Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries

$- 4 large russet potatoes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper - 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup creamy ranch dressing - ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped - ¼ cup crispy bacon bits (optional) - ¼ cup sour cream (optional) I love using russet potatoes for loaded fries. Their starchy texture gives a great crunch. You’ll need four large ones. Wash them well and cut them into fries. Next, you’ll need olive oil. Just two tablespoons will do. It helps the fries crisp up nicely. Garlic powder adds rich flavor, while smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Use one teaspoon of each. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Now, let’s talk toppings. Cheese is key! Use one cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It melts perfectly on hot fries. Creamy ranch dressing brings a tangy taste, so grab half a cup. For a fresh touch, add a quarter cup of chopped green onions. Want some crunch? Toss in a quarter cup of crispy bacon bits too, if you like. Sour cream is a nice bonus, so add a quarter cup if you want extra creaminess. These ingredients come together to create a tasty flavor explosion in each bite! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat makes the fries crispy. - In a large bowl, combine the cut russet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Season with kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. - Toss everything until the fries are well coated with oil and spices. - Spread the fries out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. - Make sure they are in a single layer for even cooking. - Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. - Flip the fries halfway through to get them golden and crispy. - Once they are crispy, take the fries out of the oven. - Sprinkle 1 cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. - Let the cheese melt from the heat of the fries. - Drizzle ½ cup of creamy ranch dressing over the cheesy fries. - Top with ¼ cup of finely chopped green onions for freshness. - If you like, add ¼ cup of crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. - For a creamy touch, dollop ¼ cup of sour cream on top before serving. - Serve the loaded fries hot in a rustic skillet or on a platter. Enjoy! To get the best fries, coat them well. Use enough oil and seasonings to cover every fry. I recommend using a large bowl for easy mixing. Parchment paper helps the fries stay crisp. It also keeps the baking sheet clean. Spread the fries out in a single layer. This allows heat to reach all sides. The key to melty cheese is timing. Add the shredded cheddar right after you take the fries out of the oven. The heat from the fries will melt the cheese perfectly. This gives you that gooey, cheesy texture we all love. You can make your loaded fries even better. Try adding different toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even chili. Each topping adds a new layer of flavor. Experiment with your favorites to find the mix you love best. Don't be afraid to be creative! Pro Tips Cut Fries Uniformly: Make sure your potato fries are cut to the same size to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Soak the Potatoes: For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup after baking. Broil for Extra Crispiness: After the fries are done baking, switch to broil for a couple of minutes to achieve an extra layer of crispiness on the cheese. {{image_4}} You can make Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries even better with some swaps. If you want a lighter option, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Turkey bacon gives you that nice crunch without the extra fat. It pairs well with the rich flavors of cheese and ranch. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. While sharp cheddar is classic, you could use pepper jack for heat or a blend of cheeses for depth. Mixing cheeses can add fun flavors to your fries. To spice things up, consider making a spicy ranch dressing. You can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the ranch. This will give your fries a nice kick. You might also want to try adding other spices. A pinch of chili powder or cumin can add warmth and flavor to the mix. You can cook your loaded fries in both the oven and air fryer. Baking in the oven gives you a nice, crispy texture. It requires about 30-35 minutes at 425°F (220°C). In an air fryer, fries cook faster, usually in around 15-20 minutes. They come out crispy too, with less oil. If you are in a hurry, the air fryer is a great option. Both methods yield tasty results, so choose what works for you! To keep your Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. It's best to eat them within 2-3 days for the best taste. Reheat fries in the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the fries on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the fries crispy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. You can freeze loaded fries, but they may lose some crispiness. To freeze, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for a couple of hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to a month. To reheat, bake them directly from frozen. Adjust the time to ensure they heat through. I find that large russet potatoes work best for loaded fries. They have a high starch content. This gives you that perfect crispy texture on the outside. Yukon golds can also work, but they are creamier. Stick with russets for the best crunch! Yes, you can! You can cut the potatoes and season them a few hours in advance. Just keep them in cold water to prevent browning. Bake them right before serving for maximum crispiness. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. To make vegan Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries, swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative. Use vegan ranch dressing and skip the sour cream. You can add avocado or a cashew cream for that extra creaminess. This will keep the flavors rich and satisfying! If you're not a fan of ranch, try these dips: - Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick - Guacamole for a creamy, fresh taste - Blue cheese dressing for a bold flavor - Salsa for a zesty twist - BBQ sauce for a smoky touch These Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries are simple yet delicious. We covered the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can customize them with your favorite toppings and tweak the recipe for added flavors. Remember, whether using the oven or an air fryer, the goal is crispy success. Store and reheat them properly for the best taste. Enjoy making and sharing these tasty fries with friends and family. Your loaded fries journey starts now!$

Crispy fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, creamy ranch dressing, and fresh toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, meticulously cut into fries
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste Kosher salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
0.5 cup creamy ranch dressing
0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
0.25 cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
0.25 cup sour cream (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut fries with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Toss together until the fries are evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through.
Once the fries are crispy, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the cheesy fries.
Garnish with green onions and optional bacon bits.
Dollop sour cream on top right before serving.

Notes

Serve hot in a rustic skillet or on a large platter with extra ranch for dipping.

Keyword cheddar, fries, loaded fries, ranch