Loaded Fries, whether made in the oven, air fryer, or on the FYR Grill, are the ultimate comfort food that I could personally eat all the freakin’ time. They’re an appetizer or satisfying meal, perfect for game day, Friday night, or any night of the week. So, without further ado, here are my favorite loaded fries recipes!
My round-up of loaded fries recipes is guaranteed to take your crispy fries to the next level. Firstly, we’re talking about the best fries loaded with melty cheese, savory meats, and fresh toppings. So, let’s get into why you’ll love these delicious recipes and how to make them the star of your next big game or gathering.
Loaded fries are the epitome of comfort food, combining crispy french fries with cheesy goodness and hearty toppings. Here’s why these easy recipes are a must-try:
Firstly, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the fries are perfectly golden brown with that extra crispiness everyone loves.
Secondly, with versatile toppings, from steak and shrimp to chili and bacon, you can customize your loaded fries with your favorite ingredients.
Additionally, you can make these recipes with minimal effort. You can cut and fry your own fries for an elevated plate of fries, or you can start with a bag of frozen french fries. They’ll be great either way because of the delicious protein we grill up to put on top! Moreover, they are a crowd-pleaser, making the best appetizers for any occasion, leaving everyone satisfied and craving more.
Tips on Making the Best Fries for Loaded Fries Recipes
To achieve the best fries for your loaded fries recipes, here are some general rules of thumb:
Use a Single Layer: Spread your fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly and get that perfect crisp.
Choose the Right Fries: Crinkle-cut fries, steak fries, waffle fries, or even sweet potato fries all work great. For homemade fries, cut them evenly for consistent cooking.
Extra Crispiness: For homemade french fries, soak them in cold water and a teaspoon of baking soda before cooking to remove excess starch.
Season Generously: Don’t ever skimp on the seasoning. Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or your favorite brand of seasoned salt can amp up the flavor beyond the usual.
Savory Meats: Would it really be an Over the Fire Cooking recipe without some savory, tender and juicy protein?! The secret to all my loaded fries recipes is actually the steak, chicken or seafood being added on top. Well seasoned or marinated meats will take any plate of fries to the next level.
Melty Cheese: Use blocks of cheese that you shred yourself for the creamiest, meltiest results.
Loaded Fries Recipes Roundup
Loaded fries are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. Whether it’s for the big game or a casual Friday night, these easy appetizer recipes are sure to please.
Loaded Steak Fries with Shrimp
Get ready for the ultimate surf-and-turf experience. These steak fries are topped with succulent shrimp, melty cheese, and green onions. A drizzle of hot sauce and a dollop of sour cream take this dish to the next level.
Comfort food at its finest. Crispy fries smothered in homemade chili, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese, then baked until the cheese melts to perfection. Sprinkle red onions and green onions on top for a burst of flavor.
These loaded cheese fries feature crispy steak fries topped with juicy, grilled steak slices, shredded cheese, and crispy bacon bits. Add a side of ranch dressing for dipping, and you've got a game-day favorite.
Crispy french fries topped with spicy buffalo chicken, shredded lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of ranch dressing and a sprinkle of green onions for a dish that’s sure to be a hit.
These loaded fries recipes are a fantastic main course on their own. Serve with pitchers of beer or iced tea if you’re not in the mood to drink alcohol while you scarf. Keep some of my epic hot sauces nearby to amp up the heat.
Get stoked for life
This sauce is FYR!
an all-new line created for live fire cooking
Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.
If you have a super-hungry crowd, consider serving them up alongside some of the Best Chicken Wing Recipes.
Leftover Loaded Fries & reheating
If you have leftovers from our loaded fries recipes (which is highly unlikely!), here’s how to make the most of them. Store all the ingredients separately in the fridge for no more than 3 days.
Reheat them in the oven by spreading the fries on a baking sheet, covering with aluminum foil, and then baking at medium heat until warmed through. I also like to reheat whatever my protein is the same way in the oven or in a frying pan.
You can also chop up the fries and use them as a filling for tacos or burritos. For a delicious breakfast, top your leftover fries with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and bacon bits.
How do I keep my fries crispy when making loaded fries?
To keep fries crispy, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket and avoid overcrowding. For homemade fries, soaking them in cold water with a little baking soda before cooking can help achieve extra crispiness.
Can I use frozen fries for loaded fries recipes?
Absolutely! Frozen fries are a time-saving option that works perfectly. Just follow the package directions for cooking, before loading them up with your favorite toppings.
How do I make my cheese sauce from scratch for loaded fries?
To make your own cheese sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in flour, then slowly whisk in milk until the mixture thickens. Add shredded cheese and then stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
Loaded Steak Fries with Shrimp is my idea of the best Surf and Turf Fries ever. When it comes to good eats, this hearty plate of fries is the ultimate snack food, main course or appetizer. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or a fun family dinner, this dish won’t disappoint!
Juicy steak, succulent shrimp and crispy fries topped with melted cheese and fresh toppings are an unforgettable combo. It’s a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to satisfy your friends or family’s cravings for an epic food experience.
To make the perfect steak fries with shrimp magic happen today, I’m using my new go-to food spray, Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray. If you haven’t tried this out yet, grab a bottle and use it to level up all your best grilling recipes.
Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it your perfect backyard BBQ companion. It’s great for spraying on the grill grates and on your food to achieve a nice crust quickly and easily on steak, shrimp or just about anything you’re making.
Jump to the recipe card or keep scrolling to read my step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic dish.
First off, this loaded Surf and Turf Fries recipe is incredibly versatile. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your tastes. Whether you choose thick-cut fries or skinny, it’s still going to be good. Also, if you prefer a different cut of steak or want to add some extra spice, feel free to play around.
The Avocado Oil Spray makes getting that perfect crust on your steak and shrimp straightforward. Ultimately, the combination of steak, shrimp and fries is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending rich, savory flavors with a hint of freshness from the toppings.
And the best part? The quick cooking process makes the dish easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Steak & Marinade – A good steak from the grocery store, either a whole skirt or flap steak, will be divided into manageable pieces. We’ll marinate it first with a favorite steak rub (or some taco seasoning), hot sauce, freshly chopped cilantro, lime and orange juice and some Chosen Foods Avocado Oil.
Shrimp & Marinade – Ultimately, the shrimp gets a spicy kick from achiote paste and insane flavor from more cilantro with a bit more avocado oil and a pinch of salt.
Types of Fries – When it comes to the crispy steak fries, you’ve got tons of options. Bake or fry up a batch of your favorite classic French fries, curly fries or make some homemade fries with your favorite large potatoes.
Toppings – For the Surf & Turf Fries toppings, you’ll need melted cheese queso, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, more chopped cilantro and finely chopped red onions. These fajita-inspired toppings undoubtedly add irresistible texture and freshness to the dish.
Get stoked for life
This sauce is FYR!
an all-new line created for live fire cooking
Born from a deep passion for food and flavor. Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or live fire cooking around the world, we have what you need to transform every meal into an adventure.
For homemade French fries, you can use any type of potato. Russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes all make some of the best steak fries. Slice the potatoes how you want. I tend to like frozen thin restaurant fries but if you want more rustic, thicker fries, you do you. Soaking them for 30 minutes in water with a little baking soda first gives crispy edges. The soda draws the starch to the surface, leading to better browning and a crispier texture. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels after soaking.
If you want to bake them instead of frying them, follow these simple steps. The crispy fries with a nice crispy outer layer will be perfect for any loaded steak fries recipe.
Grab a whole potato and slice into thick potato wedges and then repeat for as many fries as you need.
Spread them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, a bit of black pepper and then a bit of cayenne pepper.
Bake in a preheated oven on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan until golden brown.
How to Make Delicious Fries with Steak & Shrimp
Start by preparing your steak marinade. In a large bowl, combine your favorite steak rub, hot sauce, chopped cilantro, lime juice and then some orange juice. Mix thoroughly and slather over the steak, which already has a Chosen Foods Avocado Oil Spray coating. Cover the baking dish with the steak and then refrigerate for at least four hours, but overnight is best to let the flavors meld.
The next day, prepare your shrimp. In another bowl, mix achiote paste, chopped cilantro and then some avocado oil spray. Add the shrimp, mix well and then let it all marinate for about 15 minutes. Drain any excess marinade before cooking.
Please Note
You do not want to over marinate the shrimp. The citric acid in the marinade will start to cook the delicate shrimp meat. Letting it marinate for 15 minutes allows the marinade to impart its flavors onto the meat while also tenderizing it. If you let it sit too long, you risk the shrimp meat breaking down too much… Which is less than ideal.
