Loaded Fries Recipe
Make Loaded Fries Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Fries
Toppings
Optional Spicy Cheese Sauce
Method
Fries
- 1
Prep potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes well. Peel them if you prefer (skin-on is fine). Cut into 1/3–1/2-inch thick sticks for classic fries. Rinse the cut fries in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- 2
Soak and dry
Place the rinsed fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to firm the fries and remove more starch. Drain and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- 3
Coat
In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with cornstarch until evenly coated. Add 1 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika; toss to distribute the seasonings. Drizzle with about 1 tbsp of the oil and toss to coat evenly (if air-frying or oven-roasting).
- 4
Cook — deep-fry method
Heat 1 to 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 325°F (if you have a thermometer). Fry the fries in batches for 3–4 minutes until pale and tender but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. Increase oil temperature to 375°F and return fries in batches for 1–2 minutes to crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels and immediately season with remaining 1 tsp kosher salt.
- 5
Cook — oven method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). On a rimmed baking sheet, spread fries in a single layer with space between pieces. Roast 20–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. If you used only 1 tbsp oil earlier, drizzle the remaining oil over fries before roasting. Season immediately with remaining 1 tsp kosher salt.
- 6
Cook — air fryer method
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange fries in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Air fry 12–18 minutes, shaking basket every 5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Season with the remaining 1 tsp kosher salt.
Toppings
- 7
Prepare bacon and toppings
Cook bacon until crisp in a skillet over medium heat or bake at 400°F on a lined sheet for 15–20 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble when cool. While bacon cooks, shred the cheddar, slice green onions thinly, and slice jalapeños (if using). Chop cilantro and cut the lime into wedges.
- 8
- 9
Melt cheese
For best results, place the assembled fries under a broiler set to high for 1–2 minutes — watch closely — until cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, return the platter to a 350°F oven for 4–6 minutes or microwave portions for 30–60 seconds until cheese melts.
- 10
Finish and garnish
Remove fries from heat. Dollop sour cream across the top or serve on the side. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Squeeze lime over the fries if desired. Add extra pickled jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
Optional Spicy Cheese Sauce
- 11
Make roux
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste but do not let it brown.
- 12
Add milk and thicken
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 2–3 minutes, whisking, until slightly thickened.
- 13
Finish sauce
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until smooth. Add the chopped jalapeño, shredded sharp cheddar, hot sauce, and salt. Stir until the cheddar melts and the sauce is smooth. Keep warm; if it thickens too much, thin with a tablespoon or two of milk.
- 14
Serve
Drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the assembled fries or serve on the side for dipping.