Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries
Indulge in these Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries, the perfect blend of crispy, golden potatoes topped with a creamy, rich cheese sauce and sprinkled generously with savory, crispy bacon. This ultimate comfort food is ideal for sharing with friends and family or as a decadent snack for yourself. Loaded with flavor and texture, these fries are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering or game day party. Don't forget to whip up additional dipping sauces for an even more delightful experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
3 (cut into 1/4-inch strips)
vegetable oil
5 cups (for frying)
thick cut apple-smoked bacon
6 ounces (cooked until crisp)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
minced onions
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (finely chopped)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening sauce)
chili-garlic sauce
1 tablespoon (recommended: Sriracha)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
heavy cream
3 cups
parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1 cup (shredded)
sharp white cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cutting the russet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick strips for fries. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 1 hour to remove excess starch, which will help achieve that perfect crispness.
2
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 325°F (165°C). In batches, carefully blanched the soaked fries for about 5 minutes, until they are soft but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3
3. In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, cook the thick-cut apple-smoked bacon until it reaches a perfectly crisp texture. Take care not to burn the bacon. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
4
4. In a 2-quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onions and sauté for 2 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and all-purpose flour, whisking until combined and smooth. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5
5. Stir in the chili-garlic sauce (Sriracha) and Dijon mustard, followed by a slow whisking in of the heavy cream until well blended. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while continuing to whisk.
6
6. Once the sauce is simmering, gradually add in the parmigiano-reggiano and sharp white cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s too thick, thicken with more cream, and if too thin, add a little more cheese to reach the desired consistency.
7
7. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the second fry. Fry the blanched potatoes again until they are crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, seasoning with salt immediately.
8
8. To assemble, arrange the crispy fries on a large serving platter. Generously drizzle the cheese sauce over the fries and top with crumbled bacon. Serve hot and enjoy this heavenly combination!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries?
These are indulgent crispy golden fries topped with a rich, creamy homemade cheese sauce and savory, crispy apple-smoked bacon.
What kind of potatoes are best for these fries?
Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe as they provide the ideal starch content for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
How thick should I cut the potato strips?
The potatoes should be cut into 1/4-inch thick strips to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
Why do I need to soak the potatoes in cold water?
Soaking the cut potatoes for 1 hour removes excess starch, which is essential for achieving a perfect crispness when frying.
What is the recommended oil for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
What temperature should the oil be for the first fry?
For the first stage (blanching), the oil should be heated to 325°F (165°C).
How long should I blanch the fries during the first fry?
Blanch the fries for about 5 minutes until they are soft but not yet browned.
What is the purpose of frying the potatoes twice?
The first fry cooks the potato through (blanching), while the second fry at a higher temperature creates the golden, crispy outer shell.
What temperature is used for the second fry?
The oil temperature should be increased to 375°F (190°C) for the second fry.
How long do I fry the potatoes the second time?
Fry them for 4-5 minutes during the second stage until they are crispy and golden brown.
What type of bacon should I use?
This recipe calls for 6 ounces of thick-cut apple-smoked bacon for a savory, smoky flavor.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Cook the bacon in a sauté pan over medium heat until it is perfectly crisp, then drain it on paper towels.
How do I start the cheese sauce?
Start by melting butter and sautéing minced onions and garlic, then whisk in all-purpose flour to create a base.
What liquids are used in the cheese sauce?
The sauce uses 3 cups of heavy cream, which is whisked into the flour and butter mixture.
What gives the cheese sauce its unique flavor kick?
The addition of chili-garlic sauce (Sriracha) and Dijon mustard provides a spicy and tangy depth to the sauce.
Which cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 1 cup of shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano and 2 cups of shredded sharp white cheddar.
How do I ensure the cheese melts properly into the sauce?
Gradually add the shredded cheeses into the simmering cream mixture while stirring constantly until completely incorporated.
What if my cheese sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by whisking in a little more heavy cream.
What if my cheese sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more shredded cheese to help reach the desired consistency.
When should I salt the fries?
Season the fries with salt immediately after removing them from the second fry while they are still hot.
How should the dish be assembled?
Arrange the crispy fries on a platter, generously drizzle the cheese sauce over them, and top with the crumbled bacon.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, these loaded fries are ideal for sharing at gatherings, game day parties, or as a decadent snack.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp white cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano are recommended for flavor, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients used to create these loaded fries.
What can I serve with these fries?
They are great on their own, but you can also serve them with additional dipping sauces for a more variety.
How long does it take to prepare the potatoes?
Preparation involves cutting the potatoes and a 1-hour soak time before the frying process begins.
Do I need a deep fryer?
A deep fryer is helpful, but a large, heavy-bottomed pot works just as well for frying.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce has a mild kick due to the Sriracha and Dijon mustard, but it is generally well-balanced by the heavy cream.
Can I make the bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and crumble the bacon in advance, just keep it ready for the final assembly.
Should I serve these fries hot?
Yes, for the best experience with the crispy texture and melted cheese sauce, they should be served immediately while hot.