Loaded Fries with Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Dressing
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 35 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Servings 6servings
Calories 420
Crispy fries are topped with melted cheddar, crispy bacon, cool ranch dressing, and fresh chives for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. Serve them hot straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Equipment
Oven
baking sheet
parchment paper or foil
skillet
paper towel-lined plate
Ingredients
1bagfrozen French fries(about 24 ounces, or 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries)
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
If using russet potatoes, toss the cut fries with oil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. If using frozen fries, arrange them according to the package directions.
Bake the fries until golden and crisp, about 25 to 35 minutes for homemade fries or according to the package instructions for frozen fries, flipping halfway through if needed.
While the fries bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble or chop into bite-size pieces.
Remove the fries from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) if needed for melting the cheese.
Sprinkle the hot fries evenly with shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon.
Return the fries to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle with ranch dressing and garnish with chives or green onions. Serve immediately with extra ranch on the side.
Notes
For the crispiest fries, do not overcrowd the baking sheet. If using frozen fries, follow the package directions as your primary guide for baking time. You can substitute turkey bacon or omit the bacon for a vegetarian version.