Easy Loaded French Fries

If you're looking for the ultimate meal or game-day snack, these Easy Loaded French Fries are the perfect option. Crispy, golden fries with savory toppings-bacon, green onions, grilled chicken, and a creamy dill sauce to create an irresistible dish. Whether you're serving them as a main course or a side, these loaded fries are sure to satisfy and please a crowd. This recipe is a healthier take on your typical loaded fries, and requires minimal ingredients & effort. Enjoy!

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How To Make Easy Loaded French Fries

Ingredients

• 8 Potatoes
• 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
• ½ Tablespoon Paprika
• 1 Teaspoon Salt

Loaded French Fries Toppings

• 4 Pieces Bacon
• 6 Green Onions chopped
• 2 Cups Chicken chopped
• 1 Cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
• Sauce of Choice I use Trader Joe's Creamy Dill Dressing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Preheating is essential to get that crispy texture right from the start. Start by washing and peeling (optional) 8 medium-sized potatoes. Cut the potatoes into thin, uniform sticks about ¼ inch wide. Place the cut potato sticks in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 10-15 minutes. This step removes excess starch. After soaking, pat them completely dry.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the dry potato sticks with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Cornstarch helps create an ultra-crispy coating on the fries. Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder & paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a splash of olive oil to the mixture. Be sure all the fries are evenly coated with seasoning.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, or get out a baking rack (I prefer to use a rack). Spread the fries out in a single layer-make sure they aren't overcrowded. If the fries overlap, they may cook unevenly and be less crisp.

Bake the Fries & Prepare the Toppings

Bake the fries for 40 minutes, then flip them halfway through cooking to ensure both sides become golden brown and crispy. The fries are ready when they turn a deep golden brown and have a crunchy exterior.

While the fries are in the oven or air fryer, cook 4 pieces of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces. Chop 6 green onions and 2 cups of cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you don't have pre-cooked chicken, you can quickly grill or roast chicken thighs.
Freshly grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese for a rich, salty addition. Freshly grated Parmesan is way better in my opinion but feel free to use pre shredded cheese.

Assemble the Loaded Fries

Once the fries are done cooking, take them from out of the oven and place them on a large serving plate or platter. Immediately start layering the toppings while the fries are still hot. Evenly distribute the chopped chicken over the fries, followed by the crumbled bacon and green onions. Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Finish with a drizzle of your favorite sauce over the loaded fries. I like to use Trader Joe's Creamy Dill Sauce, it compliments the flavors in this recipe perfectly!

Loaded fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, while they're still crispy and the toppings are warm. Enjoy!

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Tips on How to Make Loaded Fries Crispy

Getting fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside is key to making this recipe perfect. Here are some helpful tips!

Soak the Potatoes: After you cut the potatoes into sticks, soak them in cold water for at least 15 minutes. This removes excess starch, helping the fries get crispier.

Thoroughly Dry the Potatoes: After you soak the potatoes, drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any moisture that remains can lead to steamed instead of baked fries, which will make the fries soggy. This will help achieve that perfect crunch!

Don't Forget the Cornstarch: For that restaurant-quality crunch, be sure to not skip a step & toss your potato sticks in the cornstarch before cooking. Cornstarch creates an ultra-crispy coating on the fries. This step is especially important when making loaded fries, as the fries need to hold up well under a bunch of yummy toppings!

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: I know this can be tedious but be sure to spread the fries in a single layer with space between each one. This ensures the fries cook evenly and prevents sogginess.

Easy Loaded French Fries Ingredient Alternatives

One of the best things about loaded French fries is how customizable they are. Here are some ingredient alternatives to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:

• Potato Substitutes: Sweet potatoes, carrots, or even butternut squash fries can be used for a slightly sweeter take on this dish.
• Meat Alternatives: Not a fan of bacon or chicken? Try ground beef or turkey, steak, or plant-based proteins like tofu or jackfruit to make it vegan.
• Cheese Variations: Instead of Parmesan, try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• All the Veggies: Get creative and feel free to use all the veggies you desire! Peppers, tomatoes, corn, more onions, or anything you love.
• Sauce Options: While Trader Joe's Creamy Dill is a favorite, you can switch it up with your favorite ranch, barbecue, even chipotle sauce-whatever suits your taste!

Frequently Asked Questions About Loaded Fries

What are loaded fries?
Loaded fries are crispy French fries topped with a variety of delicious ingredients like melted cheese, bacon, chicken, green onions, and sauces.

What's the best potato to use for loaded fries?
Russet potatoes are the best choice for loaded fries due to their high starch content and low moisture levels. Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used if you prefer a softer texture.

How do you make fries crispy for loaded fries?
To achieve crispy fries, soak your cut potatoes in cold water. After soaking, make sure to thoroughly dry the potatoes before tossing them in cornstarch and seasoning. Bake until they are golden brown and crispy.

How do I prevent my fries from getting soggy under the toppings?
To prevent soggy fries, ensure that they're crispy before adding any toppings. Let the fries cool slightly after baking or air frying before loading them with wet ingredients like cheese or sauces. Also, don't overload the fries with too many toppings, as too much sauce or cheese can weigh them down and cause sogginess.

Can I use frozen fries for loaded fries?
Yes, you can use frozen fries to make loaded fries for a quicker option. Simply cook the frozen fries according to the package instructions, either baking or air frying until they're crispy. Once the fries are ready, load them up with your toppings of choice.

How do I reheat loaded fries?
Preheat the oven to 375°F and spread the fries on a baking sheet, then bake for 8-10 minutes.

Can I make loaded fries ahead of time?
While it's best to serve loaded fries fresh, you can prep ahead of time. Cook & store the ingredients separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the fries in the oven to crisp them up, then add the toppings just before serving.

Can I make vegan loaded fries?
Yes, you can easily make vegan loaded fries! Substitute regular cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative, use vegan bacon or roasted chickpeas for protein.

Enjoy!

With football season approaching, these Easy Loaded French Fries are the perfect appetizer to serve. So, gather your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy a plate of perfectly crispy, delicious loaded fries that everyone will love. If you need another game-day appetizer idea-try my Baked Cauliflower Wings!

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy

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