These Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries are a fun and tasty treat! Crispy fries are topped with gooey cheese, crunchy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing. Yum!
What’s not to love? It’s like a party in your mouth! I enjoy making these for game nights or just as a snack—everyone will want to dig in! 🍟🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These make the best fries because they are starchy and get crispy. If you want a quicker option, frozen french fries are great—just make sure to pick a brand that doesn’t add too many fillers.
Bacon: I love crispy bacon for its crunchy texture. You can use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a healthier alternative if you prefer.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Feel free to swap in your favorites—like pepper jack for extra heat or a dairy-free cheese option if needed.
Ranch Dressing: This is a must for that classic flavor. You can make your own using mayo, buttermilk, and herbs, or use a store-bought version. Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning is a lighter option too!
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Fries?
For crispy fries, the key is to soak the fresh potatoes first. Soaking helps reduce the starch, leading to a less soggy fry. Here’s how to do it right:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into your desired fry shape.
- Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial!
- After soaking, thoroughly dry the fries with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Fry in batches to avoid cooling the oil too quickly. Aim for 4-6 minutes per batch for that golden look.
If baking, cook them at a high temperature (around 425°F) to achieve that crunch without frying. Enjoy your delicious fries!
How to Make Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or 1 lb frozen french fries)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying (if using fresh potatoes)
For the Toppings:
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or green onions), for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. If you opt for fresh fries, soaking them requires extra time, so plan for about 30 minutes for soaking. Overall, you can have these tasty Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries ready in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fries:
If you’re using fresh potatoes, start by peeling them and then cutting them into fries. Soak these in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove some of the excess starch, making your fries crispy. After 30 minutes, drain and pat them dry with a towel. If you’re using frozen fries, skip this step and just roast or fry them as instructed on the package.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While your fries soak, take your bacon slices and cut them into small pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they’re nice and crispy. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once done, place the pieces on paper towels to drain the excess fat.
3. Assemble the Fries:
If using fresh fries, heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches until they turn golden and crispy, about 4-6 minutes each batch. Drain them on paper towels and season with salt and pepper. For frozen fries, bake or air fry them as per the package details. After they’ve cooked, lay the fries in an even layer on an oven-safe tray or skillet. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the fries.
4. Melt the Cheese:
Now it’s time to melt that glorious cheese! Place the tray in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) or under a broiler for about 3–5 minutes, until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
5. Add Toppings:
Once the cheese is melted, remove the fries from the oven. Drizzle ranch dressing over the cheesy goodness, and scatter the crispy bacon pieces on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a touch of color and flavor. Serve your Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries immediately while they are hot and cheesy!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, savory Loaded Bacon Ranch French Fries! They’re perfect for sharing, but trust me, you might not want to!
Can I Use Frozen Fries Instead of Fresh Potatoes?
Absolutely! Using frozen fries can save you time. Just follow the package instructions for baking or frying them, and then continue with the recipe as usual.
How Should I Store Leftover Fries?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in the oven for a crispy finish or microwave them, though they may not be as crispy.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your preferences. Try adding jalapeños for heat, avocado for creaminess, or pickled onions for added zing!
What Can I Use Instead of Ranch Dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch, you can substitute other dressings like blue cheese or garlic aioli. A simple mixture of Greek yogurt with herbs and spices can also work well for a healthier option!
