The Ultimate Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crispy golden fries smothered in loaded cheese create the ultimate comfort indulgence you’ll absolutely adore.

Melted cheddar cascades over perfectly seasoned potato strips.

Bacon crumbles and green onions add delightful crunch and zesty flavor.

Every bite promises a mouthwatering explosion of textures and tastes.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Prepare to experience a crowd-pleasing treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible cheesy masterpiece.

Reasons to Enjoy Loaded Cheese Fries Today

• Customize Your Craving: Pick between ground beef with taco seasoning or zesty Italian sausage, letting you personalize the loaded fries to match your mood and taste preferences.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Transform simple frozen fries into a gourmet experience with homemade cheese sauce, fresh toppings, and professional-level assembly that rivals any pub or diner dish.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Prepare meat and cheese sauce simultaneously in separate skillets, minimizing cleanup and maximizing efficiency for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual gatherings where everyone can dig into a shared plate of indulgent, flavor-packed loaded fries that spark conversation and satisfaction.

What Goes Inside These Loaded Cheese Fries

• Frozen Fries: A crispy base that provides the foundation for this delicious loaded dish.

• Ground Beef: A savory protein option that adds rich flavor when seasoned with taco spices.
• Italian Sausage: An alternative meat choice that brings a zesty and robust taste to the loaded fries.

• Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic: Essential ingredients that build a flavorful base for the meat preparation.
• Taco Seasoning, Water: Spice blend and liquid that enhance the ground beef's taste and consistency.

• Butter, Flour: The classic roux base that creates a smooth and creamy sauce foundation.
• Milk: A liquid that helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
• Cheese: The star ingredient that adds rich, melty goodness to the dish.
• Salt, Cayenne Pepper: Seasonings that balance and elevate the cheese sauce flavor.

• Red Onions, Jalapenos, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Fresh ingredients that add color, texture, and additional layers of flavor to the loaded fries.

Steps to Make These Loaded Cheese Fries

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Base

Preheat the oven to 375F. Spread frozen fries evenly on a large baking sheet.

Bake according to package instructions until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Cook Meaty Topping (Option 1 – Taco Beef)

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Add ground beef and cook, breaking into small pieces until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and water.

Simmer until sauce thickens and meat is fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook Meaty Topping (Option 2 – Italian Sausage)

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking into crumbles until completely browned.

Set aside.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk in flour until bubbly. Slowly pour milk, whisking continuously.

Bring to a gentle simmer and let sauce thicken for 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Add shredded cheese gradually, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and cayenne pepper.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Assemble Loaded Fries

Remove fries from oven.

• Cooked ground beef or sausage
• Homemade cheese sauce
• Diced red onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped tomatoes
• Dollops of sour cream
• Sliced green onions

Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious creation!

Helpful Notes for Loaded Cheese Fries Success

• Spread frozen fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and maximum crunchiness.
• Whisk constantly while adding milk to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
• Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef or sausage to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to match your heat preference, adding gradually for controlled spiciness.
• Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Creative Takes on Loaded Cheese Fries

• Fiesta Nacho Cheese Fries: Replace beef with spicy shredded chicken seasoned with Mexican spices and top with salsa, cilantro, and pepper jack cheese.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fries: Swap ground beef with seasoned lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Fries: Substitute sausage with tender pulled pork mixed with tangy barbecue sauce, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits and coleslaw.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Fries: Replace meat with seasoned black beans, add roasted corn, guacamole, and use vegetarian cheese sauce for a plant-based version.

Best Sides to Serve With Cheese Fries

• Boost Flavor Profiles: Pair these loaded cheese fries with a crisp, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, creating a perfect flavor balance.
• Complement Spicy Elements: Select a chilled Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo to cool down the heat from jalapeños and taco seasoning, providing a refreshing contrast to the spicy ingredients.
• Enhance Comfort Food Experience: Serve alongside a classic coleslaw or tangy pickle spears to add a crunchy, acidic element that breaks up the heaviness of the cheesy, meaty fries.
• Quick Side Suggestion: Prepare a simple ranch or chipotle dipping sauce to elevate the flavor complexity and give diners an extra layer of taste excitement.

Keeping Loaded Cheese Fries Fresh and Crispy

• Store leftover loaded cheese fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the fries from toppings to prevent sogginess.
• Spread fries on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm at 375F for 10-15 minutes. Remove foil for the last 3 minutes to crisp up the fries.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Note that microwave might make fries slightly less crispy.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for the cheese sauce?

Sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and monterey jack are perfect. They melt smoothly and provide rich, creamy flavor that coats the fries beautifully.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the cheese sauce. Use gluten-free taco seasoning if choosing the ground beef option.

• How can I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese, add cheese gradually off the heat, and stir constantly to ensure smooth, creamy consistency. Low and slow melting prevents separation.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional jalapenos and cayenne pepper, which add heat. You can easily control spice levels by reducing it.

Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent Loaded Cheese Fries deliver a mouthwatering explosion of crispy potatoes smothered in melted cheese and savory toppings. Classic comfort food meets gourmet delight, promising you a satisfying crunch with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag (2 pounds) frozen fries
• 1 pound ground beef or 1 pound hot Italian sausage

Meat Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 2/3 cup water

Cheese Sauce and Toppings:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 jar jalapenos, drained
• 1–2 tomatoes, diced
• Sour cream
• Green onions, diced

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and arrange frozen fries on a large baking sheet, roasting according to package guidelines until crispy and golden.
2. For meat preparation, select either ground beef or Italian sausage option: sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, then add garlic and meat, cooking until completely browned.
3. If using ground beef, incorporate taco seasoning and water, simmering until sauce thickens. For sausage, simply cook until fully browned.
4. Create the velvety cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour until bubbling and smooth.
5. Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and simmer until sauce thickens approximately 3-4 minutes.
6. Remove sauce from heat and gradually fold in cheese, stirring until completely melted and glossy. Season with salt and cayenne pepper, adjusting to taste.
7. Extract crispy fries from the oven and generously layer with prepared meat, rich cheese sauce, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, fresh tomatoes, dollops of sour cream, and sprinkled green onions.
8. Serve immediately while fries remain hot and toppings are freshly added, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

Notes

• For extra crispy fries, pat them dry with paper towels before baking and spread them in a single layer without overcrowding.
• Grate cheese freshly and add it gradually while stirring continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a silky texture.
• Swap ground beef or sausage with shredded chicken, pulled pork, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free flour for the cheese sauce, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and low-fat sour cream to accommodate various dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 621 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg