Homemade Restaurant-Style Loaded Cheese Fries
Recreate the Beloved Loaded Cheese Fries from Your Favorite Family Restaurant at Home!
Experience the iconic loaded cheese fries, a fan favorite from family restaurants, recreated perfectly in your own kitchen. These fries boast a delightful contrast of crispy exteriors and tender interiors, generously topped with savory bacon, gooey cheese, and our special tangy-sweet ranch sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or as a special treat for the family.
Key Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes (about 300-400g)
- 6-7 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
- 100g mozzarella or pizza cheese
- Vegetable oil (like grapeseed or canola) for frying/baking
Special Ranch Sauce
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of white pepper
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of white pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start with the star of our dish: the potatoes! Wash them thoroughly, as we’ll be leaving the skin on for extra flavor and texture. Cut the potatoes into thick-cut fries, about 0.8 cm (1/3 inch) thick. This thickness is key to achieving that perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 5-10 minutes to remove excess starch. Rinsing the starch prevents the fries from sticking together and ensures they become extra crispy.
Step 2
Drain the potatoes well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture can lead to soggy fries or splattering oil. Season the dried potato wedges lightly with salt. Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil (like grapeseed or canola) over the fries and toss gently to coat evenly. The oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. (Alternatively, you can use an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes).
Step 3
Now, let’s whip up the delicious special ranch sauce that elevates these cheese fries! In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt (unsweetened), 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1/2 tablespoon of finely minced onion, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Whisk everything together until smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of white pepper to taste. Mix well. This sauce offers a delightful tangy and sweet flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the honey and seasonings to your preference.
Step 4
Next, prepare the savory bacon that adds so much flavor. Place the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat (no need for extra oil). Cook slowly, turning occasionally, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn it! Once cooked, transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess grease. This step ensures the bacon is perfectly crisp and not too greasy.
Step 5
Once the bacon has cooled slightly and excess grease is removed, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1 cm or 1/3 inch wide). Be careful not to chop it too finely, or it might crumble. Prepare your cheeses: cut the cheddar cheese slices into halves or quarters, and have your mozzarella or pizza cheese ready. If you take the cheeses out of the fridge a bit beforehand, they will melt more easily.
Step 6
It’s time to assemble and bake our loaded cheese fries! Arrange the freshly baked, crispy potato fries on your serving platter, oven-safe dish, or baking sheet. Start by scattering the cut cheddar cheese slices evenly over the warm fries. Next, sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon all over the cheese. Finally, generously top everything with the mozzarella or pizza cheese. Place the dish back into the preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) and bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly (about 5-7 minutes). Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from overcooking and becoming tough. Serve immediately with the special ranch sauce for dipping. Enjoy this ultimate comfort food!
