Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries: Game Day Favorite!

When it comes to the ultimate game day snack, nothing beats a plate of Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries. This dish is a true celebration of all things delicious: crispy, golden fries loaded with a rich, velvety cheese sauce and topped with salty, crunchy bacon. It's a satisfying, indulgent snack that is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

This recipe is designed to be as easy as it is delicious, using a few simple hacks to get the best results without any complicated steps. It’s the perfect game day staple that will have everyone reaching for another handful.

Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 bag (24 oz) frozen french fries

  • 6 slices bacon

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Fries & Bacon

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Cook Fries: Arrange the frozen fries in a single, even layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or according to package directions, until they are golden brown and crispy.

  3. Cook Bacon: While the fries are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet until it is crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Make a Roux: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.1 Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a paste.

  2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.

  3. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble and Serve

  1. Remove Fries: Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven.

  2. Top with Cheese: Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the hot fries.

  3. Add Bacon & Garnish: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced green onions (if using) over the cheese sauce.

  4. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Fry

  • Crispy Fries are Key: For extra crispy fries, make sure they are in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. Use two sheets if necessary. You can also lightly spray them with cooking spray before baking.

  • The Right Cheese: Use a good quality, sharp cheddar cheese. Shred it yourself from a block, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.2

  • Keep it Warm: The cheese sauce is best when served warm. If it gets too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.

  • Don't Overcook the Sauce: Cook the sauce on medium heat and remove it from the heat before adding the cheese to prevent it from getting clumpy.

  • Customize It! Feel free to add other toppings like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.