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Turn basic frozen fries into a mouthwatering crowd-favorite with these Cheese and Bacon Loaded Fries. This decadent treat pairs super crunchy fries with a velvety, made-from-scratch cheese sauce and flavorful toppings for the ultimate comfort dish that's sure to be a hit at your next sports viewing party or laid-back get-together.
Through making this dish for so many sports viewing parties, I've found that getting the assembly timing right and nailing the cheese sauce are what truly matters.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- French fries: Go for steak-cut ones for better support
- Cheddar cheese: Shred it yourself for smoother melting
- Quality bacon: Thicker slices make better chunks
- Whole milk: Gives you the creamiest possible sauce
- Fresh green onions: Adds a pop of color and flavor
- Full-fat sour cream: Works best for topping
- Real butter: Needed for the base of your sauce
Easy-to-Follow Cooking Guide
- Getting Fries Ready:
- Spread them out well. Don't pack the tray too tight. Turn them halfway. Bake until super crispy. Add salt while they're hot.
- Making Cheese Sauce:
- Let butter melt all the way. Mix flour completely. Pour milk bit by bit. Keep stirring. Take off heat before adding cheese.
- Cooking Bacon:
- Start in a cold skillet. Fry until super crispy. Let grease drain off. Break up while still warm. Keep some pieces for topping.
- Putting It All Together:
- Stack while everything's still warm. Pour sauce in batches. Spread toppings all around. Don't wait too long. Eat right away.
- Making It Look Good:
- Pick a heated plate. Build in layers. Save garnish for last. Offer extra toppings. Serve with forks handy.
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I came up with this dish while trying to match the amazing loaded fries I'd had at my favorite sports bar.
Keeping Everything Hot
After making these loads of times, I've figured out that managing heat is super important. I keep my cheese sauce warm but not bubbling, and make sure my fries are extra crunchy so they don't get soggy under the toppings. Warming up your serving dish beforehand also helps everything stay hot longer.
Prep Work You Can Do Earlier
Even though they taste best fresh, you can get some stuff ready ahead of time. I often cook my bacon earlier in the day, and I'll make the sauce base without adding cheese. When it's nearly eating time, I just warm up the sauce and stir in the cheese for that perfect gooey texture.
Ways To Serve
When friends come over, I put everything on one big plate in the middle. For game watching, I sometimes make personal portions in paper trays. I love setting out extra cheese sauce, bacon bits, and sliced green onions so everyone can add more of what they like.
What To Do With Extras
These taste way better when fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep everything separate. Heat fries in the oven to get them crunchy again, and warm up cheese sauce with a little milk to make it smooth once more.
Ways To Mix It Up
I've played around with different versions over time. Adding chopped jalapeños gives a nice kick, and some diced tomatoes bring freshness. For a super filling version, I sometimes throw on some pulled pork or beef chili.
Fixing Common Problems
If your cheese sauce gets too thick, just add warm milk a little at a time and stir it in. If your fries aren't crunchy enough, pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes before adding toppings.
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These Cheese and Bacon Loaded Fries have become the dish everyone asks me to bring. The mix of crunchy fries, smooth cheese sauce, and yummy toppings creates something really special that gets everyone talking. Whether I'm making them for watching sports or just hanging out with friends, they always disappear in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I skip making the cheese sauce from scratch?
- Sure, store-bought sauces save time and still taste great.
- → What cheese should I pick for a smoother sauce?
- Go for medium or sharp cheddar. Avoid pre-shredded kinds—they've got extras that mess with melting.
- → Can I prep anything early?
- You can make the cheese sauce ahead. Just wait to put it all together until it's time to eat.
- → Are there specific fries that work better?
- Totally up to you! Crinkle cut, steak fries, or even waffle fries get the job done.
- → How do I keep them warm without losing the crunch?
- Serve right away if you can. Or keep them in a warm oven, but not for too long.