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To make Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries, you'll need some key items. Gather these: - 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup ranch dressing - ¼ cup green onions, chopped You can add some extra flair with these optional ingredients: - ¼ cup crispy bacon bits (or turkey bacon for a lighter option) - ¼ cup sour cream for added creaminess Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you’ll need: - A large mixing bowl for tossing the fries - A baking sheet lined with parchment paper - A sharp knife to cut the potatoes - A spatula to flip the fries during baking Gather all these ingredients and tools before you start. This way, you make cooking simple and quick! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing four large russet potatoes. Cut them into thin fries. Place the fries in a big bowl. Add two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of paprika. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until the fries are coated. This step gives the fries great flavor. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are in a single layer. Bake them for 30 to 35 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through for even cooking. Watch them turn golden brown and crispy. This is the perfect texture for loaded fries. Once the fries are crispy, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. The heat will melt the cheese nicely. Next, drizzle half a cup of ranch dressing all over the cheesy fries. Add chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits if you like. For a creamy finish, add dollops of sour cream before serving. Enjoy your tasty Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries! I love using russet potatoes for fries. They have a high starch content. This helps them get crispy and fluffy inside. Other great choices include Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes. Yukon Golds offer a nice buttery flavor. Sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness that pairs well with savory toppings. To get crispy fries, start with dry potatoes. After cutting, pat them with a towel. Toss them in olive oil and spices to coat well. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. This allows heat to circulate and prevents steaming. Flip halfway through baking for even crispiness. Bake until they are golden brown. You can easily make your loaded fries unique. Add jalapeños for a spicy kick. Swap out cheddar for pepper jack for more heat. Try adding different toppings like guacamole or salsa. You can also use grilled chicken or black beans for protein. The options are endless, so get creative! Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best texture, use russet potatoes as they are starchy and yield crispy fries. Season Generously: Don’t be shy with your seasonings; a good amount of salt and pepper enhances the flavor significantly. Watch the Oven Time: Keep an eye on your fries during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t burn and achieve optimal crispiness. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match toppings like jalapeños or different types of cheese for a unique twist on these loaded fries. {{image_2}} You can make Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries healthier. Start with sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes. Sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness and more nutrients. Use olive oil, but cut back on the cheese. Try vegan cheese or skip it. Replace ranch dressing with a plant-based version. This keeps the flavor but makes it lighter. You can add more veggies, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra taste and color. Want a kick? Add jalapeños to your loaded fries. You can use fresh or pickled jalapeños. The heat pairs well with the creamy ranch dressing. Slice the jalapeños thin and sprinkle them on top after the cheese melts. For more spice, add hot sauce to the ranch dressing. This will give your fries a fun, spicy twist. Get creative with your toppings for a gourmet feel! Try adding pulled pork or grilled chicken for protein. You can also use blue cheese crumbles for a bolder taste. Drizzle balsamic glaze for sweetness or top with avocado slices for creaminess. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, add a nice touch. Mixing and matching toppings can make each batch unique and exciting. After making Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries, you may have some left. To store them, let the fries cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them well to keep them fresh. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavor and texture better than leaving them out. To reheat your fries, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover fries on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness. If you want, you can add more cheese before reheating. This makes them extra cheesy and delicious. If you want to save Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries for later, freezing is an option. To do this, let the fries cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat from frozen. To make Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries, start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut four large russet potatoes into fries. In a bowl, toss the fries with two tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown. After baking, sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Drizzle half a cup of ranch dressing over the fries. Finally, add chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. Yes, you can use different types of cheese! While cheddar cheese is classic, you might try Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. A mix of mozzarella and parmesan creates a cheesy pull. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite cheese blend! Loaded fries taste great with dips! Ranch dressing is a top choice, thanks to its creamy flavor. You can also try sour cream for added richness. Ketchup is always a crowd-pleaser, or you can spice things up with hot sauce. BBQ sauce adds a smoky touch. Choose your favorite dip to enjoy with your loaded fries! In this blog post, we explored the ingredients and steps to make loaded fries. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, cooking tools, and step-by-step instructions for perfect fries. You learned tips on potato choice and keeping fries crispy. We also covered various loaded fry options and storage tips for leftovers. Loaded fries can be simple or fancy. Enjoy making them your own. Share them with friends and family for fun meals. The joy of loaded fries is in the toppings and flavors. Experiment and have fun with this tasty dish!

Cheddar Ranch Loaded Fries

Crispy fries topped with melted cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and optional toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
  • 0.25 cup green onions, 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, toss the cut fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, allowing it to melt.
  • Drizzle ranch dressing generously over the cheesy fries.
  • Top with chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits, if using.
  • For an extra touch, add dollops of sour cream on top before serving.

Notes

For a lighter option, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Keyword cheddar, fries, loaded, ranch