Loaded Chips Recipe

Cook the bacon

Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook until crisp, 6–9 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then crumble or chop into bite-size pieces.

Make cream-cheese sour cream mix

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, hot sauce (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and season to taste with additional salt or hot sauce if needed. Stir in the lime zest and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.

Prep fresh ingredients

Thinly slice the green onions, quarter the cherry tomatoes, chop the cilantro, dice avocado if using, and drain the pickled jalapeño slices. Set all aside.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

On a large oven-safe platter or rimmed baking sheet, spread the 8 cups of potato chips in an even single-to-double layer, leaving some flat surface for toppings.

Layer the cheese and bacon

Evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack over the chips. Scatter the crumbled bacon and pickled jalapeño slices across the top so every portion will get some protein and heat.

Bake the assembled chips in the preheated oven for 6–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling but the chips are not burned. Watch closely — chips can brown quickly.

Remove the platter from the oven. Immediately dollop small spoonfuls of the cream-cheese sour cream mix across the hot chips so it softens and spreads slightly.

Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup Monterey Jack (if any left) over the hot chips for extra cheesiness, then top with sliced green onions, quartered cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and the crumbled bacon reserved (if any).

Squeeze the remaining lime juice over the finished loaded chips and sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika for color. Add fresh jalapeño slices and diced avocado if using. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Provide extra sour cream or hot sauce on the side for individual preference.