Preheat your grill to a high temperature of around 400 degrees F. Grill the steak for about four minutes per side until it reaches medium-rare doneness (about 120 degrees F internally). Let the steak rest once it’s done.
Meanwhile, heat a cast iron skillet or plancha over the fire with a bit more avocado oil. Cook the shrimp in the skillet for 2-3 minutes until they curl into a “C” shape.
Once the steak has rested, slice it against the grain and then cube it. Now you’re ready to assemble your tasty Surf and Turf Fries. Start with a layer of cooked fries on a large platter. Drizzle melted cheese queso over the fries, then add another layer of fries and more queso. Top with the cubed steak, shrimp, chopped cilantro, red onions, sliced jalapeños, sour cream and then some tasty guacamole.
Finally, serve the loaded fries immediately and watch them disappear! Cheers!
What to Serve with Loaded Steak Fries with Shrimp
Loaded steak fries with shrimp are a meal in themselves, however pairing your Surf and Turf Fries with the right sides and frosty beverages can totally elevate your dining game. A garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors, while a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots in a zesty dressing balances out the savory goodness. And don’t forget the cold beer!
loaded steak fries with shrimp Leftovers & Reheating Instructions
If you somehow end up with leftovers, store the fries and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet and then warm them in the oven at 350 degrees F until they’re crispy again. Reheat the steak and shrimp in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble as before and enjoy.
Absolutely! Feel free to use whatever cut of steak you prefer. Ribeye, sirloin or even filet mignon would work great in this recipe. If you use a more tender steak cut, you can skip the marinade.
What if I don’t have achiote paste for the shrimp?
You can substitute achiote paste with a mixture of paprika, garlic powder and a touch of vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely cook the steak and shrimp a day ahead and then reheat when it’s serving time. Cook everything just before serving to ensure the fries remain crispy.
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Flavor X Fire & FOOD X Fire
By Derek Wolf
All the major tastes—salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and umami—are explored in depth, along with an investigation of other components you should consider when it comes to flavor, such as aroma, heat, and texture.
Steak Fries with Shrimp is my idea of the best Loaded Surf and Turf Fries ever. When it comes to the best things I can make on my backyard grill, this hearty plate of fries ranks high on my list. So freakin' delicious!
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Marinade 4 hourshours
Total Time 4 hourshours40 minutesminutes
Servings 4people
Calories 661kcal
Author Derek Wolf
Ingredients
Steak & Marinade:
1Whole Skirt or Flap Steakseparated into 2-3 pieces
In a large food safe bowl, add all the ingredients for the beef marinade and mix thoroughly. Add your steak into the marinade, mix, cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours but ideally overnight.
The next day, add your shrimp to a food safe bowl and add the marinade ingredients. Mix thoroughly and let sit for 15 minutes, then drain the excess marinade and set aside.
Preheat your grill to high temperature about 400 degrees F. Spray the grated with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil for better sear marks.
Add the steaks to the grill first and cook for about 4 minutes per side until medium rare (about 120 degrees F internal). When the steaks are done, pull off and let rest.
Next, add a cast iron skillet or plancha over the fire with some oil. Add your shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until done (having a “C” shape instead of an “O” shape). Pull off once done and set to the side.
Slice up your steak against the grain then cube it and get ready to make the nachos!
Begin building your fries with one layer of cooked fries and a drizzle of nacho cheese. Follow that with another layer of fries and nacho cheese. Top with your cubed steak, shrimp, chopped cilantro, chopped red onions, sliced jalapenos, sour cream and guacamole. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
How to Make Homemade Steak Fries
For homemade French fries, you can use any type of potato. Russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes all make some of the best steak fries. Slice the potatoes how you want. I tend to like frozen thin restaurant fries but if you want more rustic, thicker fries, you do you. Soaking them for 30 minutes in water with a little baking soda first gives crispy edges. The soda draws the starch to the surface, leading to better browning and a crispier texture. Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels after soaking. If you want to bake them instead of frying them, follow these simple steps. The crispy fries with a nice crispy outer layer will be perfect for this dish.
Grab a whole potato and slice into thick potato wedges and repeat for as many fries as you need.
Spread them out in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, a bit of black pepper and a bit of cayenne pepper.
