Indulge in the irresistible combination of smoky bacon, rich garlic, and tangy Parmesan cheese with this mouthwatering recipe for Smoky Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these loaded fries bring restaurant-style flavor to your table with minimal effort. Crispy golden fries topped with savory bacon, fragrant garlic, and a cheesy finish make this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Fries:
- 1 pound of frozen French fries (or homemade fries, if preferred)
- Toppings:
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries:
- Cook the French fries according to the package instructions, or fry/bake homemade fries until golden and crispy. Set aside on a lined baking sheet.
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Assemble the Fries:
- Spread the cooked fries evenly on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon, sautéed garlic, smoked paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Place the loaded fries under a broiler set to high for 2-3 minutes or until the Parmesan cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the fries from the broiler and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Season with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve Smoky Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish alongside burgers, wings, or grilled meats. Pair with your favorite dips, such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or ketchup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative. It will have a slightly different flavor but still pairs well with the other ingredients.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the bacon and add smoked paprika for extra smoky flavor. You can also add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for depth.
3. What type of fries work best for this recipe?
Crispy French fries, such as shoestring or waffle fries, work best as they hold the toppings well. Sweet potato fries can also be a tasty alternative.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or drizzle hot sauce over the fries before serving.
Enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, garlicky, and cheesy goodness with this simple yet flavorful recipe!
PrintSmoky Bacon Garlic Parmesan Fries
These crispy fries are loaded with smoky bacon, savory garlic, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. They’re perfect as a snack or a side dish to your favorite meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 hour 5 minutes 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
- Cook the Bacon: While the potatoes are soaking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into small pieces. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Season the Fries: Drain and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and the reserved bacon grease until evenly coated.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, flip the fries to ensure even cooking, and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Add Bacon and Parmesan: Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled bacon and grated Parmesan cheese over the hot fries. Toss gently to ensure even distribution.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the fries to a serving platter, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for up to an hour, then dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
- Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like onion powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- These fries pair well with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup.