Save to Pinterest These crispy baked fries are seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper, then loaded with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The addition of savory turkey bacon adds a smoky, rich flavor, complemented by fresh green onions and parsley. Perfect as a hearty, flavorful snack, these fries bake to a golden crisp and finish bubbly and hot, making them great for sharing during game day or casual gatherings.
My downstairs neighbor texted me at 2 AM during the Super Bowl three years ago, asking what smelled so incredible. I had been experimenting with baked fries instead of fried ones, trying to make something that wouldn't leave my whole apartment smelling like a fast food restaurant for three days. The turkey bacon was a happy accident, I only bought it because I grabbed the wrong package at the store and was too lazy to go back. Now it's the only way my family will eat cheese fries.
Last Thanksgiving, my usually health-conscious dad caught me sprinkling the cheese layer and hovered over the baking sheet like a hawk. He claimed he was just supervising, but I noticed him stealing bacon pieces every time I turned around. We ended up doubling the batch because nobody wanted to wait their turn, and the kitchen counter became this chaotic assembly line of potato cutting and cheese grating.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: These have the right starch content to get fluffy inside while crisping up beautifully in the oven
- Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and creates that golden exterior we are all after
- Garlic powder: Use fresh garlic and it might burn in the high heat, powder gives consistent flavor
- Smoked paprika: This is what makes people ask what your secret ingredient is
- Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack: The blend melts differently together, cheddar for flavor, Jack for that incredible cheese pull
- Turkey bacon: Cook it until really crisp because it softens faster than pork bacon on the hot fries
- Green onions: Add these right before serving so they stay bright and fresh
Instructions
- Prep your oven and pan:
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, this prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless
- Coat the fries:
- Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil and all the spices until every piece is evenly covered
- Bake until golden:
- Arrange fries in a single layer and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness
- Cook the turkey bacon:
- Crisp it in a skillet over medium heat, then drain and crumble it into bite sized pieces
- Add the cheese layer:
- Scatter both cheeses evenly over the hot fries, then top with the crumbled turkey bacon
- Melt everything together:
- Return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots
- Finish and serve:
- Top with green onions and parsley while hot, serve immediately with sour cream on the side
Save to Pinterest My roommate and I used to have Friday night cheese fry competitions, each of us trying to outdo the other with new toppings combinations. She once added pickled jalapeños and I added caramelized onions, and honestly, we ended up combining both ideas and never went back. Some of our best conversations happened leaning against the counter waiting for that last batch of cheese to melt.
Getting The Crispiest Fries
Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes removes excess starch, which I discovered makes a huge difference in how crispy they get. Pat them completely dry before tossing with oil, any water left on them creates steam and works against you.
Cheese Blends That Work
I have tried practically every cheese combination possible, and the cheddar and Monterey Jack blend remains the winner. Pepper jack adds nice heat, and a little bit of grated Parmesan mixed in creates this salty, nutty flavor layer people cannot quite identify.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can cut the potatoes up to a day ahead and store them submerged in water in the refrigerator. Cook the turkey bacon and crumble it in advance, keeping it in an airtight container until you are ready to assemble everything.
- Do not add the cheese until the fries come out of their first bake, or it will burn and separate
- If serving a crowd, set up a toppings bar with jalapeños, extra bacon, and different cheeses
- These are best eaten immediately, but they reheat surprisingly well in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes
Save to Pinterest Hope these become your go-to for game day, movie nights, or those random Tuesdays when nothing sounds better than cheesy, crispy comfort food.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of potatoes work best?
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Russet potatoes are ideal for fries due to their starch content, which yields a crisp texture when baked.
- → Can I make these fries gluten-free?
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Yes, by ensuring the turkey bacon and cheeses are certified gluten-free, this dish suits a gluten-free diet.
- → How can I make the fries crispier?
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Coating fries evenly with olive oil and baking at a high temperature (425°F) while flipping halfway helps achieve crispiness.
- → Are there cheese alternatives for different flavors?
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You can substitute cheddar or Monterey Jack with pepper jack or mozzarella to vary the taste profile.
- → What sides or drinks pair well with these fries?
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Light beer or sparkling water with lime complement the savory and rich flavors exquisitely.
