What are loaded fries made of?

Loaded fries are made by topping hot, crispy French fries with a variety of savory ingredients like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, jalapeños, and green onions. Some versions include proteins like pulled pork or seasoned ground beef. Sophia always starts with a sturdy base—thick-cut fries or wedges—so they can hold up under all the melty, cheesy toppings.

What toppings go on loaded fries?

Classic loaded fries toppings include cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, sour cream, and jalapeños. You can also add grilled chicken, guacamole, salsa, or barbecue sauce for a flavor twist. Creative combos like buffalo chicken, Mediterranean toppings with feta and tzatziki, or Korean kimchi fries are all trending, flavorful options.

What toppings can I put on fries?

Sophia says the better question is, “What can’t you put on fries?” Beyond the basics, try experimenting with toppings like blue cheese crumbles, roasted corn, crispy onions, spicy sausage, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can go sweet too—maple bacon with a touch of honey or sriracha-lime aioli for a spicy kick.

What's the difference between loaded and dirty fries?

The difference comes down to flavor style and presentation. Loaded fries tend to be more structured and customizable, topped with fresh ingredients like cheese, sour cream, and bacon. Dirty fries are usually sloppier and bolder—often tossed in spices, chili, gravy, or sauce-heavy toppings. Both are crave-worthy, but dirty fries lean more toward indulgent, greasy spoon territory.

Loaded Fries Recipe: Best 7 Toppings & Easy Tips for Crispy Perfection

Name: Loaded Fries Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 bag thick-cut frozen fries or 4 russet potatoes, cut into wedges; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; ¼ cup sour cream; 2 green onions, chopped; Pickled jalapeños (optional); Salt and black pepper; Olive oil (if baking fresh potatoes)

Description

Sophia’s signature loaded fries are a comforting, cheesy, flavor-packed classic—perfect for family nights, parties, or satisfying cravings with bold, customizable toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 bag of thick-cut frozen fries or 4 large russet potatoes, cut into wedges
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
¼ cup sour cream
2 green onions, chopped
Pickled jalapeños (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Olive oil (if baking fresh potatoes)

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Instructions

Cook the fries according to package instructions or bake fresh-cut wedges at 425°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and crisp. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking.
Layer fries on an oven-safe dish or baking tray.
Sprinkle cheese generously over hot fries.
Broil for 2–3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Top immediately with bacon, sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños.
Serve hot, straight from the pan.

Notes

Loaded fries are highly customizable. Try Tex-Mex, BBQ, or vegetarian versions by switching up the toppings like pulled pork, buffalo chicken, or roasted veggies.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 520
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 45mg