Loaded Bacon Cheddar Fries with Ranch and Green Onions Recipe
Loaded Fries are a deliciously indulgent appetizer or snack featuring crispy baked French fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, fresh green onions, and a drizzle of creamy ranch dressing. This easy-to-make recipe combines savory flavors and a variety of textures for an irresistible treat perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fries and Toppings
- 16 oz Frozen French Fries
- 8–10 oz Cheddar Cheese, block form for shredding
- 12 oz Bacon, diced
- 2 Green Onions, finely diced
- 1/4 cup Ranch Dressing
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Dice the raw bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crisp. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
- Preheat Oven and Bake Fries: Preheat your oven to 400°F (or the temperature recommended on your French fries package). Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure crispiness. Bake according to the package instructions until golden and crisp.
- Prepare Cheese and Green Onions: While the fries bake, shred the cheddar cheese block using a grater. Finely dice the green onions and set aside.
- Assemble Loaded Fries: Once the fries are baked, season them lightly with sea salt and black pepper, keeping in mind the saltiness of the other ingredients. Spread the fries evenly on the baking sheet, then layer the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon pieces, and some of the diced green onions evenly over the top.
- Melt Cheese: Return the loaded fries to the oven and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Final Touches: Remove the loaded fries from the oven. Drizzle the ranch dressing evenly over the top and sprinkle additional green onions for garnish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For crispier fries, avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of ranch dressing to your taste or substitute with sour cream if preferred.
- Consider substituting turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based bacon alternative.
Keywords: loaded fries, cheesy bacon fries, baked fries, ranch fries, comfort food, easy appetizer
