These Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries are a tasty treat! Crispy fries get topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing. What’s not to love?
If you’re like me, you can’t resist sneaking a fry straight off the plate! Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—just don’t forget the napkins! 😂
Ingredients & Substitutions
French Fries: I usually go for frozen fries because they’re super convenient. But if you want a fresher option, you can cut large potatoes into fries. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work great!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar really adds a nice flavor, but feel free to mix it up! You could also use Monterey Jack for a milder taste or even a cheese blend for variety.
Bacon: Crispy bacon is a must! If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using crispy tempeh or a plant-based bacon substitute to still get that smoky flavor.
Ranch Dressing: If ranch isn’t your thing, try blue cheese dressing for a bold twist! You can also make a homemade version using yogurt, mayo, and herbs.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives brighten up the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried can work too, but you’ll want to use them sparingly as they’re more potent.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Crispy Fries?
Getting your fries crispy is key to making these Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries shine. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to the right temperature. This helps fries cook evenly.
- Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Crowding them can lead to soggy fries.
- Season them smartly! A little salt and pepper goes a long way. Adding garlic powder or smoked paprika can elevate the flavor.
- Bake until they’re golden brown. Flipping them halfway through ensures that both sides get crispy.
Give them a little extra time if needed. You want them perfectly crunchy for that satisfying bite!
Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Fries:
- 4 cups frozen French fries (or about 4 large potatoes, cut into fries)
For The Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips bacon
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or smoked paprika for seasoning fries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake, making it an excellent choice for a quick snack or party treat. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the frozen fries packaging, or set it to 425°F (220°C) if you’re making fresh fries. This step is crucial for getting those fries nice and crispy!
2. Bake the French Fries:
Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet (if using fresh potatoes, cut them into fry shapes). You can sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder or smoked paprika to add some extra flavor. Bake the fries until they’re golden brown and crispy—this usually takes about 20-25 minutes for frozen fries, or 30-35 minutes for fresh fries. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through for even cooking!
3. Cook the Bacon:
While the fries are baking, grab a skillet and cook the bacon strips over medium heat until they get nice and crispy. Once done, place them on a paper towel to drain the excess grease. After a few minutes, crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces.
4. Add Cheese to the Fries:
Once the fries are finished baking, take the baking sheet out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot fries. Yum!
5. Melt the Cheese:
Put the fries and cheese back in the oven and bake for another 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Dress Them Up:
Take the baking sheet out of the oven. Drizzle ranch dressing generously over the cheesy fries. This is where the magic happens!
7. Finish with Bacon and Herbs:
Finally, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and the chopped parsley or chives over the top for a fresh touch. It looks, and smells, delicious!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Grab a fork (or just dig in with your hands), and enjoy your Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries while they’re still hot! Perfect as a snack, party food, or side dish.
This recipe creates a savory, cheesy, crispy loaded fry dish that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy your indulgent treat!
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Frozen Fries?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, just cut about 4 large potatoes into fry shapes. Be sure to soak them for about 30 minutes before baking to help achieve that crispy texture!
How Can I Make These Fries Spicier?
If you’re looking for some heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños along with the cheese, or you could use a spicy ranch dressing for drizzling. Spice it up to your taste!
Can I Make This Recipe in Air Fryer?
Yes, you can definitely use an air fryer! Cook the frozen fries according to the air fryer’s guidelines, typically around 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), tossing halfway. Then, add cheese and toppings for a few more minutes until melted.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispy texture; microwaving can make them soggy.