Shakin’ Bacon Cheese Fries Recipe
Our crispy fries smothered w/ cheddar & jack cheeses and crispy bacon, w/ a side of ranch.
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Ingredients
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Fries & Toppings
Seasoned Bacon Shake
Ranch Dipping Sauce
Method
Fries & Toppings
- 1
Cook the fries
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread 1 lb frozen fries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake according to package instructions until golden and extra crispy, about 20–28 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- 2
Crisp the bacon
While fries bake, cook 6 slices of bacon until very crisp (in a skillet over medium heat 8–10 minutes or in a 400°F/200°C oven on a baking sheet for 12–18 minutes). Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into small pieces.
- 3
Combine cheeses
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack so cheeses are evenly distributed.
- 4
Finish fries with cheese & bacon
When fries are hot and crispy, remove from oven, dot with 1 tbs unsalted butter (optional, for gloss and flavor) and immediately sprinkle the mixed shredded cheeses evenly over the fries. Return to oven for 2–4 minutes, just until cheeses are melted and gooey. Remove, scatter the crumbled bacon over the melted cheese, and season with 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle chopped chives and parsley if using.
Seasoned Bacon Shake
- 5
Toast the panko
Make the shake mixture while potatoes are baking so it’s ready to sprinkle. In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, stirring, until lightly golden, about 2–3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly.
- 6
Mix the seasoned bacon shake
In a bowl or small food processor combine the toasted panko, 3 slices finely chopped crispy bacon, 2 tbs grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne (if using), and 1/4 tsp salt. Pulse or stir until uniformly combined and bacon is broken into very small pieces. Taste and adjust salt or heat as desired.
- 7
Top with shake
Immediately after the cheese and bacon are placed on the fries, sprinkle the seasoned bacon shake evenly over the top for extra crunch and smoky flavor. Serve any remaining shake on the side for extra topping.
Ranch Dipping Sauce
- 8
Make the ranch
In a small bowl whisk together 1/2 cup prepared ranch, 2 tbs sour cream, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill briefly if time allows.
- 9
Serve
Serve ranch in a small ramekin alongside the hot cheese fries. Recommend diners spoon a little ranch onto each portion or dip fries individually.