There’s nothing like indulging in a big plate of cheesy bacon loaded fries, especially when you’ve had a few too many proseccos and need something comforting and satisfying. These fries are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bacon goodness. Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be shared if you’re feeling generous! Here’s how to whip up this perfect dish, whether you’re chilling at home or treating yourself after a fun night out.
Method
1. Prep the Potatoes
Start by chopping your potatoes into fries or wedges, making sure they’re even in size to ensure they cook uniformly. Once chopped, place them in the microwave for about 7 minutes to soften them up. This will help reduce the cooking time in the fryer or oven and give them that perfect soft inside. After microwaving, take the potatoes out and spray them generously with Frylight (or any cooking spray of your choice). Season them with a pinch of salt and 1.5 tbsp of Cajun seasoning to give them that flavorful kick. Once seasoned, transfer the potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re spread out evenly for best results. Set the air fryer to 190°C and cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness. If you prefer using an oven, you can bake the fries at 190°C for about 40 minutes, turning them once during cooking for an even golden finish.
2. Cook the Bacon
While the fries are cooking, heat up a frying pan over medium heat to cook the bacon. Lay the bacon rashers in the pan and cook until they are crispy and golden. If you prefer a less greasy option, you can also bake the bacon in the oven at 190°C until it reaches your desired crispiness. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. After it has cooled slightly, chop it into small bits or strips that will be perfect for sprinkling over the fries later.
3. Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a medium-sized saucepan, add 40ml of milk and heat it over low heat. Once the milk is warm, add the cheesy slice, grated mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir constantly, allowing the cheese to melt into the milk. The key here is to keep the heat low so the cheese melts slowly, forming a smooth, gooey sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce reaches a thick consistency, making sure no lumps remain. If you find the sauce too thick, add a bit more milk to adjust the consistency to your liking. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
4. Assemble the Loaded Fries
Once your fries are crispy and golden, carefully transfer them to a serving plate. Pour the creamy, cheesy sauce generously over the fries, ensuring that each piece is covered in cheese goodness. Top the cheesy fries with the crispy bacon bits you prepared earlier. Finish by sprinkling a bit of parmesan over the top, along with a handful of fresh chives for added flavor and color. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, loaded fries!
Necessary Tools
- Microwave
- Air fryer or oven
- Frying pan (for the bacon)
- Saucepan
- Knife and chopping board
- Spoon for stirring
- Serving plate
Cheesy Bacon Loaded Fries
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
3 bacon rashers
660g potatoes (for fries)
Frylight spray (or cooking spray of your choice)
1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Pinch of salt
40ml milk
1 cheesy slice
10g grated mozzarella cheese mix
10g lightest cream cheese
5g parmesan
(Optional additional sauce if you prefer more)
Directions
- Prep the Potatoes Start by chopping your potatoes into fries or wedges. Pop them in the microwave for about 7 minutes to soften them up. Once softened, spray them with some Frylight (or your preferred cooking spray), season with salt and Cajun seasoning, and toss them in the air fryer. Set it to 190°C and let the fries cook for about 15-20 minutes. You can also cook them in the oven for about 40 minutes, but the air fryer gives them that perfect crispy texture.
- Cook the Bacon While your fries are cooking, get the bacon on. You can fry it in a pan until crispy or even bake it in the oven. Once crispy, chop the bacon into small bits for topping the fries.
- Make the Cheesy Sauce In a saucepan over low heat, add the milk, cheesy slice, grated mozzarella, and cream cheese. Stir everything together until it forms a thick, gooey cheese sauce. This is the magic that will make your fries even more irresistible!
- Assemble the Loaded Fries Once the fries are done and crispy, pour that luscious cheesy sauce over them. Then, top it off with the crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of parmesan, and a dash of fresh chives for some extra flavor.
Notes
- Potato Prep Be sure to microwave the potatoes for enough time so they soften up before you fry them. Overcooking or undercooking them can affect the texture of your fries.
- Air Fryer Tips If using an air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket. This will ensure that the fries cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
- Cheese Sauce Keep the heat low while making the sauce. Too much heat can cause the cheese to separate, so stir gently and patiently until it thickens.
- Bacon If you’re cooking bacon in a pan, be sure not to burn it! Crisp bacon is key, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy bacon loaded fries make an excellent snack, appetizer, or even a fun main dish for a casual meal. You can enjoy them with a side of ranch, sour cream, or even guacamole for dipping. For a lighter option, pair them with a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the fries.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the first known recipe for loaded fries originated in the United States in the 1980s? The dish quickly became a favorite for its cheesy, salty, and crispy combo. It’s now a beloved comfort food all around the world, with countless variations.
Conclusion
Cheesy bacon loaded fries are the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re enjoying them after a night out or as a fun family snack, they’re sure to satisfy those cravings. With crispy fries, savory bacon, and a creamy cheesy sauce, this dish is nothing short of heaven on a plate. So, grab those potatoes, some bacon, and let’s make this indulgent treat!
