Crispy fries smothered in melted cheese and bacon. Need I say more?
How much guilt is involved in your guilty pleasures? I mean the culinary kind, of course. You know what I’m talking about. Those wonderful, addictive, irresistible foods you indulge in while telling yourself (and anyone else who will listen) that you’ll be getting back on the treadmill ASAP and only eating undressed salad for the rest of the day. This act of simultaneous elation and contrition used to be part of my cheese fries eating ritual. Once I started eating them, I couldn’t stop. They are simply too delicious. So, I promised myself I’d “be good” and wouldn’t have cheese fries—my true guilty pleasure—again for a very long time.
But what, really, is a very long time? I don’t know because we have cheese fries all the time around here. I can’t help myself; they’re so easy to make, and everyone loves them. So I’ve changed my tune. Now whenever I indulge, I focus on the positive. The potatoes are baked, not fried; cheese is a good source of protein; most of the time I eat healthy foods; the green onions and jalapeños balance out the fat in the bacon (okay, I totally made that up); and the most important thing—I don’t care. Cheese fries make me really, really happy. I love them.
And you need to do what you love, right? So go get a bag of frozen French fries, some bacon, a bag of shredded cheddar, a jalapeño, and some green onions, and join me for this very simple route to culinary euphoria.
And while you’re at it, whip up some Ranch Dressing or, even better, Peppercorn Ranch Dressing to make the experience complete.
Perfect Cheese Fries
Fries, cheese, and bacon are the ultimate combo. But you want to make sure that when you combine these delicious foods, the end result comes out exactly right, so here are some tips. Cook and crumble your bacon first so it’s ready as soon as the fries are done. Choose the type and style of frozen fries you like best, but know that the thin-cut ones get the crispiest in the oven. Bake them in a single layer for maximum crispiness. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, make your own. These Perfect French Fries In An Air Fryer or these French Fries cooked in oil both work great in this recipe. Grate your own cheese. It tastes and melts better than what comes pre-shredded in the bag. And strive to serve cheese fries as soon as they come out of the oven!
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
While the cooled fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and the cooked bacon for up to 4 days, we recommend eating cheese fries as soon as they come out of the oven. Storing them can degrade their texture, and reheating never quite recaptures that maximum crunch.
Will This Recipe Work With Sweet Potato Fries?
Yes, it will. Try this recipe for Sweet Potato Fries or this one for Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries for great results!
What’s The Best Way To Make These Fries Vegan?
Good question! Nowadays, there is a wide variety of plant-based “bacon” available, as well as non-dairy “cheese” shreds. But in order to get the crispiest “bacon” and the meltiest “cheese,” you’re probably going to have to experiment a little. Once you’ve found the products you like best, make your vegan cheese fries!
Serving Suggestions
The jalapeños and green onions on these cheese fries always inspire me to want to dip them into spicy pools of deliciousness like Chipotle Sauce or Jalapeño Sauce, but they are also great dipped in Queso because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
And while cheese fries are kind of a meal unto themselves, I love to serve them with the entrées that just naturally go with fries, such as burgers, like The Best Hamburger Ever, Ground Chicken Burgers, Turkey Burgers, or Veggie Burgers). Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches are a family favorite around here; Texas Tommy Dogs and Cheeseburger Sliders are also a great option. And when the occasion calls for something truly decadent, I’ll drizzle some Brown Gravy over the top and then add some Marinated Mozzarella to turn cheese fries into a version of poutine!
Cheese Fries
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 pound frozen French fries
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small jalapeño sliced (optional)
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F as per the instructions on the French fries package.
- Spread the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the fries for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Temporarily remove the fries from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the fries. Top with jalapeño slices if using.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot.
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