Loaded cheese fries are the best appetizer and ridiculously easy to make. Crispy french fries topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and chives. The variation options are endless!

skillet with cheese fries with bacon and chives

My whole family loves when I make cheese fries and I love how easy it is to give them a snack they really enjoy. They are ready in about 30 minutes with only 5 minutes of prep time, and the toppings ideas are endless.

Using frozen french fries really simplifies this recipe. You can use regular fries, waffle fries or steak fries or even curly fries! I opted for freshly grated cheese instead of nacho cheese sauce because the fries will stay crispier and hold more toppings. Want to take things really next level? Loaded chili cheese fries will really up your game.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Loaded Cheese Fries
Expert Tips
More Cheesy Appetizers You’ll Love
Loaded Cheese Fries Recipe

Ingredients for Loaded Cheese Fries

You only need 5 ingredients to make this easy appetizer recipe.

Frozen french fries – This is the best shortcut to make this recipe super easy. Use any brand you like.
Bacon – Use any brand you like. I just recommend to stay away from the sweetened ones. Farmer John is my go-to.
Cheese – I like to use cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. I highly recommend freshly grating the cheese.
Chives – fresh chives or the green tops of a few green onions.
Salt and pepper

How to Make Loaded Cheese Fries with Bacon

Name: Loaded Cheese Fries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 26 ounce package frozen french fries; 4 slices bacon (roughly chopped); salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chives (chopped)

This recipe is loaded with lots of cheese and crispy bacon and takes only minutes to prep.

Bake fries – Start by baking the fries in a preheated oven. Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes or whatever the package instructions suggest. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook bacon – While the fries are baking, cook the bacon and crumble into small pieces.
Layer Fries – For presentation purposes, I like to use a large cast iron or enamel skillet so I can build the fries up in layers (fries, cheese, fries, cheese bacon). You can alternatively use a baking sheet and sprinkle on the toppings in a single layer.
Bake – Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Serve – Top the loaded cheese fries with the chopped chives and any extra bacon and serve immediately. I like to make some of my famous Blue Cheese Dip to serve on the side.

collage shoeing how to stack cheese fries

Frequently Asked Question

What are loaded fries?

Loaded fries are a favorite appetizer that is great for your next game day or party. Top french fries with melted cheese and other toppings of choice. They’re similar to loaded nachos and great for crowds. Serve them in a big skillet or platter and let your guests help themselves.

What type of french fries are best to use?

You can use almost any type of french fries! Regular french fries are the classic choice. Or try swapping in the thicker steak fries or waffle fries – these also help pick up more toppings. You can even use potato wedges for this recipe or even use frozen tater tots instead.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Spicy – Use Pepper Jack cheese, drizzle hot sauce over the top and top with pickled jalapenos.
Kid friendly – Season the fries with ranch dressing mix and drizzle on ranch dressing for a flavor kids will love.
Deluxe – Add meat like pulled pork, shredded chicken, or ground beef, and top with diced tomatoes and green onions.
Chili Fries – Add a scoop of your favorite chili on top, before adding the cheese. Top with sour cream.
Cheeses – Use different cheeses to mix up the flavor, like gouda, monterey jack or blue cheese.
Fries – Try any kind of frozen fries you can get your hands on. Even tater tots would work!
Burgers and Fries – These fries are not just a delicious appetizer, they are great as a side dish, too!

hand chhoosing a fry out of a skillet of cheese fries

Storage and Reheating

Storage – Cheese fries are really best eaten immediately after cooking as they will lose their crisp texture when storing. But if you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating – For best results, reheat the fries in a 350 degrees F oven until warmed and the cheese is melted again.

Expert Tips

Freshly Grated Cheese: I really recommend freshly grating your cheese vs buying the preshedded. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better on the fries.
Make a Skillet or Sheet Pan: For presentation, I like transferring the baked french fries to a skillet before loading up. But you can also leave the fries on a sheet pan and top with the cheese and bacon.
Pro tip: If you must use up leftovers, throw on some freshly grated cheese to make your leftovers new again.

More Cheesy Appetizers You’ll Love

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Loaded Cheese Fries

Loaded cheese fries are the best appetizer with crispy french fries topped with cheese, bacon, and chives and they're completely customizable.

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 458kcal

Ingredients

26 ounce package frozen french fries
4 slices bacon roughly chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chives chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Spread the fries evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for minutes. (Note – if the package instructions are different, follow those).
While the fries are cooking add the bacon to a skillet and cook until just crispy. Drain and crumble or cut into smaller pieces.
Remove the fries from the oven and add to a large presentable skillet, like a cast iron (optional – or you can serve them right on the baking sheet).
Add salt and pepper to taste, or season with your favorite seasoning.
Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
Sprinkle the bacon crumbs over the top and bake in the oven again for another 5 minutes – just until the cheese has melted.
Sprinkle the chopped chives all over the top and serve immediately.

Notes