Super Bowl Cheese Fries

The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of crispy beef bacon and golden fries while my friends gathered around the television for the big game. I had spent years perfecting my loaded fries recipe, experimenting with different cheeses and toppings until I found this winning combination. The moment I brought out that steaming platter, piled high with melted cheddar and savory beef bacon, the room went completely silent. Someone actually asked if I'd secretly ordered them from a sports bar, which I took as the ultimate compliment.

Last Super Bowl Sunday, I doubled this recipe and still every single vanish vanished within minutes. My brother-in-law, who usually claims he's not that hungry, sheepishly went back for thirds and finally admitted these were the best game day snacks he'd ever tasted. There's something magical about how the melted cheese binds everything together while the fries stay miraculously crispy underneath.

Ingredients

• 1 kg frozen French fries: I've found that thick cut fries hold up better under all those toppings, but shoestring fries work too if you prefer extra crunch
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: This helps the seasoning stick and ensures the fries get that perfect golden brown color in the oven
• 200 g beef bacon, chopped: Beef bacon has a richer, meatier flavor than pork bacon and crisps up beautifully without burning
• 200 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar provides that bold cheese flavor that stands up to all the other strong ingredients
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of bright green color against all that golden cheese
• 60 ml sour cream: The cool tanginess of sour cream perfectly balances the rich, salty toppings
• 1 jalapeño, sliced: Just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming the other flavors
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful reddish color to the fries
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Provides an aromatic depth that makes these taste like they came from a restaurant kitchen
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and enhancing the natural potato taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Get that oven cranking to 220°C so your fries start cooking immediately and get perfectly crispy

Season and spread the fries:

Toss those frozen fries with oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated, then spread them in a single layer on your baking sheet

Bake to golden perfection:

Slide them into the hot oven for 25 to 30 minutes, but don't forget to flip them halfway through so both sides get evenly crispy

Crisp up the beef bacon:

While the fries are baking, cook that chopped beef bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's nice and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes, then drain on paper towels

Load it up:

Transfer those perfectly cooked fries to an ovenproof dish and sprinkle them generously with shredded cheddar and the crispy beef bacon

Melt the cheese:

Pop the loaded fries back in the oven for just 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly

Add the finishing touches:

Top everything with fresh spring onions and sliced jalapeños, then serve immediately while everything's still hot and melty

Save

These cheese fries have become our go-to comfort food for everything from celebrations to tough weeks when we just need something indulgent. My daughter now requests them for her birthday dinner every year instead of cake, which pretty much says it all about how much we love this recipe.

Making It Your Own

While this classic version is pretty close to perfect, I've discovered some amazing variations along the way. Sometimes I swap the cheddar for pepper jack when I want extra heat, or add crumbled blue cheese for a tangy twist. The beauty of loaded fries is how forgiving they are you really can't go wrong.

Serving Strategies

I've learned to set out extra toppings on the side so everyone can customize their portion. Some people want mountains of jalapeños while others prefer extra sour cream. It keeps things fun and lets guests build their perfect bite without me running back to the kitchen.

Make Ahead Magic

You can cook the beef bacon up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then just give it a quick warm up in the pan before assembling. The fries are best cooked fresh, but having that bacon ready to go makes the whole process feel effortless when game time arrives.

• Cook the bacon in bigger batches and freeze what you don't use for future recipes
• Shred your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre shredded for better melting
• Keep your baking sheet in the oven while it preheats for extra crispy fries

Save

There's something uniquely satisfying about diving into a pile of these loaded fries with friends, everyone reaching for the same cheesy, crispy goodness. Make them once and they'll become part of your own tradition too.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade potato fries work excellently here. Just ensure they are cut evenly and dried well before baking for the best crispiness.

→ What is the best way to cook the beef bacon?

Cook chopped beef bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then drain excess fat on paper towels.

→ Can I substitute the cheese with another type?

Sharp cheddar provides a classic flavor, but feel free to use pepper jack or a similar melting cheese for a spicy variation.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Adding sliced jalapeños or using a spicier cheese like pepper jack will elevate the heat and complement the savory toppings.

→ What alternatives exist for beef bacon?

Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used as alternatives, maintaining a similar smoky flavor without beef.