Get ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride, my fellow food adventurers! Today, we’re whipping up a seriously epic dish that will have you smashing those Loaded Cheesy Bacon Fries with Spicy Ranch Drizzle. This is the kind of comfort chaos that’s about to make your kitchen the ultimate flavor paradise. Trust me, y’all are going to be OBSESSED with this insane creation!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cheesy Bacon Fries with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
Imagine a mountain of crispy, golden fries smothered in melted, gooey cheese and sprinkled with salty, crunchy bacon bits. Now top that with a drizzle of creamy, spicy ranch dressing that’ll make your taste buds explode with excitement. This dish is the ultimate comfort food that’s both incredibly satisfying and completely irresistible. It’s the kind of recipe that will have your friends and family begging you to make it again and again. Get ready to become a total legend in the kitchen with this sensational loaded fries masterpiece!
Ingredients
We’re talking a flavor explosion here, so you’ll need some epic ingredients to pull this off. You’ll start with crispy, perfectly cooked fries as the base. Then it’s all about the toppings – think gooey, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a creamy, spicy ranch dressing that’ll take this dish to the next level. Get ready to smash some delicious rules, because this recipe is about to become a total game-changer!
- 4 cups – Cut, soaked, and dried french fries
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices – Cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1 cup – Creamy ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons – Sriracha or other hot sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey jack, or a blend for a different melty texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese and a plant-based ranch dressing for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Loaded Cheesy Bacon Fries with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
Alright, let’s dive into the epic process of creating these sensational loaded fries!
Step 1: [Prep Work]
Start by cutting and prepping your fries. You want them to be nice and crispy, so make sure to soak them in cold water and pat them dry before frying or baking. Next, cook up that delicious bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then crumble it into bits.
Step 2: [Main Cooking Process]
Now it’s time to build the ultimate loaded fry masterpiece. Grab a big ol’ pile of those crispy fries and smother them in a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Slide them into the oven or under the broiler until that cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3: [Final Steps/Assembly]
Remove the cheesy fries from the oven and top them with the crispy bacon bits. Now it’s time for the epic finishing touch – drizzle that creamy, spicy ranch dressing all over the top until every inch is covered in flavor. Get ready for the ultimate food jealousy, because this dish is about to be the talk of the town!
Step 4: [Finishing Touches]
If you really want to take these loaded fries to the next level, try adding some additional toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this insane dish!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Fry Tip: The key to super crispy fries is all in the prep work. Make sure to soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying or baking. This helps remove excess starch and ensures they’ll come out deliciously crunchy.
- Make-Ahead Note: While you can certainly assemble the loaded fries ahead of time, I’d recommend waiting to add the toppings and drizzle until right before serving. That way, the fries will stay nice and crisp, and the cheese and bacon will be warm and melty when you dig in.
- Fry Swap: Feel like switching things up? No problem! Try swapping the traditional fries for sweet potato fries or even thick-cut steak fries for a heartier twist.
- Spice It Up: You could also experiment with different cheese blends, like a mix of cheddar and pepper jack for an extra flavor punch. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the drizzle – a chipotle lime crema or a spicy sriracha aioli would both be amazing on these loaded fries.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: an ice-cold beer, crisp garden salad, or tangy coleslaw.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: For best results, reheat the fries in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the fries are crispy again.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the loaded fries in advance, but wait to add the toppings and drizzle until just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Let’s be real – these loaded fries are not exactly a health food. But sometimes you just need to indulge in a little comfort chaos, am I right? Each serving packs a hefty dose of calories, fat, and carbs, so be sure to enjoy them in moderation. But trust me, every last bite will be absolutely worth it.
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fat: 44 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the fries extra crispy?
The key to super crispy fries is all in the prep work. Make sure to soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying or baking. This helps remove excess starch and ensures they’ll come out deliciously crunchy.
Can I make these loaded fries in advance?
While you can certainly assemble the loaded fries ahead of time, I’d recommend waiting to add the toppings and drizzle until right before serving. That way, the fries will stay nice and crisp, and the cheese and bacon will be warm and melty when you dig in.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover loaded fries?
For best results, reheat the fries in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the fries are crispy again. You can also try reheating them in an air fryer for a quick and easy option.
Can I make these loaded fries vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the bacon and use a plant-based cheese or vegan cheese alternative. You could also try topping the fries with roasted veggies, caramelized onions, or even crispy chickpeas for some added protein and texture.
How spicy is the ranch drizzle?
The level of spice in the ranch dressing is totally customizable. Start with a mild sriracha or hot sauce, then add more to taste depending on your spice preference. If you’re feeding a crowd, you can always serve the spicy ranch on the side so everyone can adjust the heat to their liking.
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Print
Loaded Cheesy Bacon Fries with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍟 COMFORT CHAOS
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Loaded Cheesy Bacon Fries are the ultimate comfort food. Crispy fries topped with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and a spicy ranch drizzle are perfect for game day or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
– 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. 2. Toss the cut fries in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. 3. Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
4. 4. While the fries are baking, prepare the spicy ranch drizzle by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and hot sauce in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. 5. Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. 6. Return the fries to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
7. 7. Drizzle the spicy ranch sauce over the loaded fries and garnish with sliced green onions.
8. 8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
– For extra flavor, try adding jalapeños or avocado on top.
– These fries can also be made in an air fryer for a healthier version.
– Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the ranch drizzle to suit your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: fries, loaded fries, bacon fries, comfort food