!
Should potatoes be soaked before making fries?
If you want to create the perfect french fries, don’t skip the crucial first step of soaking the sliced potatoes. Removing the excess starch on the outside of the potatoes through soaking is essential for achieving the optimal level of crispiness. The soaking process is a must-do to get the desired texture and taste of the fries.
What loaded fries contain?
Loaded French fries are a timeless and popular snack, frequently enjoyed on game day. This appetizer involves crispy, golden fries, slathered with a blend of melted cheeses, diced onions, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon bits, topped with a dollop of cool sour cream. They can be served in a traditional baking dish or rustic cast-iron skillet. These flavorful fries are perfect for sharing with friends and family while watching the game or enjoying an evening in.
Why do you boil french fries before frying?
One crucial step to attain perfectly cooked and golden-brown fries is to pre-cook them in boiling water. This method not only ensures that the interior of the fries will be delightfully soft but also prevents discoloration when frying.
Why do you soak fries in water before baking?
When making French fries, one helpful tip is to soak the sliced potatoes in water beforehand. This will assist in removing some of the starch from the middle of the potato, which will ultimately produce a crunchier and more durable fry. So, if you want to create the perfect crispy French fry, consider soaking your potatoes before frying.
Bottom Line
:
Now that you’ve reached the end of this loaded potato fries recipe article, I implore you to give this amazing recipe a try.
With its perfect blend of crispy fries, savory bacon bits, gooey cheddar cheese, and tangy green onions – this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite.
So whether it’s for game night with friends or a cozy night in with loved ones, these loaded potato fries are sure to satisfy your cravings and elevate your snack game to new heights.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations – imagine the possibilities with sweet potato fries or waffle-shaped fries! And remember to soak those sliced potatoes before baking to ensure maximum crispiness.
With these tips and tricks in mind, you’re ready to conquer the world of loaded fries. And who knows? This recipe might just become your go-to for any occasion that calls for crispy, cheesy goodness.
So go forth and indulge in the best loaded fries you’ve ever had. And if anyone asks where you got the recipe – don’t forget to share this article with them!
Loaded Potato Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups waffle-shaped French fries
- 1/2-1 1/2 teaspoon steak seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons bacon bits
Instructions
- Arrange waffle fries in a greased 15 x 10 inch baking pan. Bake at 450 for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Sprinkle with steak seasoning; toss to coat. Top with cheese, onions, and bacon bits. Bake 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.