Bacon Cheese Loaded Fries

Crispy French fries generously topped with a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, crispy bacon bits, and fresh green onions make for an easy and irresistible appetizer or side dish. This recipe is perfect for game days, casual family dinners, or whenever you want a tasty snack ready in under 25 minutes. Using either an air fryer or a conventional oven, you can whip up these loaded fries with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

My kids love helping make these and always fight over the first bite it’s become a fun family tradition whenever we watch a game or movie together

Ingredients

• Shoestring frozen French fries: Shoestring frozen French fries for quick crispiness and convenience choose quality brand with minimal additives
• Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese freshly shredded for its creamy melting texture and mild flavor
• Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese freshly shredded to add sharpness and color contrast
• Bacon bits: Bacon bits bring smoky saltiness precooked works best for ease, but cooking your own and crumbling is rewarding
• Green onions: Green onions sliced for freshness and a slight onion bite that brightens the dish
• Sour cream: Sour cream to serve adds a cool tang and creamy balance to the salty toppings

Instructions

Searing the Fries:

Preheat your air fryer toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a single even layer of frozen shoestring fries in the basket or on a foil lined baking sheet if using a conventional oven. Air fry for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket two to three times during cooking to ensure even crispness. Remove once fries are golden and crispy.

Layering the Cheese and Bacon:

Gather the fries into a mound in the center of the basket or tray. Shred the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over the fries, covering as much surface as possible. Sprinkle the bacon bits over the cheese generously to ensure every bite will have some bacon.

Melting the Cheese:

Return the loaded fries to the oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to melt the cheese without burning the fries. The goal is a gooey blanket of cheese embracing the crispy fries and bacon.

Garnishing and Serving:

Once the cheese has melted, remove the fries from the oven and scatter sliced green onions on top for a fresh bite. Serve warm with a dollop or side of sour cream for dipping to add creaminess and cut through the richness.

My favorite ingredient is definitely the Monterey Jack—it melts into the fries so beautifully making every bite perfectly gooey and satisfying. I remember the first time my son asked if this could count as a vegetable meal because of the green onions. It made me laugh but also reminded me how food creates often funny and warm family memories.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to revive crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes fries soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella is a good mild melting cheese alternative. Use any crunchy bacon alternative or turkey bacon for a leaner variation. Green onions can be swapped with finely diced white or sweet onions or chives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your loaded fries alongside pulled pork sliders, a fresh green salad, or slow cooker baked beans for a filling meal. They also make a fantastic party appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Loaded fries are such an easy crowd pleaser that they often become the star of casual gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Once you try making these at home, you’ll see how simple it is to bring that restaurant style indulgence to your own table.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of fries work best for this dish?

Shoestring frozen fries or fresh-cut potatoes both work well, but frozen fries save prep time and bake evenly in the air fryer or oven.

→ Can I use different cheeses instead of cheddar and Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend can be used to suit your taste preferences, adding different flavors and textures.

→ How do I get the cheese perfectly melted without overcooking the fries?

After baking the fries until crispy, sprinkle shredded cheese and bacon bits on top and return to the oven or air fryer for 1-2 minutes at 350°F to melt the cheese without drying the fries.

→ Can I add toppings other than bacon and green onions?

Yes, feel free to add toppings like diced white onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of warm cheese sauce to customize the flavor.

→ What sides pair well with loaded bacon and cheese fries?

Slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ sliders, or caramelized onion hummus complement these loaded fries perfectly for a full meal or party spread.

→ Is sour cream necessary as a topping?

While optional, sour cream provides a cool, tangy contrast that pairs well with the savory cheese and bacon, enhancing the overall flavor.