Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsPoe's TavernBacon Cheese Fries Recipe

Bacon Cheese Fries Recipe

Inspired by Poe's Tavern
Time1h 10m
Serves4

Make Bacon Cheese Fries Recipe in just 1h 10m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Fries

Method

Fries

  1. 1

    Prepare potatoes

    Wash and scrub the potatoes well. You can peel them if you prefer. Cut potatoes into 1/4–1/2-inch thick sticks for classic fries. Rinse cut fries in cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch (about 2–3 rinses).

  2. 2

    Soak and dry

    Place rinsed fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator. This further removes starch and helps crisping. After soaking, drain the fries, spread them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and dry thoroughly—pat until mostly dry.

  3. 3

    Toss with cornstarch and seasoning

    If using, sprinkle the 2 tbs cornstarch over the dried fries and toss to coat evenly. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tossing to distribute evenly.

  4. 4

    Heat oil

    In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep-fryer, add the oil and heat to 325°F (160°C) for the first fry. If you don't have a thermometer, heat until a small piece of bread sizzles gently on contact. Maintain steady heat and monitor with a thermometer.

  5. 5

    First fry (blanch)

    Working in batches (do not overcrowd), fry the potato sticks for 3–4 minutes until they are soft but not browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Let cool for 5–10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Second fry (crisp)

    Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched fries in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and place on a rack or paper towels. Immediately season lightly with additional pinch of salt to taste.

Toppings

  1. 7

    Cook bacon

    While fries are resting after the first fry (or in a separate skillet), cook the bacon strips until crisp. For stovetop: place bacon in a cold skillet in a single layer, cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, about 8–10 minutes until crisp. For oven: lay bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop or crumble into bite-sized pieces.

  2. 8

    Preheat oven (optional)

    If you plan to melt the cheese over the fries in the oven rather than letting residual heat melt it, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange fries on an oven-safe platter or baking sheet.

  3. 9

    Assemble and melt cheese

    Place the hot fries on an oven-safe platter or individual plates. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the fries, then scatter the crumbled bacon on top. If using the oven, place under a preheated broiler or in the 375°F oven for 2–4 minutes just until the cheese melts and becomes gooey. Watch closely to avoid burning. Alternatively, cover the platter tightly with foil for 2–3 minutes to allow residual heat to melt the cheese.

  4. 10

    Finish and garnish

    Spoon dollops of sour cream over the melted-cheese fries or serve on the side. Sprinkle the sliced green onions and chopped parsley over the top, and dust lightly with smoked paprika if using. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

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