Super Bowl Cheese Fries

The smell of turkey bacon sizzling always takes me back to that tiny apartment kitchen where my roommate and I would crowd around the oven door, watching cheese bubble through the glass. We made these for every single game day, sometimes even when no game was on. The fries never made it to a proper serving platter back then. We would just stand there, burning our fingers, stealing pieces right off the baking sheet.

Last year I finally learned to cut my potatoes slightly thicker, and it changed everything. They hold up better under all that weighty cheese and bacon. My friend Sarah still asks for these every time she comes over, even though she claims she does not watch football. The truth is, nobody can resist a loaded fry.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes: Russets have the perfect starch content to get crispy outside while staying fluffy inside, and they hold their shape when piled high
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices cling and promotes that golden browning we all want in a good fry
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkles savory depth throughout without burning like fresh garlic might at high heat
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: The secret ingredient that makes these taste like they came from a restaurant kitchen
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the potatoes
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough sharp heat to balance the rich cheese
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar stands up to all the bold flavors and melts beautifully
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Creates those gorgeous cheese pulls and mild creaminess
• 6 strips turkey bacon: Gives you smoky, salty, crispy bits throughout every bite
• 2 green onions: Fresh pop that cuts through all the richness
• ¼ cup sour cream: The cool tangy element that ties everything together
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Makes it look like you put in way more effort than you actually did

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 425°F and line that baking sheet with parchment paper now because you will not want to deal with stuck on cheese later

Coat the fries:

Toss your potato pieces with olive oil and all those spices in a large bowl until every wedge is evenly coated

Bake them crispy:

Spread the fries in a single layer and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and starting to crisp up

Crisp the bacon:

While the fries bake, cook your turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then drain and crumble it into bite sized pieces

Pile on the cheese:

Once the fries are done, scatter both cheeses evenly over the hot fries and top with all that crumbled bacon

Melt it together:

Return the sheet to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and starting to brown in spots

Finish and serve:

Top with green onions and parsley, then serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and irresistible

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My brother in law actually requested these for his birthday instead of cake. The man has priorities. Now every time I smell smoked paprika, I think of him grabbing handfuls straight from the pan, paper towel in hand, insisting the first batch is always the best.

Making It Your Own

Once you have the basic technique down, these fries become a canvas. I have experimented with different spice blends and cheese combinations, and each one creates a completely different mood. The beauty is in how customizable they are while still being satisfying.

Getting The Perfect Crisp

The real trick I have learned after years of making these is patience with the oven temperature. Too low and you get limp fries, too high and the cheese burns before the potatoes cook through. That sweet spot at 425°F is worth finding.

Serving Suggestions

These need to hit the table hot, so have all your toppings ready to go before the fries come out of the oven the second time. The timing matters for that restaurant quality experience.

• Set up a toppings bar and let everyone build their own section
• Pair with something cold and crisp to cut through all the cheese
• Make extra because they disappear faster than you expect

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Hope these become your go to for everything from game day to Tuesday night cravings. They have certainly earned their permanent spot in my rotation.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How can I make the fries extra crispy?

Soaking the potatoes in cold water before baking removes excess starch, helping them crisp up better in the oven.

→ Can I substitute turkey bacon with another topping?

Yes, smoked sausage or crispy pancetta work well as flavorful alternatives to turkey bacon.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure bacon and cheeses are certified gluten-free and avoid any cross-contamination during preparation.

→ What cheeses provide the best melt and flavor?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack melt smoothly and offer a rich, balanced flavor ideal for topping fries.

→ Can I add some heat to this dish?

Adding diced jalapeños or pickled onions creates a spicy kick that complements the creamy cheeses and savory bacon.