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BBQ Bacon Cheese Fry Mountain is all about indulgence and fun bringing together crispy fries gooey cheddar smoky bacon and tangy BBQ sauce layered high on a platter This crowd-pleaser is perfect for parties family movie nights or just satisfying a bold comfort food craving Every time I make this dish it vanishes in minutes no matter the occasion
The first time I tried BBQ Bacon Cheese Fry Mountain was for a big game night and my friends now ask for it on repeat The combination of gooey cheese and smoky BBQ sauce never gets old
Ingredients
- Large russet potatoes: choose firm unblemished potatoes for the best fries
- Frozen French fries: any brand will work but check for extra crispy options
- Shredded cheddar cheese: opt for a sharp variety for the best flavor and good melting quality
- Bacon: cooked until extra crispy for contrast with the melty cheese
- BBQ sauce: choose a tangy or smoky style depending on your taste
- Sour cream: full-fat works best for richness and tang
- Chopped green onions: pick fresh vibrant green for a bright finish
- Paprika: smoked or sweet paprika adds a hint of color and subtle warmth
- Salt and black pepper: use freshly ground pepper for more punch and control salt to your liking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit two hundred twenty Celsius For best results allow the oven to fully preheat before starting
- Prepare the Fries:
- Spread frozen French fries out in a single layer on a large baking sheet Bake for about twenty five to thirty minutes tossing once or twice so every fry crisps up and turns golden For extra crispy fries leave them in a bit longer
- Cook the Bacon:
- While fries are baking place bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat flipping occasionally until deep brown and crispy Transfer to paper towels to drain and then crumble into bite-size pieces Once cooled set aside
- Assemble the Fry Mountain:
- Arrange baked fries onto a large platter or shallow dish Layer shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the fries making sure to get cheese in every nook Add a generous scatter of crumbled bacon for an even layer of smoky flavor
- Melt the Cheese and Add BBQ Sauce:
- Drizzle BBQ sauce all over the cheese and bacon allowing it to soak into the fries Place the loaded fries back in the oven and bake for about five minutes just until the cheese is melted and gooey
- Finish with Toppings and Serve:
- Remove the fry mountain from the oven Dollop or drizzle sour cream across the top Then sprinkle with green onions paprika a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper Serve hot and enjoy while the cheese is still melty
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Whenever I make this dish the bacon is always the first thing people comment on I love using thick-cut bacon for even bigger flavor Sometimes the smell of the fries and bacon baking together reminds me of our summer cookouts on the porch It brings everyone to the kitchen before it even hits the table
Storage Tips
Leftover fry mountain can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days While the fries may soften upon reheating you can crisp them under the broiler for a few minutes Avoid freezing as the potatoes lose their texture
Ingredient Substitutions
No russet potatoes on hand Use all frozen fries or try sweet potato fries for extra color and sweetness If cheddar is not your favorite use mozzarella pepper jack or even smoked gouda for new flavor twists For a vegetarian version use plant-based bacon and cheese
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Serving Suggestions
Serve as a main dish with a crisp salad or as a hearty appetizer at parties Brighten the plate with pickled jalapenos or a fresh squirt of lime for a Tex-Mex spin Kids love when I add a side of ranch dressing for dipping
A Little History
Loaded fries like this have roots in American bar food and diner classics combining the love of crispy potatoes and melty cheese The BBQ twist makes this dish feel like a cookout platter but you can riff with other regional ingredients for fun new versions
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the fries extra crispy?
Bake the fries slightly longer than the package recommends, or double-bake for an additional crunch.
- → Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Yes, slice and bake fresh russet potatoes until golden and crisp before assembling the layers.
- → What cheese substitutes work best?
Mozzarella or pepper jack are great alternatives to cheddar and can add a different flavor twist.
- → Is it possible to prepare bacon in advance?
Absolutely! Cook and crumble bacon ahead and store it refrigerated until ready to use.
- → How can I add a spicy kick?
Try adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper with the other toppings.
- → Is this dish gluten free?
Using gluten-free fries and bacon ensures the entire dish stays gluten free for all to enjoy.