These Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries are a big treat! Crispy fries topped with gooey cheese, crunchy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing make every bite super tasty.
Honestly, who can resist bacon and cheese on fries? It’s like a party in your mouth! I love serving these up for game nights, and leftovers? What leftovers?! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
French Fries: I love using frozen fries for convenience, but fresh-cut potatoes are excellent if you want that homemade touch. You could try sweet potatoes too for a different flavor!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Just ensure it melts well!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds great flavor and crunch. If you’re looking for a substitute, turkey bacon could work, or for a vegetarian option, you might use crispy fried onions or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.
Ranch Dressing: The ranch is key for creaminess. You can swap it for blue cheese dressing or even a homemade version using yogurt, mayo, and herbs if you’re feeling adventurous.
How Do I Get the French Fries Perfectly Crispy?
The goal here is perfectly crispy fries, which can make or break your loaded fries. If you’re using frozen fries, follow the package instructions for the best results.
- For fresh potatoes, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up.
- Drain, dry well, and fry or bake at a high temperature (around 425°F or 220°C) until golden.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking; this helps each fry cook evenly and get crispy!
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’re all set to whip up some amazing Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries!
Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups frozen French fries (or fresh-cut potatoes, cut into fries)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheddar blend)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and cook. If you’re using frozen fries, just follow the package instructions. If you’re cutting fresh potatoes, allow a little extra time for prepping and frying or baking them till they’re crispy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fries:
Start by cooking the French fries according to package directions. If you’re using fresh-cut potatoes, slice them into fry shapes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and then fry or bake them at 425°F (220°C) until golden and crispy.
2. Assemble the Fries:
Once your fries are nice and hot, spread them evenly on an oven-safe dish or a baking sheet. Make sure they are spread out and not piled up to ensure even melting of the cheese!
3. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the hot fries. The heat from the fries will start melting the cheese just a bit!
4. Add the Bacon:
Next, nicely scatter the crispy, crumbled bacon over the cheesy fries. The more, the merrier!
5. Melt the Cheese:
Now, it’s time to make everything ooey-gooey! Place the dish under a broiler or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn!
6. Drizzle the Ranch:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the fries from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing generously over the top. You can add as much or as little as you’d like!
7. Garnish and Serve:
If using, sprinkle the chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh garnish. Serve these delicious loaded bacon ranch fries immediately while they’re hot and cheesy!
Enjoy this scrumptious snack with friends or family; it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a blend for added flavor. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well!
Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
Yes! You can use sweet potato fries or even bake your fries in the oven instead of frying them. For a lighter option, try using turkey bacon and a low-fat ranch dressing.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm them in the oven to keep the fries crispy instead of using a microwave.
Can I Make These Loaded Fries Vegetarian?
Yes! To make these fries vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add crispy fried onions or chopped bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.