Description
Delight in these Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries, featuring crispy oven-baked russet potatoes topped with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions. Perfect as a hearty snack or side dish, this recipe combines bold flavors and textures in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and peel the potatoes if you prefer, then cut them into fries. Toss the fries thoroughly in olive oil and season evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to infuse them with flavor.
- Bake the Fries: Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even cooking. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the baking time for uniform crispiness and a golden-brown finish.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the fries are crisp and golden, take them out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot fries, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly from the residual heat.
- Top the Fries: After the cheese has melted, generously top the fries with crumbled cooked bacon, dollops of sour cream, and sliced green onions to enhance the flavor and add texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the loaded fries immediately while hot and cheesy for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For crispier fries, soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly.
- Feel free to substitute bacon with a vegetarian alternative or omit for a vegetarian version.
- Use a cheese blend like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer, creamier melt.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- These fries are best served fresh to maintain their crispiness and cheese melt.
