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Introduction:
Craving something crispy, cheesy, and completely irresistible? Look no further than these Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries! With perfectly golden fries topped with rich, melty cheese, savory bacon, and a medley of delicious toppings, this dish is sure to satisfy your snack cravings, whether you're watching a movie, hosting a party, or just in need of a comfort food fix. This recipe is simple, customizable, and, most importantly, packed with flavor!
Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes (or your favorite type of fries)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6-8 slices)
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (or green onions)
1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for some heat)
½ cup ranch dressing (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your fries will be perfectly crispy.
Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes (if desired), then cut them into thick fries or wedges. You can also use pre-packaged frozen fries if you're short on time.
Coat and Season the Fries: Toss the cut potatoes in olive oil, making sure they're evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake the Fries: Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
Load Up the Fries: Once the fries are cooked, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot fries and return them to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top the Fries: Remove the cheesy fries from the oven and top with crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped chives, and jalapeño slices (if using).
Serve: Serve immediately while the fries are warm and the cheese is gooey. Optionally, drizzle with ranch dressing for extra creaminess.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: These cheesy loaded fries are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. Pair them with a refreshing drink like iced tea or soda for a perfect combo.
Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore some of that crispy texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the fries and toppings ahead of time, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Variations:
Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and load up your fries with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even avocado for a creamy twist.
Spicy: For a spicy kick, add some chopped fresh chili peppers or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the loaded fries.
BBQ Style: Swap the sour cream with barbecue sauce and add pulled pork or shredded chicken for a barbecue-inspired twist.
Buffalo Style: Mix some buffalo sauce into the melted cheese for a tangy, spicy twist. Top with grilled chicken and blue cheese dressing for the ultimate buffalo loaded fries.
FAQ:
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