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Get ready for a pile of fun because BBQ Bacon Cheese Fry Mountain brings crispy fries covered in bubbling cheddar, crunchy bacon, and a hit of sweet BBQ sauce stacked tall and ready to share. It always disappears fast when I put it out, whether folks are over for a movie, party, or we just want something salty and over the top.
I first put together this loaded fry mountain at a game night and now my buddies always ask for it again. Cheesy fries plus BBQ sauce? We never get tired of it.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Paprika: Sweet or smoked, both bring a splash of color and a little warmth
- Sour cream: Full-fat brings that creamy tang we want
- Chopped green onions: Grab the brightest stems for a fresh kick on top
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp for extra cheesy flavor and good melt
- Frozen French fries: Pick a super crispy bag for even better texture
- Salt and black pepper: Crack the pepper fresh and just sprinkle on the salt to your liking
- BBQ sauce: Tangy, sweet, or smoky—it’s your pick
- Bacon: Crispy is key, so cook until really crunchy before crumbling
- Large russet potatoes: Choose plump firm ones if slicing up your own fries
Simple How-To Guide
- Top Everything Off and Serve:
- Pull out your cheesy fry mountain, spoon sour cream all over, sprinkle with green onions, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Get it to the table hot—the cheese is the best part warm.
- Melt Cheese and Add BBQ Sauce:
- Pour loads of BBQ sauce over the cheesy bacon fries so it seeps right in. Let it bake another five minutes or so until the cheddar bubbles.
- Stack Up the Fry Mountain:
- Move all those baked fries to a dish or big tray, scatter cheddar everywhere, then sprinkle crunchy bacon on top so every bite has smoky bits.
- Fry the Bacon:
- While your fries are crisping up, start the bacon in a cold pan and let it get fully golden on both sides. Blot it dry with some paper towels and crumble when cool.
- Bake the Fries:
- Spread the frozen fries out on a big sheet. Roast for about thirty minutes total. Flip halfway for max crispiness—and leave ‘em in longer if you want them extra crunchy.
- Get the Oven Going:
- Crank your oven to four-two-five Fahrenheit or two-two-zero Celsius and let it get totally preheated before anything goes in.
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Any time I serve this, bacon is all anyone talks about. Thick-cut is always my pick. There’s something about the smell of fries roasting with bacon that gets everyone drifting into the kitchen, just like summer cookouts at my place.
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got any fry tower left, keep it in a container in your fridge for up to two days. Fries will soften, but a few minutes under a broiler brings them back to life. Don’t freeze—the texture goes weird fast.
Swap-Out Ideas
Out of russets? All frozen fries or even sweet potato fries are great too. Not a cheddar fan? Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or smoked gouda for a change. Going meat-free? Use plant-based bacon and dairy-free cheese and you’re set.
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How to Serve It Up
Dish it up as a meal with a crisp salad, or make it the main appetizer for friends. Throw on some pickled jalapenos or a splash of lime for something Tex-Mex. My kids beg for a side of ranch for dipping, too.
Tasty Backstory
Piled-high cheesy fries like these come straight from classic American diners and bars, mixing melty cheese and potato love. The BBQ twist gives it a cozy cookout flavor, and changing up toppings lets you make your own spin.
Recipe FAQs
- → Any tips for crispier fries?
Let them bake a little longer than usual or toss them back in for a second bake to amp up the crunch.
- → Can I replace frozen fries with fresh ones?
Of course! Slice up some russet potatoes and bake them till they’re golden and crispy before adding toppings.
- → Which cheese can I swap for cheddar?
If you're out of cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack are fun, flavorful swaps to try.
- → Can I cook bacon ahead of time?
Yep! Cook and crumble your bacon earlier, then keep it in the fridge till you're ready to use it.
- → How do I spice it up a bit?
Add jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or sprinkle on some cayenne—whatever you prefer for heat.
- → Could this be made gluten-free?
Just use gluten-free fries and bacon. That should keep this dish safe for anyone avoiding gluten.