Nothing beats the comforting crunch of golden, crisp waffle fries loaded with melted cheddar, smoky bacon, fresh green onions, and a creamy ranch drizzle. These loaded waffle fries transform a simple snack into a satisfying treat perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or whenever a flavorful indulgence is needed.
Oven-baked for maximum crispiness without the greasy mess, this dish blends textures and flavors — from the crispy fries to the gooey cheese and savory bacon — creating an addictive bite every time.
- Easy to prepare with frozen fries, perfect for busy days or impromptu snack cravings.
- Balanced layers of crispy fries, melted cheddar, and smoky bacon create unbeatable flavor.
- Customizable toppings let you add your favorite extras for a personalized snack experience.
Ingredients
- Frozen Waffle Fries (16 oz): Crisp and sturdy fries that hold toppings well when baked, ensuring a crunchy base.
- Cheddar Cheese Block (8-10 oz): Freshly shredded for optimal melting and rich, sharp flavor that complements the fries.
- Bacon (12 oz, diced): Cooked until crispy, adding salty, smoky crunch that elevates the dish.
- Ranch Dressing (1/4 cup): Creamy and tangy drizzle that provides the perfect finishing touch with cool contrast.
- Green Onions (2, finely diced): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color for freshness.
- Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkled to enhance the natural potato flavor without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth to round out the seasoning.
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Bacon
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Dice raw bacon into one-inch pieces, then cook them in a pan until they are crispy. Cooking bacon in a pan allows the fat to render out while developing a crunchy texture, key for adding that smoked, savory flavor to your fries. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring the loaded fries stay crispy.
- Preheat and Bake Fries
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Preheat your oven to the temperature stated on your frozen fries package (typically 400°F). Spread the frozen waffle fries evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet to allow hot air circulation. Baking fries this way ensures they bake evenly and get crispy instead of soggy.
- Shred Cheese and Dice Green Onions
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While fries bake, shred the cheddar block yourself; freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and tastes fresher than pre-shredded options. Finely dice green onions for a bright, fresh garnish that enhances texture and flavor contrast.
- Season and Layer Toppings
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Once fries are baked and crispy, lightly season them with sea salt and black pepper — just a little since the bacon and cheese add saltiness. Then, layer the fries with shredded cheddar, cooked bacon, and a portion of the diced green onions to create a flavorful base for melting cheese and integrated taste.
- Melt Cheese in Oven
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Return the loaded fries to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. This step melds the toppings into the fries, creating a gooey, savory, and irresistible finish.
- Add Final Touches
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Remove the fries from the oven and drizzle evenly with ranch dressing for creamy tangy contrast. Finish with the remaining green onions for color and a fresh bite. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
- Always spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure maximum crispiness; overcrowding causes sogginess.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for superior melt and flavor.
- The bacon adds saltiness, so season fries lightly to prevent over-seasoning.
Storage Tips
Store leftover loaded waffle fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness instead of the microwave, which can make the fries soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these loaded waffle fries as a hearty snack or side dish alongside burgers or grilled chicken. They also pair well with fresh salads to balance the rich flavors.
- For extra crispy bacon, bake diced bacon in the oven on a foil-lined pan at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Experiment with additional toppings like jalapeños, chopped tomatoes, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added dimension.
- Let cheese melt fully but keep a close eye to avoid burning or overcooking.
FAQs
- Can I use regular frozen fries instead of waffle fries?
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Yes, regular fries work fine, but waffle fries have a larger surface area that holds toppings better.
- What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
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Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can be substituted for a different melting profile and flavor.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
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Ensure the frozen fries, bacon, and ranch dressing you choose are gluten-free to make this dish suitable.
- How do I make my fries extra crispy?
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Spread fries in a single layer, bake at a high temperature, and avoid overcrowding to retain crispiness.
- Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
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Prepare bacon and shred cheese ahead, but assemble and melt cheese just before serving to keep fries crisp.
- What else pairs well with loaded waffle fries?
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A cold beer, soda, or a fresh garden salad complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Is ranch dressing necessary?
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While ranch adds creamy tang, you can substitute with sour cream, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy aioli as preferred.
Loaded Waffle Fries Cheese Bacon
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 frying pan
- 1 Grater for shredding cheese
- 1 Knife for dicing bacon and green onions
Ingredients
- 16 oz frozen waffle fries
- 8-10 oz cheddar cheese block shredded
- 12 oz bacon diced and cooked until crisp
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 green onions finely diced
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice raw bacon into 1-inch pieces, then cook in a frying pan until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 400°F or as specified on the fries package.
- Arrange frozen waffle fries in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure crispiness.
- Bake fries according to package directions until golden and crispy.
- While fries bake, shred the cheddar cheese and finely dice the green onions.
- Remove fries from oven and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Top fries evenly with shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and some diced green onions.
- Return loaded fries to the oven until cheese melts completely.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with ranch dressing, and garnish with remaining green onions before serving.
Notes
- Arrange fries in a single layer to keep them crispy during baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
