When you really want to make yourself
spuds that are special, you have to make these loaded fries. A true legend in the game day appetizer hall of fame, these loaded fries are the simple, classic appetizer that you can turn to again and again. This recipe is not only topped with all of the staples you know and love (crispy bacon, melty cheese, and scallions), but I added a few extra special touches that truly make this app the MVP. Ready in just 20 minutes, these are the fries to make when you need something simple, versatile, and oh so classic. Here’s everything you need to know:
The best fries for loaded fries:
Crinkle fries were used here, but you can really use any bag of frozen French fries. Use your favorite, or check out our list of the best frozen French fries for inspo. Not feeling frozen? Make our double-fried French fries (or air fryer French fries) to really take this app to a new level.
Toppings for loaded fries:
When I set out to develop this recipe, I saw that most recipes called for some combination of cheese, bacon, scallions, and ranch dressing. It made me think of a college friend who used to order the Chicken Bacon Ranch from Subway at least three to four times a week. He had a very specific way of ordering it, and that usually involved adding a metric ton of pepperoncini (or banana peppers). So I got to thinking that they would be the perfect thing to add to loaded fries, and that it would taste even better in the ranch!
I believe the addition of pepperoncini and a homemade pepperoncini ranch truly takes these fries over the top, but loaded fries are nothing if not versatile. Not feeling the spicy ranch? Swap it out for homemade ranch dressing instead. Leave off the peppers, or swap them out for your favorite combination of veggies and toppings. I went for the loaded baked potato vibe here, but if you’re looking to branch out, many of our nacho recipe toppings would work beautifully here.
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it came out in the comments below.
When you really want to make yourself
spuds that are special, you have to make these loaded fries. A true legend in the game day appetizer hall of fame, these loaded fries are the simple, classic appetizer that you can turn to again and again. This recipe is not only topped with all of the staples you know and love (crispy bacon, melty cheese, and scallions), but I added a few extra special touches that truly make this app the MVP. Ready in just 20 minutes, these are the fries to make when you need something simple, versatile, and oh so classic. Here’s everything you need to know:
The best fries for loaded fries:
Crinkle fries were used here, but you can really use any bag of frozen French fries. Use your favorite, or check out our list of the best frozen French fries for inspo. Not feeling frozen? Make our double-fried French fries (or air fryer French fries) to really take this app to a new level.
Toppings for loaded fries:
When I set out to develop this recipe, I saw that most recipes called for some combination of cheese, bacon, scallions, and ranch dressing. It made me think of a college friend who used to order the Chicken Bacon Ranch from Subway at least three to four times a week. He had a very specific way of ordering it, and that usually involved adding a metric ton of pepperoncini (or banana peppers). So I got to thinking that they would be the perfect thing to add to loaded fries, and that it would taste even better in the ranch!
I believe the addition of pepperoncini and a homemade pepperoncini ranch truly takes these fries over the top, but loaded fries are nothing if not versatile. Not feeling the spicy ranch? Swap it out for homemade ranch dressing instead. Leave off the peppers, or swap them out for your favorite combination of veggies and toppings. I went for the loaded baked potato vibe here, but if you’re looking to branch out, many of our nacho recipe toppings would work beautifully here.
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it came out in the comments below.
- Yields:
-
4
serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 20 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 629
Directions
-
Pepperoncini Ranch
- Step 1
In a large bowl, whisk buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, pepperoncini, pepperoncini juice, parsley, dill, pepper, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder.
- Step 2Make Ahead: Dressing can be made 5 days ahead. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Step 1
-
Loaded Fries
- Step 1Preheat oven to 400º. In a cold, medium skillet, arrange bacon in a single layer. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy and fat is rendered, about 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 2Arrange fries on a sheet tray in a single layer. Top with cheese and bacon.
- Step 3Bake fries until cheese is melted, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Step 4Top with pepperoncini and scallions, then drizzle with pepperoncini ranch.
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE
