These crispy baked fries are seasoned with garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper before being loaded with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Savory turkey bacon is cooked until crisp, crumbled, and scattered over the fries, which then go back into the oven to melt the cheese and heat the toppings. Finished with fresh green onions and parsley, this dish provides a deliciously rich and satisfying snack, perfect for sharing during game day or casual gatherings. Optional sour cream adds a creamy contrast.
My friends and I discovered these loaded fries during a marathon Super Bowl party a few years ago. Someone brought a tray of them and they disappeared before halftime even started. Now no game day at my house feels complete without the smell of baking potatoes and sizzling bacon filling the kitchen.
Last year my brother in law actually asked me to make two batches because one vanished so quickly during the first quarter. I learned the hard way to prep everything before guests arrive because once these hit the table nobody wants to wait for the next tray.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes crisp up beautifully in the oven and hold their texture under all those toppings without getting soggy
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning for that perfect golden crunch we all want
- Garlic powder and smoked paprika: This dynamic duo adds layers of savory smoky flavor that pairs so well with the cheese
- Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack: Cheddar brings sharp tang while Monterey Jack melts into that gorgeous gooey texture you want draping over every fry
- Turkey bacon: Cook until extra crispy so it maintains its crunch even after being buried under hot melted cheese
- Fresh green onions: Their bright pop cuts through all the rich cheese and adds essential freshness to each bite
Instructions
- Prep your oven and baking station:
- Crank that oven to 425°F and line your largest baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
- Season the potato strips generously:
- In a big bowl toss those cut fries with olive oil and all your spices until every piece is evenly coated
- Bake for maximum crispiness:
- Spread fries in a single layer without overcrowding and bake for 25 to 30 minutes flipping halfway until they are golden and crunchy
- Crisp the turkey bacon:
- While fries bake cook turkey bacon in a skillet until it reaches perfect crispness then drain and crumble into bite sized pieces
- Load on the cheese and bacon:
- Pull those hot fries from the oven shower them with both cheeses and scatter the crispy bacon all over the top
- Melt everything together:
- Return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes just until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble in spots
- Finish and serve immediately:
- Sprinkle with fresh green onions and parsley then bring straight to the table while still hot and irresistible
These fries have become such a staple at our gatherings that my niece now specifically requests them for her birthday party every year. Watching everyone gather around the tray chatting and grabbing handfuls while the game plays in the background has become my favorite part of hosting.
Make Ahead Magic
You can cut the potatoes up to a day in advance and store them submerged in cold water to prevent browning. Pat them completely dry before seasoning since excess water will make them steam instead of crisp up in the oven.
Cheese Choices
While the cheddar and Monterey Jack blend is classic feel free to experiment with pepper jack for heat or a smoked gouda for extra depth. Just avoid pre shredded cheese which has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Serving Strategy
Set up a toppings bar with sour cream pickled jalapeños extra bacon and different hot sauces so guests can customize their portion. Put everything out in small bowls and let people build their own perfect loaded fries experience.
- Keep the fries on the hot baking sheet while serving so they stay crispy longer
- Offer wet wipes or plenty of napkins because these are gloriously messy to eat
- Consider serving with forks for anyone who wants to keep their hands clean during the game
There is something so satisfying about a platter of loaded fries appearing on the table and seeing everyone instinctively lean in. These cheese fries always turn regular moments into memories worth savoring.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of potatoes work best for these fries?
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Russet potatoes are ideal for baking crispy fries due to their starchy texture and ability to become golden and crunchy.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
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Yes, by using gluten-free certified bacon and cheese, you can ensure the dish meets gluten-free requirements.
- → How do I get the fries crispy in the oven?
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Tossing the fries in olive oil and baking them on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F helps achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- → Is it possible to use different cheeses?
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Absolutely, swapping cheddar or Monterey Jack for mozzarella or pepper jack adds variety and different flavor profiles.
- → What are some good accompaniments for these fries?
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Light beer or sparkling water with lime complement the rich flavors nicely without overpowering them.
- → Can I add extra heat to this dish?
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Adding diced jalapeños or pickled onions provides an extra spicy kick, balancing the rich cheese and bacon flavors.