Loaded Old Bay Fries Recipe
Hand cut fries, Old Bay®, 3 cheese blend, bacon, scallions, sour cream, jalapeño peppers.
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Ingredients
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Fries
Toppings
Sauce & Finish
Method
Fries
- 1
prepare potatoes
Wash and peel (optional) the russet potatoes. Cut into 1/4 to 3/8-inch thick matchstick fries for even cooking. Place cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- 2
dry potatoes
After soaking, drain the potatoes and spread them on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat thoroughly dry—moisture will cause oil splatter and soggy fries.
- 3
heat oil
In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 325°F (160°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
- 4
- 5
second fry (crisp)
Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched potatoes in batches 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels. Immediately while hot, sprinkle each batch with 1 1/2 tbs Old Bay (reserve remaining) and a light pinch of kosher salt so seasoning adheres.
Toppings
- 6
cook bacon
While the fries are cooling after the first fry (or during the second fry), cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
- 7
- 8
assemble fries with cheese
Spread the hot fries on an oven-safe platter or baking sheet in an even layer. Sprinkle the 3-cheese blend evenly over the fries while they're hot so the cheese begins to melt. If needed, place under a broiler on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- 9
add bacon and scallions
Remove from oven, scatter chopped bacon and most of the sliced scallions over the melted cheese. Reserve a small amount of scallions for final garnish.
- 10
finish with jalapeños
Top with sliced jalapeño rings to taste for fresh heat.
Sauce & Finish
- 11
make sour cream sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, 1/2 tsp Old Bay, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning; add a pinch more Old Bay or lime juice if desired.
- 12
final garnish & serve
Drizzle or dollop the sour cream sauce over the loaded fries, or serve it on the side. Sprinkle remaining sliced scallions on top and, if desired, dust with a light pinch of Old Bay. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.