Loaded Cheese Fries
Loaded cheese fries are an easy appetizer with crispy french fries piled high with melty cheddar, mozzarella, crispy bacon, and fresh chives. Ready in about 35 minutes and completely customizable with your favorite toppings.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 (26 ounce) package frozen french fries
- 4 slices bacon roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Spread the fries evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until extra crispy. (If your package instructions are different, follow those, adding a few extra minutes for maximum crisp.)
- While the fries cook, add the bacon to a skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble or chop into smaller pieces.
- Transfer the baked fries to a large cast iron skillet (optional; you can also leave them on the baking sheet). Season with salt and pepper to taste, or your favorite seasoning.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the fries, then top with the bacon crumbles. Return to the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted.
- Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve immediately.
Notes
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheddar and mozzarella will give you the best melt.
- For extra crispy fries. Bake the fries a few minutes longer than the package directs. They'll hold up better under the cheese.
- Topping ideas. Add sliced jalapeños, sour cream, diced tomato, green onions, or olives to customize.
- Cheese sauce variation. For a drizzle-style version, skip the second bake and pour warm Nacho Cheese Sauce over the hot fries before serving.
- Storage. Best eaten immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating. Reheat in a 350°F oven (or air fryer) until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Skip the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 478kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 932mg | Potassium: 587mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 240mg | Iron: 2mg
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