Loaded French Fries

The ultimate loaded French fries with queso dip, jalapenos, bacon, onions, and loads of cheese. Ready in under 20 minutes this pile will make a definite crowd-pleaser at any party or game day.

This is better than any fast food restaurant can offer you, I promise! Tex-Mex style crispy fries with fresh toppings, bacon bits, a generous load of sour cream, and all of that just smothered in melted cheese. Mouthwatering, easy appetizer!

My best tip for making these double cheesy fries is to save time by using frozen French fries and cooking fries before loading them up with all the toppings. It will make sure they stay crisp and firm without getting soggy and mushy.

If you love fries, I highly recommend you try my Garlic Parmesan steak fries, Poutine recipe, and my second version of loaded cheese fries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This is the best game-day food, period!
• If you have kids you will have to double the recipe, they make these loaded cheese fries disappear way too fast.
• Foolproof loaded fries recipe that you can customize using ANY toppings you like.
• Quick to make as a last-minute snack – I use frozen fries as a shortcut, a time-saving hack for me!
• Another big plus for me – easy clean up and no issues with storage since there are no leftovers ever.

Ingredients Notes

• Frozen french fries. Choose the packets that come with seasoning already. Frozen fries save time, are cheap, and are already cut so you don’t need to do any prep work. And it is totally ok to use homemade french fries, of course, too. If the package you buy doesn’t come with seasoning, use any you like. There are some special French fries seasoning for sale at the stores.
• Cheese dip/queso dip – I save time on making cheesy sauce by using the dip. It has a rich flavor and perfect lumps-free consistency.
• Shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to use freshly shredded cheese, not the pre-made one. It often has unhealthy anti-caking additives that will make it lumpy when melted.
• Cooked bacon, crumbled
• Cherry tomatoes, sliced
• Jalapenos add a little spicy kick, you can use both fresh or pickled (pickled ones are not spicy at all!).
• Onions. Literally, any. green onions work for garnish, while white or red onions really add a nice sweet and pungent taste. And I prefer fresh onions over onion powder.
• Sour cream

Kitchen Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups 
• 9×13 baking sheet pan or large baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Large bowl – optional
• Small saucepan if you want to heat a queso sauce

How To Make Loaded Cheese Fries

1: Bake French Fries

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Place the fries on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
3. Bake the fries for 15-20 or until crispy according to package directions.
4. You can use an air fryer to cook fries too!

2: Load The Remaining Ingredients

1. Pile the fries up and top the fries with the cheese dip and cheddar cheese. 
2. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. 
3. Top with bacon, tomatoes, jalapeños, and green onions. 
4. Serve with sour cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat loaded fries in the oven at 300F for 5 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals, though the fries may lose some crispness. For best results, store the toppings separately and add them back after reheating the fries.

Crispy French fries don’t freeze well so make just enough to finish within two days or better while they are still fresh.

Substitutions & Variations

• Toppings. You can add black beans, ground seasoned meat or chicken pieces, black olives, and lettuce to the loaded fries. A side of guacamole is a great idea too.
• Fries. Use steak fries, potato wedges, curly fries, waffle fries, or even tater tots to make this loaded fries recipe.
• Cheese options. Instead of Cheddar cheese, use Mozzarella cheese, sharp Cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or any of your favorite cheeses.
• Serving ideas. Serve sour cream, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, fry sauce, or hot sauce as a dipping sauce on the side.
• Make cheese sauce from scratch in a separate saucepan. You can first melt butter over medium heat to make an ultra-rich sauce and add some flour to thicken it.
• Make Greek Fries with paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, crumbled mozzarella, ground beef, and fresh tomatoes. Use Greek-style seasonings as you’d get for making gyros. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
• Change it up with crispy bacon, gooey cheese, ground turkey, sliced hot dogs, lean ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of sour cream on top of the loaded fries.

Popular Questions

How to Make the Best Loaded Fries?

To make the best loaded fries, always go for crispy fries like regular, curly fries, or crinkle-cut fries. Bake or air fry them according to package directions until they’re golden and crispy.

Then, pile on your favorite toppings like cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, and chopped tomatoes. Bake again briefly until the cheese is completely melted. Serve hot for a delicious treat!

What Kind of Fries Are Best for Loaded Fries?

The best fries for loaded fries are crispy ones. Curly fries and crinkle-cut fries work great because they hold the toppings well. You can also use waffle fries or steak fries for a heartier base.

What Are Good Toppings for French Fries?

Good toppings for french fries include shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, ground beef, and green onions. You can also add sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

How Do You Keep Loaded Fries from Getting Soggy?

To keep loaded fries from getting soggy, bake or fry them in a single layer until crispy before adding all the toppings. Add the toppings just before serving, and avoid adding too much sauce, which can make them soggy.

What Is the Difference Between Loaded and Dirty Fries?

Loaded fries are topped with a variety of ingredients like cheese, bacon, and onions, making them a hearty snack. Dirty fries usually have similar toppings but may include extra spices or sauces for a messier, more flavorful experience.

What Cheese Is Best for Loaded Fries?

For loaded fries, the best cheese is one that melts well, hard cheeses like cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack, or softer cheeses that make super gooey texture like mozzarella cheese.

If you love this snack recipe, you’re going to love these other recipes for gathering friends, too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great French Fry Recipes

Air Fryer Frozen French Fries

Garlic Parmesan Baked Steak Fries

Air Fryer Steak Fries

Loaded Fries

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