Description
Loaded Steak & Cheese Fries
“Crispy golden fries piled high with juicy steak, gooey melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream—your ultimate indulgent snack!”
Ingredients:
For the Fries:
1 lb frozen or fresh French fries
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
For the Steak:
8 oz ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Toppings:
1 cup shredded cheddar & Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Prepare the Fries:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss fries with vegetable oil and salt.
Bake for 20-25 minutes (or air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes) until crispy.
Cook the Steak:
Heat olive oil in a pan over high heat.
Season steak with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until medium-rare. Let rest, then slice thinly.
Assemble the Fries:
Arrange hot fries on a baking sheet.
Layer sliced steak on top, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Serve & Enjoy!
Top with sour cream, fresh parsley, and black pepper. Serve hot!
Pro Tip: Add jalapeños or crispy bacon for an extra kick!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the fries with vegetable oil and salt until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. For an air fryer, cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
2. Cook the Steak: While the fries cook, pat the thinly sliced steak dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a crust forms and it’s cooked to medium-rare. Transfer to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
3. Assemble and Melt: Once fries are crispy, leave the oven on but reduce temperature to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the hot fries on an oven-safe platter or keep them on the baking sheet. Layer the sliced steak evenly over the fries, then blanket everything with the shredded cheese. Bake for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
4. Final Garnish: Carefully remove from the oven. Immediately add dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a final crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a shareable centerpiece for game day, a movie night, or a casual gathering. Pair with a light, crisp side like a simple green salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. For beverages, ice-cold beer, a bold red wine like Malbec, or even a creamy milkshake complement the flavors perfectly. To turn it into a full meal, consider adding a side of tangy coleslaw or roasted vegetables.
How-to Summary
Cook fries until crispy. Sear seasoned steak slices and let them rest. Layer hot fries and steak on an oven-safe dish, top with cheese, and broil until melted. Finish with sour cream, parsley, and pepper. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, while ribeye or sirloin are ideal for flavor and tenderness, you can use skirt or flank steak. Just be sure to slice it very thinly against the grain after cooking to ensure tenderness.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can cook the steak and fries separately ahead of time. Store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, re-crisp the fries in the oven/air fryer, briefly reheat the steak, then assemble and melt the cheese as directed.
What are the best cheese alternatives? For a different flavor profile, try Pepper Jack for spice, provolone for a smoother melt, or a cheese sauce for ultimate coverage. A blend often gives the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check that your frozen fries and any pre-packaged seasonings are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy.
How do I prevent soggy fries? The key is ensuring your fries are very crispy before assembling. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, and do not assemble the dish until you are ready to melt the cheese and serve immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan with Steak: This steams the meat instead of searing it. Cook in batches to get a proper, flavorful crust.
- Skipping the Steak Rest: Letting the steak rest before slicing keeps the juices inside the meat, not on your cutting board.
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder melting. Shredding cheese from a block results in a much creamier, smoother melt.
- Assembling Too Early: Adding the toppings and cheese before the fries are fully crispy will lead to a soggy final dish.
Conclusion
Loaded Steak & Cheese Fries are the ultimate indulgence, combining crispy fries, savory seared steak, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can easily create this restaurant-quality snack at home. Don’t be afraid to customize it with your favorite toppings like jalapeños or bacon. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for any casual feast.