These Loaded French Fries turn crispy oven-baked potatoes into a delicious side dish or game-day appetizer piled high with bacon, grilled chicken, green onions, and Parmesan cheese.
I love creating healthier, gluten-free recipes with whole ingredients like this one: crispy, perfectly seasoned potatoes that stay crunchy under all the delicious toppings, without any deep-frying. My simple baking technique makes them a healthier alternative to classic loaded fries!
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Recipe Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: Oven-baked
- Main Ingredients: Potatoes, bacon, chicken, parmesan
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, High Protein
- Serves: 4
- Calories: 346 per serving
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Unbelievably delicious & love that the recipe is healthier!! Thanks for the dressing suggestion! My family loved this recipe.
- brynley
The secret to the best loaded fries recipe lies in the cornstarch coating that creates an ultra-crispy exterior, ensuring your topped fries won't turn soggy under all those savory toppings.
If you're looking for more crowd-pleasing sides & appetizers, try my Gluten Free Buffalo Chicken Wings, Easy Corn and Mango Salsa, or Bacon Wrapped Jalepeno Poppers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Oven-Baked, Not Fried: Crispy results without deep-frying.
- Ready in Under 1 Hour: From raw potatoes to fully loaded fries!
- Completely Customizable: Add your favorite French fry toppings.
- Game-Day Favorite: Ideal for feeding a crowd.
- Stays Crispy: Cornstarch keeps fries crunchy under all the toppings.
Key Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes: High-starch potatoes that get extra crispy and fluffy, perfect for homemade loaded fries.
- Cornstarch: Creates a super-crispy coating that stays crunchy.
- Bacon: Adds crispy, smoky richness.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated for the best melt and salty depth.
- Trader Joe's Creamy Dill Dressing: Tangy, creamy balance; a healthier ranch or aioli works as well!
Substitutions & Variations
- Potatoes: Swap Russets for sweet potatoes or Yukon Golds.
- Proteins: Use rotisserie chicken, ground chicken, ground beef, or crispy tofu as a substitute for chicken thighs. Use turkey bacon in place of regular bacon if desired!
- Dressing & Sauces: I love the Trader Joe's Creamy Dill dressing for this recipe, but a healthier ranch, aioli, or dressing of choice works!
- Spicy Loaded Fries: Toss fries with cayenne, add pickled jalapeños and pepper jack, finish with sriracha drizzle.
- Mediterranean Style: Top with grilled chicken, feta, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and tzatziki.
- Buffalo Chicken: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce, top with feta & celery.
- Mexican-Inspired: Season the chicken with cumin and chili powder, top with pico, my guac recipe, cheese, pickled onions, & greek yogurt.
How To Make Loaded French Fries
- Step 1: Wash 8 medium Russet potatoes. Slice into uniform ¼-inch sticks using a knife or French fry cutter. Soak in cold water for 15-20 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry.
- Step 2: Place dried potato sticks in a large bowl. Toss with 3 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and a drizzle of olive oil until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet or use a wire rack. Spread fries in a single layer and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Pan-sear or bake 8 bacon slices until crispy. Season 4 chicken thighs with paprika, salt, and pepper, and pan-sear them over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until they reach 165°F. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, the green onions & grate the Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Transfer hot fries to a platter. Layer with chicken, chopped bacon, green onions, and Parmesan. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese. You can also broil on high heat for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Step 6: Drizzle generously with creamy dill dressing or your preferred sauce. Serve immediately while fries are hot and crispy.
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Expert Tips
- Don't Skip the Soak: 15 minutes removes starch for extra-crispy fries.
- Pat Dry: Moisture = soggy fries; dry thoroughly.
- Space Is Key: No overcrowding; use 2 wire racks or bake in batches.
- Flip Once: One flip halfway ensures a crispy crust.
- Add the Toppings While Hot: The heat from the warm fries melts the cheese & warms the toppings.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded parmesan won't melt as well.
- Season Generously: Garlic, paprika, and salt make fries flavorful!
Pairing Ideas!
These easy fries pair perfectly with so many fun dinners. Try them with my honey mustard chicken wrap, coconut-crusted chicken tenders, or turkey smash burger tacos!
Loaded French Fries Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional loaded fries include cheese, bacon, and green onions, but the beauty lies in customization. This recipe features grilled chicken, crispy bacon, Parmesan cheese, green onions, and creamy dill dressing. Other popular additions include sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, ground beef, pulled pork, or any combination that appeals to you.
The best toppings for loaded fries balance creamy, savory, and fresh elements. Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan for cheese; bacon, sausage, or grilled chicken for protein; green onions, tomatoes, or jalapeños for freshness; and ranch, BBQ sauce, or garlic aioli for sauce.
Ensure fries are extremely crispy before adding toppings. The cornstarch coating helps. Pat all toppings dry before adding (especially if using canned or jarred ingredients). Add wet sauces as a drizzle on top rather than underneath, and serve immediately while the fries are hot.
Yes! Preheat air fryer to 400°F and cook seasoned fries for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket every 6-8 minutes for even cooking. Air frying creates exceptionally crispy homemade loaded fries with even less oil than oven-baking.
Did you make this recipe?
Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment and rating below. Also, share it on socials to let others know what you think! Be sure to tag @entirelyemmy so I can share your masterpiece with my followers! ✨
📖 Recipe
Easy Loaded French Fries
Ingredients
- 8 Medium Russet Potatoes
- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Tablespoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
Loaded French Fries Toppings
- 8 Slices Bacon
- 6 Green Onions chopped
- 4 Chicken Thighs or 1 pound
- 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
- Sauce of Choice I use Trader Joe's Creamy Dill
Instructions
- Wash 8 medium Russet potatoes. Slice into uniform ¼-inch sticks using a knife or French fry cutter. Soak in cold water for 15-20 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry.
- Place dried potato sticks in a large bowl. Toss with 3 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, ½ tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and a drizzle of olive oil until evenly coated.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or use a wire rack. Spread fries in a single layer and bake for 40 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and crispy.
- Pan-sear or bake the bacon slices until crispy. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, salt, and pepper, and pan-sear them over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until they reach 165°F. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, the green onions & grate the Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer hot fries to a platter. Layer with chicken, chopped bacon, green onions, and Parmesan. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese. You can broil for 2-3 minutes once all the toppings are on top if desired.
- Drizzle generously with creamy dill dressing or your preferred sauce. Serve immediately while fries are hot and crispy.
Notes
- Don't Skip the Soak: 15 minutes removes starch for extra-crispy fries.
- Pat Dry: Moisture = soggy fries; dry thoroughly.
- Space Is Key: No overcrowding; use 2 wire racks or bake in batches.
- Flip Once: One flip halfway ensures a crispy crust.
- Add the Toppings While Hot: The heat from the warm fries melts the cheese & warms the toppings.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded parmesan won't melt as well.
- Season Generously: Garlic, paprika, and salt make fries flavorful!
Nutrition
Save This Recipe!
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Brynley says
Unbelievably delicious & love that the recipe is healthier!! Thanks for the dressing suggestion! My family loved this recipe.
Kim says
Made this for my family the other night & we loved it. Thank you for sharing Emmy!
Emmy Clinton says
Of course, I'm glad you all loved it!