Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Get ready for the ultimate fusion of flavors – we’re taking your average cheese fries and turning them into an EPIC flavor explosion! These Loaded Maple Bacon Cheese Fries with Spicy Ranch Drizzle are about to become the star of your next Netflix binge sesh or game day bash. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so make sure you have enough to share (or don’t – I ain’t judging!).
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Maple Bacon Cheese Fries with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
Life gave us ingredients, and we’re about to make them LEGENDARY! These fries are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. The maple-glazed bacon brings a delightful smoky-sweet crunch, while the melted cheese and creamy, tangy ranch dressing take this dish to a whole new level of flavor paradise. Trust me, y’all – this is the kind of recipe that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Prepare to be the talk of the party (or your couch) with these sensational, mouth-watering fries!
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on the good stuff! You’ll need crispy fries (homemade or frozen), shredded cheddar cheese, maple-glazed bacon, green onions, and a killer spicy ranch dressing. The dressing is a simple mix of ranch, hot sauce, and a few other flavor boosters that’ll take your fries to new heights of deliciousness.
- 4 cups – Crispy fries (homemade or frozen)
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices – Maple-glazed bacon, chopped
- 2 – Green onions, sliced
- 1 cup – Spicy ranch dressing
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try a Mexican or Italian cheese blend (more flavor options)
- Bacon: Use regular crispy bacon if you’re not feeling the sweet and savory combo (dietary swap)
How to Make Loaded Maple Bacon Cheese Fries with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
Let’s get started on creating this flavor-packed masterpiece! We’ll begin by prepping the bacon, then assemble the fries, and finish with an epic drizzle of spicy ranch dressing.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by getting everything ready to go! Begin by cooking up that amazing maple-glazed bacon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out the bacon slices in a single layer and brush them with a generous amount of maple syrup. Pop them in the oven and let them sizzle until they’re crispy and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re done, let them cool and then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to assemble the fries! Grab a large baking sheet and arrange your crispy fries in a single layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the fries, making sure to cover every inch. Slide the cheesy fries into the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now for the grand finale! Remove the cheesy fries from the oven and top them with the crispy maple bacon pieces. Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing all over the fries, making sure to hit every nook and cranny. Finish it off with a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a pop of freshness.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Grab a fork (or your hands – no judgement here!) and get ready to devour these EPIC fries! The combination of the salty, crispy bacon, the gooey, melted cheese, and the creamy, tangy ranch dressing is absolutely INSANE. I’m not even sorry about it! This dish is guaranteed to be the star of any party or movie night.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Kick: Try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends, like a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even throw in some crumbled blue cheese for a savory twist.
- Spicy Ranch Upgrade: Take the spicy ranch dressing up a notch by adding a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- More Toppings: Go ahead and pile on some diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a real flavor explosion.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Loaded Maple Bacon Cheese Fries are the perfect shareable snack for game days, movie nights, or anytime you need a seriously satisfying treat.
Storage: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is highly unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the fries are crispy.
Make-Ahead: The spicy ranch dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition Information
I won’t lie, these Loaded Maple Bacon Cheese Fries are a bit of an indulgence. But hey, sometimes you just need to treat yourself to something EPIC, am I right?
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 47 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these fries with frozen fries instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Using frozen fries is a total time-saver, and they’ll still turn out insanely delicious. Just follow the package instructions to get them nice and crispy before topping them with the cheese and bacon.
Is there a way to make this dish less messy to eat?
If you’re looking to keep things a little neater, you can try baking the fries in a casserole dish instead of on a sheet pan. This will help the toppings stay put a bit better. You can also serve the fries in individual ramekins or on small plates to make them easier to grab and enjoy.
Can I make the spicy ranch dressing in advance?
Definitely! The ranch dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before drizzling it over the fries. This is a great way to get a head start on your prep work.
How can I make these fries extra crispy?
For the crispiest fries, be sure to par-cook them first before assembling the dish. You can also try tossing the cooked fries in a bit of cornstarch or arrowroot powder before baking to help them get that perfect crunchy texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese besides cheddar?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, like a Mexican or Italian mix. You could even try crumbling some blue cheese or feta on top for a tangy twist.
Try These Next
- Loaded Cheesy Bacon Fries With Spicy Ranch Drizzle
- Loaded Chili Cheese Bacon Fries With Ranch Drizzle
- Spicy Maple Bacon Cheesecake Bites With Caramel Drizzle
Loaded Maple Bacon Cheese Fries with Spicy Ranch Drizzle
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Bacon Empire
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Loaded Maple Bacon Cheese Fries are a delicious combination of crispy fries topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and a sweet and savory maple drizzle, finished with a spicy ranch drizzle for an extra kick. Perfect for game day or as a tasty snack!
Ingredients
– 4 cups frozen French fries
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven and cook the frozen French fries according to package instructions until crispy.
2. While the fries are baking, prepare the spicy ranch drizzle by mixing ranch dressing, hot sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
4. Add the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese.
5. Return the loaded fries to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
6. Drizzle the maple syrup over the cheese and bacon, then remove from the oven.
7. Drizzle the spicy ranch dressing generously over the loaded fries before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the fries.
You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
These fries are best served immediately while hot and crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: loaded fries, bacon, cheese, maple syrup