Tasty Bacon Cheese Topped Fries

Turn basic frozen fries into a mouthwatering crowd-favorite with these Cheese and Bacon Loaded Fries. This decadent treat pairs super crunchy fries with smooth, homemade cheese topping and flavorful add-ons for the ultimate comfort dish that's spot-on for sports viewing parties or laid-back get-togethers.

I've tweaked this dish for so many football gatherings, and I've found that getting the assembly timing right and nailing the cheese mixture is what makes it spectacular.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

• French fries: Go for steak-cut ones that won't get soggy
• Cheddar cheese: Shred it yourself for better melting
• Quality bacon: The thicker cuts break into better chunks
• Whole milk: Gives the creamiest sauce texture
• Fresh green onions: Adds a pop of color and flavor
• Full-fat sour cream: Makes for the tastiest topping
• Real butter: The foundation for a good sauce base

Complete Cooking Instructions

Fry Preparation:

Spread them out fully. Keep space between each fry. Turn them once halfway. Bake until super crunchy. Add salt while they're still hot.

Cheese Sauce Creation:

Let butter fully liquify. Mix flour completely in. Pour milk bit by bit. Keep mixing the whole time. Take off heat before cheese goes in.

Bacon Cooking:

Use pan before heating it up. Fry until super crisp. Let grease drain off. Break into bits while still warm. Keep some pieces for topping.

Assembly Process:

Stack everything while hot. Pour cheese in small batches. Spread toppings all around. Don't take your time. Get it to the table fast.

Final Presentation:

Pick a heated plate. Stack in sections. Save garnish for last. Offer extra toppings. Don't forget to bring forks.

Save it

This dish came from my attempts to make the same amazing loaded fries I'd had at my favorite sports bar.

Heat Control Tips

After making these countless times, I've learned that watching the heat is super important for awesome loaded fries. I make sure the cheese mix stays warm but not bubbling hot, and I cook the fries extra crunchy so they don't turn mushy under toppings. Using a warmed-up serving dish helps keep everything tasty longer.

Prep-Ahead Tricks

Though they taste best right away, you can get some stuff ready early. I often cook and break up the bacon beforehand, and mix the sauce base without adding cheese. When it's time to eat, I just warm the sauce slowly and stir in cheese for that perfect gooey texture.

Serving Suggestions

For chill gatherings, I put everything on one big plate in the middle. During football games, I sometimes make personal portions in little paper containers. Setting up a spot where folks can add extra cheese sauce, bacon bits, and green onions lets everyone fix their fries just how they like them.

Storage Solutions

These taste way better fresh, but if you have extras, keep all parts separate. Warm fries back up in your oven to get them crunchy again, and heat cheese sauce with a tiny bit of milk to smooth it out.

Customization Options

I've played around with many twists over time. Adding some sliced jalapeños brings nice heat, while chopped tomatoes make it fresher. For a super filling version, I sometimes throw on some shredded pork or meaty chili.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cheese mix gets too sticky, slowly add warm milk while stirring. If your fries aren't crunchy enough, toss them back in the oven for a few more minutes before adding any toppings.

Save it

These Cheese and Bacon Loaded Fries have become the food I'm known for at parties. The mix of crunchy fries, smooth cheese sauce, and tasty toppings creates something really special that gets people talking. Whether I'm making them for the big game or just a casual Sunday hangout, they always vanish in minutes.

Common Questions

→ Can I use premade cheese sauce?

Sure, ready-made cheese sauce works great if you need to save time.

→ Which cheese melts best for this sauce?

Go for medium or sharp cheddar that melts well, and don't use bagged shredded cheese as it has additives that prevent smooth melting.

→ Is it possible to prep these in advance?

You can make the cheese sauce early, but it's best to put everything together right before you eat.

→ Which frozen fries should I buy?

Any kind works fine - try standard cut, crinkle, or thicker steak fries based on what you like.

→ How do I keep them warm during a party?

They taste best fresh, but you can keep them warm in an oven on low heat for a little while.