Loaded Philly Cheese Fries

This loaded cheesy fries recipe transforms ordinary frozen fries into an indulgent Philly cheesesteak-inspired feast that satisfies even the strongest comfort food cravings. The combination of juicy steak, caramelized vegetables, and melty cheese piled onto crispy waffle fries creates an irresistible dish perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or whenever you need serious comfort food.

I first made these loaded fries during a football Sunday when friends unexpectedly stopped by. The skillet was empty within minutes, and now it's requested at every game day gathering we host.

Ingredients

• 450g thinly sliced steak: Ribeye or sirloin provides the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. Look for well-marbled cuts for the juiciest results.
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt: This seasoning blend adds both savory depth and the perfect amount of salt in one ingredient.
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Freshly ground provides the best flavor punch.
• 1 green bell pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and slight sweetness that balances the rich meat and cheese.
• 1 large onion: Sweet onions like Vidalia work beautifully here as they caramelize to perfection.
• 8-10 slices white American cheese: This melts better than any other cheese for that authentic cheesesteak experience.
• 567g bag frozen waffle cut fries: The ridges in waffle fries hold all the toppings and cheese perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A quality olive oil helps develop beautiful browning on the steak.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 220°C before you begin cooking. This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature for melting cheese into that irresistible golden bubbliness. A properly preheated oven is crucial for achieving that restaurant-quality cheese pull.

Brown The Steak:

Heat your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until you can feel warmth radiating when you hold your hand above it. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer before adding your thinly sliced steak. Season thoroughly with garlic salt and black pepper, ensuring every piece gets coated. Cook the steak pieces until they develop a beautiful brown crust but remain tender inside, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside, but keep those flavorful juices.

Sauté The Vegetables:

Retain about a tablespoon of the steak drippings in the skillet for maximum flavor. Add your sliced bell pepper and onion, stirring occasionally as they soften and begin to caramelize. The ideal texture is tender but with the bell pepper maintaining a slight crispness, which takes about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to the same plate as your steak.

Assemble Your Loaded Fries:

Remove the skillet from heat and arrange frozen waffle fries in an even layer across the bottom. Create your first cheese layer by placing 4 slices of American cheese over the fries. Distribute half of your steak and vegetable mixture evenly over the cheese. Repeat this layering process, finishing with the remaining cheese slices covering everything.

Bake To Cheesy Perfection:

Place your fully loaded skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch for the cheese to completely melt and develop appetizing golden spots on top. The fries underneath should become perfectly crispy through this process.

Serve While Hot:

Remove from the oven and allow to cool just briefly so you can handle it safely without burning yourself on the molten cheese. Serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and the fries maintain their crispness.

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The secret to this recipe is definitely the white American cheese. After trying countless cheese varieties, I discovered that nothing else creates that authentic cheesesteak experience quite like it. My teenagers now request this dish almost weekly, especially when their friends come over for study sessions.

Make-Ahead Options

While best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare components separately up to a day ahead. Cook the steak and vegetables, then refrigerate in separate containers. When ready to serve, simply assemble the cold components over frozen fries and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure everything heats through properly.

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Creative Variations

Transform this base recipe by experimenting with different flavor profiles. Try a southwest version with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. For mushroom lovers, add sautéed mushrooms alongside the peppers and onions. Buffalo chicken fans can substitute the steak with shredded buffalo chicken and blue cheese crumbles for an entirely different experience with the same cooking method.

Serving Suggestions

These loaded fries are substantial enough to serve as a main course with a simple side salad to balance the richness. For a crowd-pleasing spread, set out small bowls of additional toppings like pickled jalapeños, sliced green onions, sour cream, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their portion. A cold beer or creamy milkshake makes the perfect beverage pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of steak works best for this dish?

For the best results, use thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak. These cuts are tender and cook quickly.

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

White American cheese melts beautifully, but you can experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a unique twist.

→ How can I ensure the fries stay crispy?

Pre-baking your waffle fries before adding toppings can help maintain their crispiness throughout the cooking process.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the steak and vegetables ahead of time and assemble just before baking.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this?

This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.