Name: Loaded Baked Potato Fries Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488786H16M41S
Total time: PT-488786H16M41S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 small to medium Russet potatoes, cut into fries; 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil or olive oil; Sea salt, to taste; 3 tablespoons butter; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ½ cup finely shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 4 slices beef, crispy cooked and chopped; 1 green onion, finely sliced; Sour cream (optional, for topping)

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Prepare to meet your new favorite comfort food: Loaded Baked Potato Fries. Imagine all the best parts of a classic baked potato—the crispy skin, the fluffy middle, gooey melted cheese, savory beef, and a pop of fresh green onions—delivered in every irresistible, golden fry. It’s a playful, crowd-pleasing twist that’s just as perfect for laid-back movie nights as it is for game day snacks. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, so you can satisfy that craving for something hearty and cheesy in no time.

Loaded Baked Potato Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Loaded Baked Potato Fries is in its straightforward ingredients. Each one pulls its weight, working together to deliver show-stopping flavor, a fantastic crunch, and cheesy goodness that you’ll crave again and again.

Russet potatoes: The ideal spud for fries—starchy enough to get crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
Canola oil or olive oil: Helps the fries achieve that golden crunch in the oven.
Sea salt: Brings out the natural potato flavor and elevates every bite.
Butter: Adds a touch of richness that mingles deliciously with the seasonings.
Garlic powder: Gives the fries a gentle, aromatic lift.
Onion powder: Offers a savory depth that lingers on the palate.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and lends that classic sharpness you expect on loaded potatoes.
Monterey Jack cheese: For extra meltiness and a mild, creamy contrast to cheddar.
Beef, crispy cooked and chopped: Salty, savory, and just the right touch of protein—crunchy bits on top are pure magic.
Green onion: A fresh burst of color and flavor; don’t skip these!
Sour cream (optional): For anyone who loves that creamy, tangy finish atop their loaded fries.

How to Make

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). For best results, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light mist of cooking spray. This prep step is key to achieving crispy, evenly cooked fries and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prep and Slice the Potatoes

Give the russet potatoes a good scrub—no peeling necessary unless you prefer it that way. Slice each potato lengthwise into roughly half-inch thick strips. Try to keep them as uniform as possible for even baking and picture-perfect Loaded Baked Potato Fries.

Step 3: Season and Toss

Place your cut fries in a large bowl, then drizzle with oil, a generous sprinkle of sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss everything together until every fry is glistening and well coated. This simple seasoning combo is what makes each bite crave-worthy.

Step 4: Bake the Fries

Spread the seasoned fries out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’re aiming for golden brown fries that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside—trust your instincts for that perfect finish.

Step 5: Prepare the Butter Mixture

While the fries bake, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in a pinch more garlic and onion powder—the aroma is heavenly! Once melted and combined, set it aside. You’ll use this buttery blend for a final punch of flavor.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Melt

When the fries are golden and glorious, take them out of the oven and immediately shower them with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. Slide the tray back into the oven for 2-3 minutes—just until the cheese is bubbling and blissfully melted. This step turns ordinary fries into Loaded Baked Potato Fries perfection.

Step 7: Load Them Up

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the crispy beef and sliced green onions all over those molten-cheese-smothered fries. If you’re in the mood, a dollop of cool sour cream on top takes this dish over the edge! Serve immediately, grabbing them straight from the tray or piling onto plates.

How to Serve

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the presentation and flavor of Loaded Baked Potato Fries. Try a swirl of sour cream right before serving, plus an extra hit of finely chopped green onions or some fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. For the adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika or thinly sliced jalapeños delivers an exciting kick.

Side Dishes

These fries are definitely the main event, but you can pair them beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, a tangy coleslaw, or even some juicy grilled chicken if you want to round out the meal. Loaded Baked Potato Fries also make an excellent partner for burgers, sliders, or BBQ wings during parties.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Loaded Baked Potato Fries straight from the baking tray for that casual, communal vibe, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board for extra impact. For parties, portion them into mini cast iron skillets or paper cones—perfect for grabbing and mingling. You can even layer them in a casserole dish with extra cheese for a family-style side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (although it’s rare!), transfer the fries to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Keep garnishes like sour cream and green onion separate to add fresh after reheating.

Freezing

Loaded Baked Potato Fries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the un-topped, baked fries before adding cheese and beef. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, then add toppings as usual.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 400°F oven on a baking sheet until hot and crispy again, about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy. Re-add cheese, beef, and green onions after reheating to restore that just-made perfection.

FAQs

Can I make these with sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work wonderfully—just be aware they’ll have a slightly different texture and natural sweetness. Adjust your baking time and keep an eye on crispness, as sweet potato fries don’t get quite as crunchy as russets.

What’s the best way to get the fries extra crispy?

The key to extra crispiness is spacing the fries well on the baking sheet and not overcrowding them. Make sure the oven is fully preheated and flip the fries halfway through baking. For added crunch, you can also let cut fries soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before oiling and seasoning.

Can I use bacon instead of beef?

Definitely! Bacon makes a delicious swap for crispy beef in Loaded Baked Potato Fries. Cook until crisp, chop, and sprinkle on just before serving. In fact, feel free to experiment with other proteins like grilled chicken or pulled pork for fun variations.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan version?

Certainly! Use plant-based butter and swap out the cheeses for your favorite dairy-free shreds. Skip the beef or use vegan crumbles, and load up on fresh veggies or sautéed mushrooms. With all these flavors, Loaded Baked Potato Fries remain a hit in any form.

What are some other topping ideas?

Get creative! Black olives, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, or even a dash of hot sauce can be fantastic additions. Drizzle with ranch, sprinkle with chives, or try a BBQ sauce drizzle for a delectable twist on the classic.

Final Thoughts

Once you try Loaded Baked Potato Fries, it’s hard not to come back for more—the crispy edges, melty cheese, and punchy toppings make every bite pure bliss. I hope this recipe earns a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation and becomes your go-to when you need to impress or just treat yourself. Dive in and enjoy!