Loaded Fries Recipe

Prep potatoes

Wash and peel (optional) the potatoes. Cut each potato into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick fries. Place cut fries into a large bowl of cold water and soak 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch; this yields crisper fries.

Dry & season

Drain the potatoes and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. In a bowl, toss the dried fries with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika.

Cook fries

Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or a small piece of potato sizzles immediately. Fry the potatoes in batches so they don't overcrowd the pan: cook 4–6 minutes per batch until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fries to a paper towel–lined baking sheet; sprinkle with remaining 1 tsp salt while hot. Alternatively, toss fries with 2 Tbsp oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Cook bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain, then crumble or chop into bite-size pieces.

Cook ground beef (optional)

If using ground beef, drain excess bacon fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tsp. Add the 1/2 lb ground beef, chopped 1/2 onion, and 1 tsp minced garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small pieces, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Drain any excess grease and set aside.

Preheat oven for melting

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Use an oven-safe baking sheet or cast-iron skillet for assembly.

Layer fries

Spread the hot fries in an even layer on the baking sheet or skillet. Scatter crumbled bacon and cooked ground beef (if using) evenly over the fries.

Add cheeses

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and monterey jack evenly over the fries and meat. Drizzle the 1/2 cup cheese sauce in thin streams over the top for extra cheesiness.

Melt

Place the assembled fries in the preheated oven for 6–8 minutes, or until cheeses are melted and bubbling. For a browned top, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so cheese doesn't burn.

Finish with dressings

Remove the loaded fries from the oven. Dollop sour cream and drizzle ranch dressing evenly over the top. Add hot sauce if desired.

Garnish

Scatter sliced scallions, pickled jalapeños, pickled red onion, and chopped cilantro across the fries. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.