Loaded Cheese Fries

These loaded cheese fries aren’t your average snack – they’re a full-on flavor explosion that’ll have everyone fighting for the last bite.

Imagine perfectly crispy fries smothered in a velvety homemade cheese sauce, then piled high with your choice of seasoned ground beef or spicy Italian sausage. Add fresh toppings like jalapeños, red onions, and tomatoes, and you’ve got a dish that’s practically illegal in seven states (kidding, but they’re that good!).

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 1 (2 lb.) bag frozen fries

For Meat Option 1:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 package taco seasoning
• ⅔ cup water

For Meat Option 2:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb. Hot Italian Sausage, removed from casings

For the Cheese Sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Toppings:

• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 jar jalapeños, drained
• 1-2 tomatoes, diced
• Sour cream
• Green onions, diced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet – overcrowding will make them soggy instead of crispy. Bake according to package directions until golden brown and crispy.

For Meat Option 1 (Taco-Seasoned Beef):

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Cook diced onion for 5-6 minutes until translucent and soft
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
4. Brown ground beef for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon
5. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened
6. Drain excess fat using a colander

For Meat Option 2 (Italian Sausage):

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Cook sausage for 8-10 minutes, breaking into small chunks
3. Look for no pink remaining and crispy brown edges

For the Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling (this prevents flour taste)
3. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps
4. Simmer 3-5 minutes until sauce coats back of spoon
5. Remove from heat, add cheese one cup at a time
6. Season with salt and cayenne, adjusting to taste

Assembly:

1. Layer hot fries on serving platter
2. Top with chosen meat while still hot
3. Pour warm cheese sauce evenly
4. Add toppings in this order: onions, jalapeños, tomatoes
5. Finish with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle of green onions