Loaded Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor

If you’re craving a snack or side dish that’s loaded with flavor and texture, look no further than these Loaded Sweet Potato Fries. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions, these sweet potato fries are a real treat. Whether you’re preparing them for a party, a cozy night in, or as a delicious side dish for your main meal, these fries are sure to become a favorite.

The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes is perfectly balanced by the richness of the cheddar cheese and the smoky bacon. It’s a combination of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. And the best part? You can customize them to your liking—add extra toppings, serve them with a variety of dips, or even make them a meal all on their own.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making the perfect loaded sweet potato fries that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with all the right flavors. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Breakdown

Before you start cooking, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these Loaded Sweet Potato Fries so irresistible:

1. 4 Medium Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the star of the dish. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory toppings, and they have a fantastic texture that’s perfect for fries. Make sure to choose medium-sized sweet potatoes, as they will yield the perfect amount of fries for this recipe.

2. 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Olive oil helps to coat the fries, ensuring they crisp up nicely in the oven. It also adds a hint of richness to the flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or any other high-heat oil for roasting.

3. 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is a must for adding depth and savoriness to the fries. It infuses the sweet potatoes with a warm, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

4. 1 Teaspoon Paprika

Paprika adds a mild smokiness and subtle heat to the fries. It enhances the flavor profile and gives the fries a beautiful color. You can use smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick, or opt for sweet paprika if you prefer a milder taste.

5. Salt and Pepper to Taste

Salt and pepper are essential to enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and toppings. Make sure to season the fries well to bring out their best taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference.

6. 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is the perfect melting cheese for this dish. It becomes gooey and bubbly as it melts on top of the fries, creating a rich, cheesy topping. You can use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor or mild cheddar if you prefer a softer taste.

7. ½ Cup Cooked and Crumbled Bacon

Bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch that perfectly complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. For the best texture and flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until crispy before crumbling it on top of the fries.

8. 2 Tablespoons Chopped Green Onions

Green onions add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon. They also add a nice burst of color to the dish.

9. 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream (Optional)

Sour cream is the perfect creamy accompaniment for these loaded fries. It adds a tangy contrast to the richness of the cheese and bacon. If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a ranch dipping sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect batch of Loaded Sweet Potato Fries:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into fries, about 1/4 inch thick. Cutting them evenly ensures that they cook at the same rate, resulting in perfectly crispy fries.

Step 2: Season the Fries

Place the cut sweet potatoes into a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss the fries again to make sure the seasoning is well-distributed. The olive oil helps the fries crisp up in the oven, while the seasonings bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Step 3: Arrange the Fries on a Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure the fries are not overlapping, as this will prevent them from becoming crispy. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup or use a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Bake the Fries

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the sweet potato fries for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Bake until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. The exact time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the fries to prevent burning. For extra crispiness, try double-baking: bake the fries once, flip them, and then bake again for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Immediately sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of crumbled bacon, and 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions over the fries. The heat from the fries will melt the cheese, making it gooey and perfect for a loaded topping.

Step 6: Return to the Oven

Place the fries back in the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This short time will allow the cheese to fully melt, creating the perfect cheesy topping for your loaded fries.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a minute. If desired, serve with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy contrast to the crispy fries. These loaded sweet potato fries are best enjoyed immediately while they’re hot and cheesy!

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Loaded Sweet Potato Fries

1. Cut Even Fries: For even cooking, make sure all the sweet potato fries are roughly the same size. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate and achieve the perfect crispiness.
2. Double-Baking for Extra Crispiness: If you love extra crispy fries, try double-baking them. Bake once, flip them, then bake again for a few more minutes. This helps to get the fries even crispier without overcooking them.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Spread the fries in a single layer with space between each one. Overcrowding the sheet causes the fries to steam instead of crisp, leading to soggy fries.
4. Use Parchment Paper or a Baking Mat: For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
5. Customize the Toppings: You can easily customize the toppings for these fries. Try adding some jalapeños for a spicy kick, or top with guacamole or salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
6. Bake on a Rack for Even Crisping: If you want to take it up a notch, try baking the fries on a cooling rack set inside your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the fries, making them crispier on all sides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen sweet potato fries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato fries for this recipe, but fresh fries will yield the best results. If using frozen, be sure to follow the package instructions for baking and proceed with the toppings as usual.

2. Can I make these fries ahead of time?

You can prep the fries ahead of time by cutting them and seasoning them with olive oil and spices. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, they are best served fresh out of the oven for the crispiest texture.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is the go-to for these loaded fries, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack for a different flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorites.

4. Can I make these fries healthier?

Yes! To make these fries a bit healthier, try air frying them instead of baking them with oil. You can also skip the cheese and bacon or use a lighter cheese and turkey bacon for a lower-fat version.

5. Can I add more toppings to these fries?

Of course! You can add anything from sour cream, guacamole, and salsa to cilantro, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing. These fries are versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes.

6. How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftover loaded sweet potato fries, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days

. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.

7. Can I make these fries spicier?

Yes, if you like spicy food, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder on the fries before baking. You can also add sliced jalapeños on top when adding the cheese and bacon.

Conclusion

These Loaded Sweet Potato Fries are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, a side dish, or even a meal, these fries are guaranteed to hit the spot. With their crispy texture, gooey melted cheese, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions, they are sure to become a go-to recipe.

Feel free to adjust the toppings to your taste and serve these fries with your favorite dipping sauces. From extra crispy fries to rich, cheesy goodness, these loaded sweet potato fries will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!

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