Save to Pinterest This dish features crispy golden fries baked to perfection and topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. Turkey bacon is cooked until crispy, chopped into bits, and sprinkled over the cheesy fries. Optional garnishes like chopped green onions and sour cream can be added for extra flavor. Baking the fries with olive oil and seasoning creates a crunchy base, while the combination of cheddar and turkey bacon delivers rich, savory layers perfect for sharing or snacking anytime.
Game day at our house always meant someone was assigned fry duty while the rest of us debated toppings. The first time I made these with turkey bacon instead of the regular kind, my brother-in-law actually asked what restaurant I'd ordered them from. Something about that smoky salty bacon against the gooey cheddar just works.
Last New Years Eve, I doubled this recipe and still ran out. My friend Sarah stood by the baking sheet, picking off the cheese-covered corners while pretending to help plate them. Now I make extra on purpose.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: These have the perfect starch content for crispy fries. I've tried other potatoes but nothing quite delivers that golden crunch.
- Olive oil: Helps the fries brown evenly and develop that restaurant-style exterior. Two tablespoons is just enough to coat without greasiness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness cuts through the rich toppings. Mild cheese gets lost here, so go bold or go home.
- Turkey bacon: Cook it until really crisp, then chop. It keeps its texture better than regular bacon and brings a lighter smokiness.
- Green onions: Fresh brightness against all that rich cheese and potato. They're not just garnish here.
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Crank it to 425°F and line that baking sheet with parchment. Trust me, cleanup matters when cheese is involved.
- Prep your fries:
- Toss fresh cut potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated. Spread them out so they have room to breathe and crisp up.
- Bake until golden:
- Let them go 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them to be the kind of crispy that makes a sound when you bite down.
- Cook the bacon:
- While the fries bake, cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's seriously crispy, then chop into bits.
- Melt the cheese:
- Pull those fries out, sprinkle with cheddar everywhere, and return to the oven for just enough time to turn into molten magic.
- Finish and serve:
- Top with the bacon bits and green onions, then bring them to the table immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and hot.
Save to Pinterest These became my daughters requested birthday dinner food two years running. Not cake, not fancy pasta, but a giant platter of cheesy fries with bacon. I guess some traditions are worth keeping.
Making Them Your Own
I once added roasted garlic to the cheese layer and my husband declared it the best version yet. Smoked paprika on the potatoes before baking adds this incredible depth that people can't quite identify. Ranch drizzled over everything at the end turns it into something completely different.
The Freezer Shortcut
Sometimes life calls for frozen fries, and that is absolutely fine. Just cook them according to the package directions, then proceed with the cheese and bacon. The homemade version is special, but the weeknight version still hits the spot.
Serving Crowd-Sized Batches
For parties, I set up a toppings bar and let people build their own. Someone always brings jalapeños, another person shows up with extra sour cream, and somehow we end up with three kinds of cheese. It turns an appetizer into an activity.
- Keep the fries warm in a 200°F oven while the bacon cooks
- Have all toppings prepped before the fries come out of the oven
- Work in batches if you're making more than one sheet pan
Save to Pinterest Some recipes are about technique, but this one is about joy. Messy, cheesy, communal joy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
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Yes, frozen fries can be used for convenience. Just follow the package instructions and continue with the toppings as directed.
- → How do I make the turkey bacon crispy?
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Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until it becomes crisp, then chop into small bits.
- → What cheeses can I substitute for cheddar?
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Mozzarella or a cheese blend can be used instead of cheddar to create a different flavor profile while maintaining great meltability.
- → Can I add extra seasoning to the fries?
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Absolutely, sprinkling garlic powder or smoked paprika on the fries before baking adds a deeper flavor dimension.
- → Is sour cream necessary as a garnish?
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Sour cream is optional and adds a creamy contrast, but the dish is delicious on its own.
