88% would make this again

French Fries Loaded

Q: How do you make loaded french fries?

Loaded French fries start with crispy fries topped with a creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon bits and sliced jalapeños, then finished off with extra cheese or garnishes. You can use homemade fries or frozen ones, cook them until golden and crisp, then spoon over warm cheese sauce and toppings right before serving. Layering the fries with toppings helps ensure every bite is packed with flavour and texture.

Q: What toppings go well on loaded fries?

Classic toppings include bacon bits, jalapeño slices, shredded or melted cheese, green onions and optional sour cream. You can also add fresh tomatoes, black olives, pulled pork or even salsa for extra flavour. The key is balancing salty, creamy and spicy elements so the dish feels rich yet bright.

Q: Can you make loaded fries in the air fryer?

Yes, you can make crispy loaded fries in the air fryer by cooking the fries first until they’re golden, then adding the toppings and briefly air frying again so the cheese melts and everything heats through. This method keeps the fries crisp while giving you that melty loaded finish.

Q: Are loaded fries best with cheese sauce or shredded cheese?

Both work well, but cheese sauce coats the fries more evenly and stays slick and creamy under toppings, while shredded cheese gives a nice melty pull and can be broiled or baked on top. Many people choose cheese sauce first and finish with a little shredded cheese for contrast.

Q: How do I keep loaded fries from getting soggy?

To keep them crispy, cook the fries until very crisp before adding any sauce and add cheese sauce right before serving, rather than letting them sit. If you’re using added toppings like sour cream or salsa, add those last so they don’t soften the fries too quickly.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes cut into fries - soak them first in cold water to remove excess starch, dry thoroughly and cook them until crisp before topping. Many cooks find homemade fries taste better and crisp up nicely when double fried or air fried.

Q: What is the best way to cook the bacon for loaded fries?

Cook the bacon until it’s crisp in a frying pan or oven, then chop or crumble it before adding to your loaded fries so it stays crunchy and delivers salty flavour with every bite. Keeping bacon crisp gives a great texture contrast with the creamy cheese.

Vish G

December 19, 2025

When cravings hit, French Fries Loaded make an easy and satisfying choice. Crispy fries piled with flavourful toppings turn a simple dish into something special. A great option for relaxed nights and casual gatherings. This is one of those easy cheesy recipes that everyone loves to eat when you don’t feel like getting takeout.

PREP TIME

20 MIN

COOK TIME

25 MIN

SERVINGS

Ingredients

1.2 kg or 2.6 lb potatoes, cut into fries
1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
Vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying or air frying
Salt, to taste
Cheese sauce
30 g or 2 tablespoons butter
30 g or 2 tablespoons plain flour
300 ml or 1.25 cups milk
150 g or 5 oz cheddar cheese, grated
75 g or 2.5 oz American cheese or mild melting cheese, chopped
0.5 teaspoon mustard powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
200 g or 7 oz bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
1 to 2 jalapeños, finely sliced (fresh or pickled)
Extra grated cheese, lighter in colour, for melting on top

Instructions

Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 20 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry.
Place the dry fries in a large bowl, sprinkle over the cornstarch, and toss until very lightly coated with no visible dry patches.
If deep frying, heat oil to 160 C or 320 F and fry the fries in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until soft but pale, then remove and drain. Increase the oil temperature to 190 C or 375 F and fry again for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply golden and crisp, then season with salt while hot.
If air frying, toss the cornstarch coated fries with 1.5 to 2 tablespoons oil, air fry at 180 C or 360 F for 15 minutes shaking halfway, then increase to 200 C or 390 F and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until crisp and golden, seasoning with salt at the end.
While the fries cook, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook for 1 minute until smooth and lightly bubbling.
Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring often, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Lower the heat and stir in the cheeses, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper until smooth and glossy. Keep warm on low heat.
Spread the hot fries on a large serving tray or platter, spoon the warm cheese sauce generously over the top.
Scatter over the bacon bits and jalapeños, then sprinkle with the extra grated cheese.
Place under a hot grill for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve immediately while hot, crisp, and loaded.