Easy Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon, Cheese, And Onions Recipe

Tasty Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon Recipe: A Cheesy Dream

Crispy, golden loaded fries with turkey bacon can turn any ordinary meal into a flavor-packed adventure.

Melted cheese cascades over perfectly seasoned potatoes, creating an irresistible comfort food experience.

Crunchy bacon bits add a smoky dimension that makes these fries impossible to resist.

Caramelized onions bring a subtle sweetness that complements the salty ingredients perfectly.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Fresh green onions sprinkled on top provide a bright, zesty finish to this crowd-pleasing dish.

You’ll want to make extra because these loaded fries disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”.

Pairings To Complement Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon

Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the richness of the loaded fries and complements the crispy turkey bacon and melted cheese.

Create a tangy ranch or chipotle mayo that adds moisture and enhances the fries’ savory profile, bringing out the subtle smoky notes from the bacon.

Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, indulgent fries and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.

Blend a refreshing cucumber-mint mocktail or infused water that cleanses the palate and offers a light, cooling sensation after each bite of the rich loaded fries.

Storage Advice To Keep Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon

  • Store leftover loaded fries in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing fries with sour cream or fresh herbs.
  • Preheat oven to 425F. Spread fries on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through.
  • Place fries in air fryer basket, cook at 375F for 3-5 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crispiness.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of bacon?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or even vegetarian bacon alternatives. Choose what suits your taste and dietary preferences.

  • Is this recipe healthier than traditional loaded fries?

Turkey bacon has less fat compared to regular bacon, and baking instead of deep-frying makes this version slightly healthier than classic loaded fries.

  • What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

  • How can I make these fries extra crispy?

Ensure your fries are completely dry before cooking, use high heat, and avoid overcrowding the pan or fryer to achieve maximum crispiness.

Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon, Cheese, And Onions Crowd-Pleasing Snack

  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft delicious loaded fries with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginners or busy cooks wanting a satisfying meal.
  • Flexible Cooking Options: Choose between fresh or frozen fries, making this recipe adaptable for different time constraints and ingredient availability.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Blend crispy turkey bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and zesty green onions for a mouthwatering dish that appeals to all ages and tastes.
  • Versatile Serving Style: Customize with optional toppings like paprika, sour cream, and fresh parsley to create a personalized snack or appetizer for game nights, casual gatherings, or weekend treats.

Ingredients Needed To Make Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon

Main Ingredients:

Potato Base:
  • Russet Potatoes: The hearty potato variety that creates a perfect crispy base for loaded fries.
  • Frozen French Fries: A convenient alternative for quick preparation.
Protein Topping:
  • Turkey Bacon: A leaner protein option that adds smoky, crispy texture to the loaded fries.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides rich flavor and creamy texture.
  • Sour Cream: A cool and tangy topping that balances the savory elements.
Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that add brightness and color to the dish.
  • Salt, Paprika: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Cooking Oil: Used for frying the potatoes to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

Step-by-Step Guide To Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon

Step 1: Prepare Potato Strips

Grab your russet potatoes and give them a good wash. Peel the skin off and slice them into long, crispy fries.

If you’re pressed for time, frozen fries work perfectly fine as a shortcut.

Step 2: Crisp Up Turkey Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium temperature.

Cook the turkey bacon until it turns wonderfully crispy and golden. Let the bacon cool down, then break or chop it into small, delectable pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Potato Strips

Fresh Potato Method:
  • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot
  • Fry potato strips in batches
  • Cook until they turn golden brown and extra crispy
  • Drain on paper towels
  • Sprinkle with salt

Frozen Potato Method:

Follow the cooking instructions on the package for baking or frying.

Step 4: Layer the Fries

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Spread the cooked potato strips on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute:
  • Crumbled turkey bacon
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, melted paradise.

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings

Pull the fries from the oven and scatter:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Optional: Sprinkle of paprika
  • Optional: Dollop of sour cream

Step 7: Final Touch and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of color. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish!

Cooking Tips To Perfect Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon

  • Use russet potatoes for the best texture and crispiness when making homemade fries, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior.
  • Always drain fried potatoes on paper towels to remove extra oil, which keeps the fries crisp and prevents sogginess when adding toppings.
  • Break turkey bacon into small, uniform pieces to guarantee a consistent flavor and texture across every bite of loaded fries.
  • Watch the cheese closely during the final baking stage to prevent burning, removing from the oven once it's perfectly melted and bubbly.
  • Add salt to fries immediately after cooking and consider sprinkling paprika or other herbs for an extra flavor boost before serving.

Variations To Refresh Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon

  • Spicy Jalapeño Popper Fries: Replace turkey bacon with crispy jalapeño slices and swap cheddar for cream cheese. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Veggie Loaded Fries: Substitute turkey bacon with crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and diced cucumber. Top with tzatziki sauce instead of sour cream.
  • Vegan Loaded Sweet Potato Fries: Use sweet potato fries instead of russet. Replace turkey bacon with coconut bacon bits. Swap cheddar with vegan cheese and use cashew cream instead of sour cream.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Fry Alternative: Replace potato fries with roasted cauliflower florets. Keep the original cheese and bacon toppings for a keto-friendly version.
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Easy Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon, Cheese, And Onions Recipe

Easy Loaded Fries With Turkey Bacon, Cheese, And Onions Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Loaded fries bring savory magic to your plate with this irresistible turkey bacon, cheese, and onion masterpiece. Crispy potato wedges beneath melted cheese and crisp bacon create a crowd-pleasing snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 Russet potatoes
  • 6 slices turkey bacon
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Garnishes and Optional Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cleanse and slice russet potatoes into uniform fries or wedges, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking. Frozen fries can be used as a convenient alternative.
  2. In a skillet heated to medium temperature, crisp turkey bacon until golden and thoroughly cooked. Allow bacon to cool, then crumble into small, bite-sized pieces.
  3. For fresh potatoes, heat oil to 375°F in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry potato strips in batches until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior and crispy texture. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil, then season with salt.
  4. For frozen fries, follow package instructions for optimal preparation, ensuring complete cooking and desired crispiness.
  5. Arrange cooked fries on a baking sheet, creating an even layer. Distribute crumbled turkey bacon and shredded cheddar cheese uniformly across the surface.
  6. Place baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a slight bubbling texture.
  7. Remove from oven and immediately garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Optional: Sprinkle paprika for enhanced flavor and add a dollop of sour cream.
  8. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and added freshness. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Customize potato cuts for different textures, using wedges for rustic feel or thin fries for crispy edges.
  • Select turkey bacon for lower-fat alternative, ensuring crispy texture by cooking over medium heat and draining excess grease.
  • Layer cheese strategically to create even melting, preventing clumpy or uneven coverage on fries.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for unexpected flavor twists without compromising core recipe structure.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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