Cheese Fries Turkey Bacon

The smell of turkey bacon crisping up in a skillet always pulls me into the kitchen, no matter what I am doing in the other room. My college roommate used to make these cheese fries whenever we had friends over for game nights, and somehow a simple platter of golden potatoes became the most anticipated arrival of the evening.

I once made these for a Super Bowl party and watched two grown men argue over who got the last cheese-covered fry from the serving platter. The sour cream on the side is not optional in my house anymore after my partner started dipping every single bite.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs russet potatoes: Cutting these yourself gives you that perfect thickness that frozen fries never quite achieve, plus you control the crispiness level
• 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the fries get golden and crispy instead of soggy, which is the tragedy that ruins so many potato dishes
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Simple seasoning that makes the potatoes taste like something you actually want to eat before the cheese even happens
• 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and its strong flavor means you need less cheese to get that perfect punch
• 6 slices turkey bacon: Turkey bacon crisps up wonderfully and gives you all the smoky satisfaction without being too heavy
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions: These add a fresh bite that cuts through all the rich cheese and salty bacon

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper because cheese cleanup is nobody's idea of a good time

Prep the potatoes:

Toss the cut fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated, then spread them out in a single layer so they actually crisp instead of steam

Bake until golden:

Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they look like something you would happily eat at a restaurant

Crisp the turkey bacon:

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, then transfer to paper towels and chop into small bits that will distribute evenly

Add the cheese:

Pull the fries from the oven, sprinkle with cheddar immediately so it starts melting from the residual heat, then return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes

Finish and serve:

Top everything with turkey bacon bits and green onions, then serve hot while the cheese is still gloriously melty

Save

These became my go-to comfort food during a particularly rough winter when I needed something warm and satisfying after long days at work. The kitchen would smell like bacon and cheese, and suddenly everything felt manageable again.

Making Them Your Own

I have found that a little garlic powder or smoked paprika on the fries before baking adds this extra layer of flavor that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is. Some friends love mozzarella instead of cheddar for that classic pizza parlor vibe.

Serving Suggestions

A drizzle of ranch dressing over the top creates this incredible creamy tangy situation that balances the salty cheese perfectly. Hot sauce on the side lets everyone adjust the heat to their comfort level without overwhelming the dish.

Timing Is Everything

The key to restaurant quality cheese fries is having everything ready before the cheese goes on the fries so you can serve them immediately while they are at their absolute best.

• Have the turkey bacon cooked and chopped before the fries finish baking
• Pre-shred your cheese so you can sprinkle it the moment the fries come out of the oven
• Get your serving platter ready because these need to be eaten hot for the full experience

Save

There is something genuinely joyful about pulling a tray of bubbling cheese fries out of the oven and watching everyone's eyes light up. Simple food made with care hits different than anything you could order out.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of potatoes work best for this dish?

Russet potatoes provide the ideal texture for crisp, golden fries, but frozen fries can be used for convenience.

→ How can I make the fries crispier?

Tossing fries with olive oil and seasoning, then baking on a parchment-lined sheet at high heat ensures crispiness. Flipping halfway helps even cooking.

→ Can I substitute the cheese used here?

Sharp cheddar is recommended for robust flavor, yet mozzarella or cheese blends also melt well and offer delicious alternatives.

→ Is turkey bacon necessary in this version?

Turkey bacon adds a savory crunch without pork, but it can be omitted or replaced with other cooked meats or vegetarian toppings if preferred.

→ What serving suggestions enhance this dish?

Serving with sour cream and chopped green onions adds creaminess and freshness, while optional spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika deepen flavor.

→ How long does the entire cooking process take?

Preparation and cooking combined generally take about 45 minutes, with the majority spent baking fries and melting cheese.