These Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries are the ultimate comfort food! Crispy fries topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing make this dish extra special.
Who can resist the combo of bacon and cheese? I always make these when friends come over; they disappear in no time! Perfect for snacking or as a side to any meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for fries due to their starchy texture, which makes them crispy outside and fluffy inside. If you want an alternative, sweet potatoes can add a fun twist!
Bacon: I love using regular bacon for its flavor, but turkey bacon is a great substitute if you want a healthier option. You could also use pancetta for something a bit fancy.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a lot of flavor to the dish. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use medium cheddar or a mix of different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Ranch Dressing: Homemade ranch dressing is delightful! Mix the white sauce with herbs if you have the time, or use a store-bought brand for convenience. Greek yogurt can be a healthier swap too.
Chives: Fresh chives really brighten up the dish! If you can’t find them, green onions work well too.
How Do I Get My Fries Extra Crispy?
Crispy fries are all about moisture control and cooking technique. Whether you’re using fresh potatoes or frozen, here’s a simple guide to follow:
- If you’re using fresh potatoes, soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps reduce the starch and makes them crispier.
- Pat the fries dry before frying or baking. Removing excess moisture is key!
- Fry in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures even cooking and that they truly fry rather than steam.
- If baking, spread fries out on a baking sheet without overlapping. A hot oven helps achieve that nice crunch.
Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to making fries that are perfectly crispy every time!
Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or 1 large bag of frozen French fries)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying, if using fresh potatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time if using frozen fries (or about 30 minutes for fresh potatoes), plus an additional 15 minutes to cook and assemble everything. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Potatoes:
If you’re using fresh potatoes, start by peeling them and cutting them into fries about 1/4-inch thick. Rinse the cut fries in cold water to remove excess starch, and then pat them dry thoroughly with a towel. If you’re going the easy route with frozen fries, you can skip this step!
2. Frying the Fresh Fries:
If you decided to use fresh potatoes, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the potato strips in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, drain them on paper towels and season with salt and pepper while they’re still warm.
3. Baking the Fries:
Now that your fries (fresh or frozen) are ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cooked fries evenly on a baking sheet or an oven-safe platter.
4. Adding Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the fries. Make sure to cover them well because melted cheese makes everything better!
5. Melting the Cheese:
Place the fries in the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
6. Adding Bacon:
Once the cheese has melted, take the fries out of the oven. Now it’s time to sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheesy fries.
7. Drizzling Ranch:
Drizzle the ranch dressing over the top of the loaded fries for that delicious extra flavor.
8. Garnishing:
For a touch of freshness, garnish the dish with the chopped fresh chives. They add a nice color and flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and bacon.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries immediately while they’re hot and cheesy. Enjoy them with extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping—so scrumptious!
Can I Use Frozen Fries for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using frozen fries is a great time-saver. Just follow the baking instructions after frying or baking according to the package directions, then add cheese, bacon, and ranch as usual.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get the fries crispy again.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the fries and toppings ahead of time! Cook and cool the fries, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat, add toppings, and bake until warm and cheesy.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing?
No problem! You can substitute ranch dressing with any creamy dressing like blue cheese or even a homemade sauce. A simple mix of sour cream with herbs can also work well for a tasty alternative.