You know what? There is something undeniably special about a big plate of hot and salty French Fries. They are the ultimate comfort food.
Most of us are used to grabbing them at a drive through or baking a plain batch as a side dish. But today, we are changing the game.
We are turning humble Potato French Fries into a full blown meal. This is not just a snack. It is an event.
Imagine crispy potatoes topped with seasoned beef or spicy turkey sausage. Then, picture a river of homemade cheese sauce flowing over everything.
Honestly, once you try these Loaded French Fries, you might never go back to eating them plain again. It is messy, cheesy, and totally delicious.
This recipe is perfect for movie nights, game days, or just a fun Tuesday dinner. It brings everyone together around the baking sheet.
Let me explain how easy it is to make restaurant quality Food Fries right in your own kitchen. You do not need fancy tools.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First of all, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You are not stuck with just one flavor profile. You can make it your own.
We have included two different meat options here. You can choose a classic taco style ground beef or a zesty Italian turkey sausage.
This means you can cater to whatever your family is craving. You can even swap in shredded beef if you have leftovers.
Another reason to love this is the cheese sauce. Forget that jarred stuff from the store. Homemade sauce changes everything.
It is rich, creamy, and surprisingly simple to whisk up. It clings to the French Fries perfectly without getting gloopy.
This dish is also a fantastic way to stretch a budget. A bag of frozen fries is affordable, and you can pile on whatever toppings you have.
It feels indulgent without breaking the bank. Plus, it feeds a crowd with very little effort on your part.
You will also love the cleanup factor. If you line your pan with foil, you are practically done cleaning before you even eat.
Finally, these Potato French Fries are fun. Eating with your hands from a shared platter encourages conversation and laughter.
Ingredients
Here is the thing about this recipe. The ingredients are simple, but they come together to create something amazing.
For The Fries
- 1 (2 lb.) bag frozen fries
Meat Option 1
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
Meat Option 2
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. Hot Italian Turkey Sausage, removed from their casings
Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Toppings
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 jar jalapeños, drained
- 1 to 2 tomatoes, diced
- Sour cream
- Green onions, diced
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making these Loaded French Fries is easier than you think. Just follow these steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Bake The Fries
Start by preheating your oven to 375F. This temperature ensures your French Fries get nice and crispy.
Take your frozen fries and spread them out on a large baking sheet. Give them some room to breathe.
Check the back of your package for the exact baking time. Every brand is a little different.
Step 2: Cook The Meat
While the fries bake, choose your meat adventure. If you are choosing Meat Option 1, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until it is soft. This usually takes about 5 or 6 minutes.
Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You will smell that amazing aroma immediately.
Add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You want it fully browned.
Once the beef is no longer pink, stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer until it thickens, then drain the fat and set it aside.
If you prefer Meat Option 2, heat oil in the skillet. Add the Hot Italian Turkey Sausage.
Break the sausage apart with your spoon. Cook it until it is browned and cooked through, then set it aside.
You can also use other meats like shredded beef or chili if you prefer. These Food Fries are flexible.
Step 3: Start The Cheese Sauce
Now for the best part. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Keep whisking until it bubbles and foams.
Let this cook for about 1 minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
Step 4: Finish The Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk while you whisk constantly. This prevents lumps from forming in your sauce.
Let the mixture reach a simmer. Whisk it occasionally so it does not stick to the bottom.
Simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take 3 to 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat. Add the cheese one cup at a time. Stir until melted after each cup.
If the cheese needs help melting, turn the stove to the lowest setting. Stir in salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble The Dish
When the fries are done, pull them out of the oven. Top them immediately with your cooked meat.
Pour that glorious cheese sauce all over the Potato French Fries. Be generous with it.
Add the red onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions. Grab a fork and dig in!
How To Store Leftovers
Let’s be honest. It is rare to have leftovers of these Loaded French Fries. They are that good.
But if you do, you need to store them correctly. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge.
They will stay good for up to two days. However, the texture will change slightly.
The fries might get a little soft because of the toppings. This is normal for loaded dishes.
When you are ready to eat again, avoid the microwave. It turns potatoes into mush.
Instead, use an air fryer or an oven. Reheat them at 350F until they are hot and slightly crisp again.
This method helps revive the texture of the French Fries. It makes them taste almost fresh.
Tips
Want to make the best French Fries possible? Here are a few secrets to success.
First, grate your own cheese. Pre shredded cheese has coating agents that stop it from clumping.
Those agents also stop it from melting smoothly. Grating it yourself ensures a silky sauce.
Second, timing is everything. Make the sauce right when you are ready to assemble.
If the sauce sits too long, it forms a skin. It can get grainy when you stir it again.
Prepare your toppings and meat while the fries bake. Then, make the sauce last.
Third, use foil for easy cleanup. Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil before adding the fries.
Once you finish eating, you just toss the foil. It saves you from scrubbing a greasy pan.
Lastly, customize the spice level. If you love heat, add more cayenne or extra jalapeños.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple yet impressive way to enjoy French Fries at home.
This recipe takes basic ingredients and turns them into a feast. It is hearty, flavorful, and fun.
Whether you choose the beef or the turkey sausage, you are in for a treat. The homemade cheese sauce really seals the deal.
So, grab a bag of frozen Potato French Fries and get cooking. Your family will thank you for it.
Do not forget to load up on those fresh toppings. They add the perfect crunch and brightness.
Enjoy your homemade Loaded French Fries!
FAQ
Can I Make This Gluten Free?
Yes, absolutely. Just swap the all purpose flour in the roux for a gluten free flour blend. Also, check your taco seasoning to ensure it is gluten free.
Can I Use Sweet Potato Fries?
You sure can. Sweet potato fries add a nice sweetness that pairs well with the savory meat and spicy jalapeños. Just adjust the baking time according to the package.
Can I Make The Sauce Ahead Of Time?
It is not recommended. The cheese sauce is best served fresh. Reheating it can cause the oil to separate, making the texture grainy.
Loaded French Fries
Turn humble frozen fries into a full-blown meal! These Loaded French Fries are topped with seasoned beef or spicy sausage and smothered in a rich, homemade cheese sauce. Perfect for game days or a fun weeknight dinner.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread frozen fries on a large baking sheet and bake according to package directions until crispy.
- While fries bake, cook the meat. For beef: heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion until soft, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer until thickened, then drain fat. For sausage: heat oil, add sausage, break it apart, and cook until browned and cooked through. Set meat aside.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until it bubbles.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat a spoon (3-5 minutes).
- Turn off the heat. Add the cheese one cup at a time, stirring until melted after each addition. Stir in salt and cayenne pepper.
- Once fries are done, top them immediately with the cooked meat, pour over the cheese sauce, and finish with red onions, jalapeños, tomatoes, sour cream, and green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the smoothest cheese sauce, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting perfectly.
Timing is key. Prepare your toppings and meat while the fries bake, and make the cheese sauce last so it’s fresh and hot.
Line your baking sheet with foil for super easy cleanup. Just toss the foil when you’re done!
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
