Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries: The Ultimate Loaded Fry Recipe

Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries: Prepare to meet your new favorite indulgence! Forget everything you thought you knew about ordinary fries because this recipe elevates the humble potato to a whole new level of deliciousness. Imagine crispy, golden fries, generously coated in savory garlic, salty Parmesan cheese, and studded with smoky bacon. Are you drooling yet? I know I am just thinking about them!

While the exact origins of topping fries with such decadent ingredients are somewhat hazy, the combination speaks to a universal love of comfort food. Fries, in their simplest form, have been a beloved side dish for generations, offering a satisfying crunch and a blank canvas for endless flavor combinations. The addition of garlic, Parmesan, and bacon transforms them into a truly irresistible treat, perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or simply a well-deserved reward after a long day.

People adore these Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries for a multitude of reasons. The crispy texture of the fries contrasts beautifully with the creamy, melted Parmesan. The garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick, while the bacon provides a salty, smoky depth that is simply addictive. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make! This recipe requires minimal effort and readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick fries
• 4 slices Thick-Cut Bacon, diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Ranch dressing or other dipping sauce

Preparing the Fries:

1. Soak the fries: Place the cut fries in a large bowl filled with cold water. This helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours. The longer they soak, the crispier they’ll be! I usually aim for an hour.
2. Drain and dry thoroughly: After soaking, drain the fries well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step! Any excess moisture will prevent them from getting crispy in the oven. I like to spread them out on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry from both sides.
3. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the fries in.
4. Season the fries: In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the fries are evenly coated with the oil and spices. I like to use my hands to really get in there and make sure every fry is seasoned.
5. Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the fries instead of baking them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.

Cooking the Bacon and Garlic:

1. Cook the bacon: While the fries are soaking or baking, cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. I love the smell of bacon cooking!
2. Remove bacon and reserve bacon fat: Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet. Don’t discard all of it – that bacon fat is liquid gold!
3. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and sauté over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. I usually stir constantly to prevent burning.
4. Remove from heat: Once the garlic is fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

Baking the Fries:

1. Bake the fries: Place the baking sheet with the fries in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. I usually check them around the 15-minute mark and adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Check for doneness: The fries are done when they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can test one by piercing it with a fork. If it’s easy to pierce and the inside is soft, they’re ready.

Assembling the Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries:

1. Combine fries, bacon, and garlic: Remove the baked fries from the oven and immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Add the cooked bacon and sautéed garlic to the bowl.
2. Toss with Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the fries, bacon, and garlic. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the fries are evenly coated with the cheese, bacon, and garlic. I like to use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together without breaking the fries.
3. Season to taste: Taste the fries and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the bacon and Parmesan cheese are already salty, so you may not need to add much additional salt.
4. Serve immediately: Transfer the Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries to a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy.
5. Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or aioli. I personally love them with a creamy garlic aioli.

Tips for the Best Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries:

• Use Russet potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice for fries because they are high in starch and low in moisture, which results in crispy fries.
• Soak the fries: Soaking the fries in cold water is essential for removing excess starch and achieving crispy fries. Don’t skip this step!
• Dry the fries thoroughly: Make sure the fries are completely dry before seasoning and baking them. Any excess moisture will prevent them from getting crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
• Use thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon will hold its shape and texture better during cooking.
• Don’t burn the garlic: Sauté the garlic over low heat and stir constantly to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic will taste bitter.
• Serve immediately: Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries are best served immediately while they are hot and crispy.

Variations:

• Add other cheeses: Try adding other cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone, to the fries.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the fries for a little heat.
• Use different herbs: Try using different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, instead of parsley.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian version. You can add some smoked paprika to give the fries a smoky flavor.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Substitute the Russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter variation. The cooking time might need to be adjusted.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Leftover Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat the fries, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes. Be aware that they won’t be as crispy as when they were freshly made.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries are so much more than just a side dish; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your fry game and impress your friends and family, this is the recipe you’ve been searching for. The crispy fries, the salty bacon, the pungent garlic, and the nutty Parmesan cheese – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

But why are these fries a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible flavor profile, they’re surprisingly easy to make. We’ve broken down each step to ensure success, even for novice cooks. Plus, the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, so you don’t have to hunt down any obscure items. Think of it: in under an hour, you can transform ordinary frozen fries into a gourmet experience. That’s a win in my book!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are endless! These fries are fantastic on their own as a snack or appetizer. Imagine serving them at your next game night or movie marathon – they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. But they also pair perfectly with a variety of main courses. Think juicy burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or even a simple steak. The salty, savory flavors of the fries complement these dishes beautifully.

Feeling adventurous? Try dipping them in different sauces! Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be delicious. For a vegetarian option, you can easily omit the bacon and add some roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts for extra flavor and nutrients. You could also experiment with different cheeses. Asiago or Pecorino Romano would be excellent substitutes for Parmesan. And if you’re a garlic lover like me, don’t be afraid to add a little extra!

Another fun variation is to use sweet potato fries instead of regular fries. The sweetness of the sweet potato pairs surprisingly well with the bacon, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s a unique twist that’s sure to impress. You could also try using different types of bacon, such as maple-smoked bacon or peppered bacon, to add even more depth of flavor.

But honestly, the best part about this recipe is that it’s so adaptable. Feel free to experiment and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and seasonings. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. These Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries are a guaranteed hit.

And once you’ve tried them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here]. Let me know what variations you tried and what your favorite dipping sauces are. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious fries! I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as I do. I can’t wait to see your creations!

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