Name: Loaded French Fries with Cheddar and Bacon Street Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Street Food
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs russet potatoes (or frozen French fries); 6 slices thick-cut bacon; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 medium tomato, diced; 1/4 cup sour cream or ranch dressing (optional); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick); Vegetable oil (for frying, if using fresh potatoes)

Indulge in the ultimate street food experience with these Loaded French Fries topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon. Perfect for dinner, this hearty dish combines golden fries, savory bacon, and gooey cheese, finished with fresh toppings for a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Loaded French Fries recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings the vibrant energy of street food to your table. The combination of crispy, golden fries with the rich, melty goodness of cheddar cheese and the smoky crunch of bacon creates a symphony of textures and flavors. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a fun weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The customizable toppings allow you to tailor it to your taste, whether you prefer a spicy kick or a fresh, herbaceous finish. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank, perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Crispy Fries: For extra crispy fries, soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before frying to remove excess starch.
Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon until just crispy to avoid overcooking when baked with the fries.
Cheese Melting: Use freshly grated cheddar for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
Layering: Spread fries evenly on the baking sheet to ensure uniform cooking and cheese coverage.
Oven Timing: Keep a close eye during the final bake to prevent cheese from burning.
Fresh Toppings: Add green onions and tomatoes right before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.
Serving Immediately: Serve hot for the best texture, as fries can soften if left sitting.

Yield: Serves 4

Loaded French Fries with Cheddar and Bacon Street Food

Crispy French fries topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh toppings for a delicious street food-inspired dinner.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

1.5 lbs russet potatoes (or frozen French fries)
6 slices thick-cut bacon
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 medium tomato, diced
1/4 cup sour cream or ranch dressing (optional)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a spicy kick)
Vegetable oil (for frying, if using fresh potatoes)

Instructions

Prepare the Fries: If using fresh potatoes, wash, peel, and cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry. If using frozen fries, preheat the oven to 425°F and spread fries evenly on a baking sheet.
Cook the Fries: For fresh fries, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry potatoes in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. For frozen fries, bake according to package instructions, usually 20-25 minutes, until crispy.
Cook the Bacon: While fries cook, place bacon slices in a single layer in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then chop into small pieces.
Preheat Oven for Assembly: Set your oven to 400°F to prepare for melting the cheese and combining flavors.
Assemble the Base: On a large baking sheet, spread the cooked fries in an even layer to ensure every fry gets some cheesy goodness.
Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the fries, followed by the chopped bacon, ensuring even distribution for maximum flavor.
Bake to Melt: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle diced tomatoes and sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Optional Drizzle: If desired, drizzle sour cream or ranch dressing over the fries for a creamy finish. Use a squeeze bottle for a fun, street food-style presentation.
Serve Hot: Transfer to a large platter or individual plates and serve immediately while the fries are crispy and the cheese is gooey. Enjoy your street food feast!

Notes

For extra flavor, toss fries with a pinch of garlic powder before baking.
If using frozen fries, opt for thick-cut or steak fries for better texture.
Adjust cheese quantity to your preference for extra gooeyness.
Serve with extra napkins—this is a gloriously messy dish!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per ServingCalories 815Total Fat 55gSaturated Fat 27gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 141mgSodium 1723mgCarbohydrates 42gFiber 5gSugar 4gProtein 39g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

The star of this dish is the French fries, which can be homemade or frozen for convenience—russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, yielding crispy results. Thick-cut bacon adds a smoky, savory depth, but you can opt for turkey bacon for a lighter option. Sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, tangy flavor that melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Green onions and diced tomatoes add a fresh, colorful contrast, while optional sour cream or ranch drizzle brings a creamy finish. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and optional chili powder enhance the overall flavor profile.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Swap bacon for crispy prosciutto or plant-based bacon for a vegetarian version. Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a stretchy texture. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for heat, or incorporate pulled pork or chili for an even heartier dish. For a lighter take, use sweet potato fries or air-fried fries. You can also experiment with toppings like avocado, pickled onions, or a sprinkle of feta for a Mediterranean flair. For a vegan option, use dairy-free cheese and vegan bacon.

Storage Options

Store leftover loaded fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy. Freezing is not recommended, as the cheese and toppings lose their texture.