These simple loaded fries are the ultimate snack or shareable appetizer! Crispy oven-baked French fries are topped with gooey melted cheese, smoky bacon, fresh green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Perfect for game days, parties, or an easy weeknight comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love These Loaded Fries
Who can resist a big pile of golden fries loaded with toppings? Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a side, or even a meal, these fries always hit the spot. If ranch isn’t your favorite, swap it for your go-to fry sauce, blue cheese dressing, or even sour cream for a potato-skin vibe.
Loaded fries are endlessly customizable. Add protein like ground beef or chicken to turn them into a filling dinner, or switch up the toppings to fit any craving.
Ingredient Notes
You only need a few simple ingredients to get started:
- French Fries – Frozen fries work perfectly for convenience, but homemade fries are always welcome. Bake or air fry until golden and crisp.
- Cheese – A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully. Shredding cheese from a block gives you the best melt.
- Bacon – Cooked until crispy for maximum flavor. Skip the pre-cooked kind for better texture.
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy and tangy, but feel free to swap in chipotle ranch, fry sauce, or blue cheese dressing.
- Green Onions – Freshly chopped for color and brightness.
Topping Ideas
While this recipe keeps it simple, loaded fries are super versatile. Here are a few fun twists:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries – Add shredded chicken along with bacon, cheese, and ranch.
- Pizza Fries – Top with marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings).
- Taco Fries – Pile on seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and guac.
- Poutine – Smother fries with brown gravy and cheese curds (or mozzarella for disco fries).
- Big Mac Fries – Seasoned ground beef, cheddar, lettuce, pickles, and Big Mac sauce.
How to Make Loaded Fries
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen French fries
- 8–10 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (or a cheese blend)
- 12 oz bacon, diced and cooked
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon – Dice raw bacon into 1-inch pieces and cook until crispy. Drain on a paper towel.
- Bake the fries – Cook fries on a baking sheet in a single layer according to package directions (usually around 400°F). Crispiness is key!
- Add toppings – Once fries are done, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and a few green onions.
- Melt and finish – Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve – Drizzle with ranch dressing, sprinkle with extra green onions, and enjoy immediately.
Tips for Success
- Bake fries in a single layer so they crisp up instead of steaming.
- Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Make it a meal by adding ground beef, chicken, or even pulled pork.
Storing & Reheating
Loaded fries are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to revive crispiness.
⭐️ Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, these fries are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick with bacon and ranch or build your own topping combo, this easy recipe will become a go-to snack or party favorite!