If you’re a fan of indulgent comfort food that brings all the best flavors together, this Cheesy BBQ Bacon Loaded Fries recipe is about to become your new go-to! Imagine crispy, golden fries topped with a rich, cheesy BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch. This dish is perfect as a snack, a side, or even a main course. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and just the right amount of comfort. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just treating yourself, these loaded fries are bound to satisfy!
Method
1. Prep the Fries
Begin by washing and peeling the potatoes, then slice them into chip-sized pieces. Once chopped, microwave the potatoes for about 7 minutes to soften them slightly, which will help them cook faster and more evenly. After microwaving, spray the potatoes with Frylight, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, season the fries with paprika, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. This will enhance the flavor and give the fries that perfect crispy exterior. Once seasoned, transfer the fries to an air fryer preheated to 190°C, and cook them for 20 minutes. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also bake them in a conventional oven at 190°C for 30-40 minutes. Be sure to shake the fries halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly and get that golden-brown crunch on all sides.
2. Cook the Bacon
While the fries are cooking, dice the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Add the diced bacon to a frying pan set over low heat. As the fat begins to render, you can increase the heat to medium-high. Cook the bacon for a few minutes on each side, flipping occasionally, until it becomes nice and crispy. Once it’s done, transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess fat, leaving behind just the crispy, flavorful bits.
3. Make the Cheesy BBQ Sauce
With the bacon cooked and the fries still in the air fryer or oven, it’s time to make the cheesy BBQ sauce. Lower the heat in the same frying pan you used to cook the bacon, and allow it to cool slightly. Then, add the BBQ sauce, passata, Worcester sauce, balsamic vinegar, and honey to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the mixture heat through for a few minutes. Once it’s warm, add the cheesy slice, grated mozzarella cheese, and skimmed milk to the pan. Stir continuously over a low-medium heat until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and fully combined, with all the cheese melted into a smooth, velvety sauce. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning at the bottom of the pan.
4. Assemble
Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer or oven and transfer them into a serving bowl. Drizzle the freshly made cheesy BBQ sauce generously over the fries, ensuring they are fully coated with the creamy sauce. For added flavor and texture, sprinkle the crispy bacon bits over the saucy fries. To top it off, add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and crispy onions if you like a little extra crunch and flavor. These toppings will enhance the overall taste and add a beautiful visual touch to your dish.
Necessary Tools
- Microwave or oven
- Air fryer (or conventional oven)
- Frying pan
- Paper towel
- Bowl for serving
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and chopping board
Cheesy BBQ Bacon Loaded Fries Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes40
minutes50
minutesIngredients
420g potato
Frylight spray
1/2 tsp paprika
1 tsp mixed herbs
Salt and pepper
For the toppings
2 unsmoked back bacon rashers
1 tbsp BBQ sauce
1 tbsp passata
1 tsp Worcester sauce
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey
1 cheesy slice
20g grated mozzarella cheese mix
3 tbsp skimmed milk
Optional topping (inc in macros)
5g grated mozzarella cheese mix
Chopped parsley
1 tsp crispy onions
Directions
- Prep the Fries
Start by chopping your potatoes into chip-sized pieces. Then, microwave them for 7 minutes to soften them up. After that, spray the fries with Frylight and season with paprika, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Pop them into your air fryer at 190°C for 20 minutes, or bake them in the oven for 30-40 minutes, shaking them every so often to ensure even cooking. - Cook the Bacon
Dice the bacon into small pieces. Add it to a frying pan over a low heat. Once the fat starts to run out, turn up the heat and cook the bacon until it’s crispy, flipping it to ensure even cooking. Set the bacon aside on paper towels to soak up excess fat. - Make the Cheesy BBQ Sauce
Reduce the heat in the frying pan to low and add the BBQ sauce, passata, Worcester sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, mozzarella cheese, and milk. Stir it for a few minutes over medium-low heat until everything combines into a thick, cheesy sauce. - Assemble
Once the fries are crispy and golden, place them in a bowl. Pour over the cheesy BBQ sauce and top with crispy bacon bits, an extra sprinkle of cheese, chopped parsley, and a few crispy onions if you like that extra crunch.
Notes
- Make sure to shake the fries every so often in the air fryer or oven to avoid them sticking and ensure they cook evenly.
- When cooking the bacon, keep an eye on the pan to avoid burning the bits; it can cook quickly at high heat.
- The BBQ sauce will thicken as it cooks, so be sure to stir frequently to prevent it from burning.
- Be careful when handling the hot frying pan and oven tray. Always use mitts or a cloth to avoid burns.
Serving Suggestions
These Cheesy BBQ Bacon Loaded Fries are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or even pair them with a fresh salad for a balanced meal. If you’re looking to make this dish even heartier, serve it alongside some grilled chicken or a juicy burger. You could even use these fries as a fun side dish for your next BBQ gathering!
Fun Fact
Did you know that French fries, one of the main ingredients in this recipe, are often considered to have originated in Belgium? There’s a fun debate between Belgium and France about which country can claim the title for the invention of fries!
Conclusion
Cheesy BBQ Bacon Loaded Fries are a quick, easy, and indulgent treat that will definitely become a household favorite. With crispy fries, rich BBQ sauce, and delicious bacon bits, it’s the ultimate comfort food you can enjoy any time. This recipe combines all the best flavors in one bowl, and it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So next time you’re in the mood for something hearty, give these loaded fries a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
