Bacon and Cheese Loaded Fries

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with savory bacon and fresh green onions, these bacon and cheese loaded fries are a crowd-pleaser every time. Perfect as a game day snack or easy family appetizer, they come together quickly and satisfy that craving for something indulgent and comforting. Whether you use an air fryer or your oven, this recipe is all about layering flavor and texture to make the humble French fry truly shine.

My kids love assembling the loaded fries themselves, and it’s become a fun family ritual to pass around the platter on movie night. The mix of savory bacon bits with the creaminess of sour cream and sharp green onions never fails to bring smiles around the table.

Ingredients

• Fourteen ounces shoestring French fries: these crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and cook quickly
• Half a cup Monterey Jack cheese freshly shredded: melts smoothly and adds a mild creamy flavor
• One third cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded: provides a sharp, tangy contrast that balances the jack cheese
• Quarter cup bacon bits: pre-cooked for convenience but feel free to cook your own for extra flavor
• Two green onions thinly sliced: add a fresh crisp bite and a splash of color
• One third cup sour cream: for serving its cool, tangy creaminess cuts through the rich cheese and bacon

Instructions

Sear the fries:

Air fry the frozen shoestring fries at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange them in a single, even layer in the basket or on a foil lined baking sheet to ensure they crisp evenly. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the fries two to three times during cooking to prevent sticking and encourage uniform browning.

Add cheese and bacon:

Once your fries reach the desired golden crispiness, pile them in the center of the basket or pan. Generously shred the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the fries in an even layer to ensure each bite has plenty of cheesy goodness. Scatter the bacon bits evenly on top of the cheese bed.

Melt the cheese:

Return the loaded fries to the oven or air fryer set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about one to two minutes. This short time melts the cheese perfectly without overcooking the fries or bacon.

Finish and serve:

Remove the fries carefully and sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve the loaded fries warm with a side or dollop of sour cream for dipping that brightens every bite.

One of my favorite parts about this recipe is the combination of two cheeses. Monterey Jack makes the fries creamy and gooey while cheddar adds a sharp bite that wakes up your taste buds. This recipe always brings back memories of celebrating my father in law’s milestone birthday where we first tried bacon cheese fries on a menu and have been perfecting our own version ever since.

Storage tips

Store leftover loaded fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 375 degree oven until the cheese is melty and fries recrisped about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the fries crispy.

Ingredient substitutions

Feel free to swap out the cheeses for mozzarella and pepper jack if you prefer a milder or spicier kick. Sweet onions work beautifully if you do not have green onions available. Using thick cut steak fries instead of shoestring fries gives the dish a heartier bite.

Serving suggestions

These loaded fries pair wonderfully with slow cooked pulled pork or turkey sliders for a full meal. A side of spicy ranch dressing or caramelized onion hummus also makes a nice dip to mix up the flavors. For a healthier take, serve alongside some air fried broccoli or a fresh green salad.

These bacon and cheese loaded fries are best served hot and shared. Enjoy as a snack or part of a hearty meal.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cheeses are used for these loaded fries?

Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses are shredded and melted over the fries, providing a rich, creamy flavor.

→ Can I use frozen fries for this dish?

Yes, frozen shoestring French fries work great and save preparation time while maintaining crispiness.

→ How do I get the fries crispy?

Air frying at 400°F and shaking the basket a few times during cooking ensures even crisping of the fries.

→ Is it possible to bake these fries instead of air frying?

Absolutely, you can bake the fries on a foil-lined sheet, stirring occasionally for even cooking, then add toppings as directed.

→ What garnishes complement these loaded fries?

Chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream add freshness and creaminess to the dish.