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Loaded Dirty Fries (It’s Seriously Good)
Take your oven chips to a whole new level with this fully loaded dirty fries recipe. It’s the perfect quick dish, and it’s one of the most popular recipes on my site – I hope you like it!
If you remember anything I say (or maybe write), it’s that this dirty fries recipe will leave you wanting more and more – don’t say I didn’t warn you! The premise to this recipe is super simple, but the flavours are insane.
I top oven fries with bacon, onions, bell peppers, Cajun seasoning and lots of cheese to create a dish that’s so dirty and so good… I’ve recently updated this recipe to add a drizzling of ranch sauce on the top, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
After trying dirty fries in an American-style restaurant, I just knew I had to make my own loaded fries to enjoy at home! My whole family loves it and I can’t wait for you to try this!
Make these fries as naughty or as nice as you please, really there’s no limit to the number of toppings you can add.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love cheesy fries, then I think you’re going to love this too. In my opinion, the taste is so much better because of all the added extras. Here’s why I love making dirty fries:
- They’re super quick to make and require minimal effort.
- It’s very versatile and adaptable.
- It’s packed with flavour.
- A fun dish to eat with others (though you might not want to share).
- A cheap meal to satisfy all.
- A perfect way to use up leftovers.
What Toppings Do You Put On Loaded Fries?
Um where do I start… I think that bacon and cheese are a must-add when making loaded fries. I also like to add onions, spring onions, bell peppers and Cajun seasoning to make the best version ever.
Recently, I’ve tried Cape Herb & Spice Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Rub, it’s a little on the pricey side but I really liked it. However, for most of the time when I’m not feeling extravagant, I use any standard Cajun seasoning.
You can make this as naughty or as nice as you please by adding your favourite ingredients like tomatoes, mince, pulled pork, jalapeños or spicy peppers.
Full details of the ingredients and quantities I use are on the recipe card at the bottom.
Recipe Ingredients
Below is a list of ingredients that you’ll need to make this dish:
- Fries: I used frozen French fries (the long and thin type of chips). I like using McCain fries as the texture is nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle.
- Streaky Bacon: Streaky bacon cooks in a quick time frame and creates a delicious crunch compared to other types of bacon which are thicker in texture. I like to use smoked bacon for extra flavour.
- Cheese: I used cheddar cheese, but you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Cheeses like cheddar cheese and mozzarella will melt when heated in the oven, being super stringy when pulling the chips out.
- Vegetables: Onions, spring onions and bell peppers are added as the veggies. The onions and spring onions add texture and flavour to the dish. Whilst the red bell peppers add a slight sweet taste.
- Cajun Seasoning: Cajun seasonings provide a lot of flavour to the fries alongside the addition of salt. It’s not just made up of one spice but is a blend of different spices. You can easily make your own Cajun spice mix, see how below.
How To Make Cajun Seasoning Mix
It’s actually very easy to make yourself but you’ll need quite a few seasonings to make it, it might be easier to buy it readymade. But if you want to make it yourself here’s how:
To make Cajun seasonings I mix 3 tablespoons of paprika with 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and salt with 1 tablespoon of black pepper, white pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper and onion powder.
How To Make Homemade Dirty Fries
Here’s a summary of how I make this recipe. You can get the full recipe instructions in the recipe card below:
I start by adding the frozen fries to an oven tray with a sprinkling of oil, salt and two teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Using my hands or a spoon, I toss the fries around to ensure an even coating.
The fries are cooked in the oven at 230°C (gas mark 8, 220°Fan) for 12 to 14 minutes or until it’s soft and starting to colour. You can also set the temperature according to your packet instructions or cook it in the air fryer.
In the last 10 minutes before the chips are done, I prep the bacon and veggies, then stir-fry everything until the bacon is cooked.
Here comes the fun part! I pour the bacon mixture over the fries, sprinkle with spring onions and then add grated cheese. The dirty fries go in the oven until the cheese melts and becomes nice and stringy.
That’s how to make homemade dirty fries, serve immediately with your sauces of choice and enjoy!
What Can I Serve These Dirty Fries With?
As far as I’m concerned, you have to serve this dish with lots of dips such as Ketchup, bbq sauce and ranch (my new favourite pairing). Plus, don’t forget to grab a cool and refreshing drink!
If you want to throw a spread together, I like to serve these fries with homemade mince burgers or chicken goujons. For a takeaway twist, my go-to choices are honey chilli chicken and Chinese crispy beef.
My Top Tips
I like using frozen French fries, but if you prefer, you can make your own from scratch (though this will require more prep time). You can also use thicker chips if you want! Have a look at the notes within the recipe card for variations.
If you’re a fan of crispy chips, then I recommend either shallow or deep frying them. This method will shorten the cooking time, though it’s more of a hands-on approach.
How To Store & Can I Freeze This?
This recipe is best served straight away: hot, melted and fresh. It doesn’t taste as good when reheated, so it’s best to cook this dish when you know you’re going to be eating it shortly after.
Keep leftovers in the fridge for no more than a day or 2. Reheat in the oven or microwave. I wouldn’t recommend freezing this recipe.
More Chips & Fries Recipes
- Salt And Pepper Chips (for even more chip goodness)
- Masala Chips
- Skin On Fries
Homemade Dirty Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 g Oven Chips
- 4 Streaky Bacon
- 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning
- 70 g Grated Cheddar Cheese
- 4 Spring Onions
- 1 Onion
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- ½ tsp Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 230°C (220°C Fan, gas mark 8) or set the temperature according to your packet instructions.
- Place the oven fries into a roasting tray. Sprinkle a tablespoon of oil, followed by ½ teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Toss the chips around until the oil and seasonings evenly coat them.300 g Oven Chips, 2 tsp Cajun Seasoning, ½ tsp Salt
- Place the fries in the oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until they are soft and starting to turn golden brown.
- While the fries are cooking in the oven, with a sharp knife cut the bacon into pieces. Chop the red bell pepper into small cubes and peel and dice the onion.Note: After removing the fries from the oven, reduce the temperature to 180°C (160°C Fan, gas mark 4).4 Streaky Bacon, 1 Onion, 1 Red Bell Pepper
- In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Stir-fry the sliced onions, bell peppers, and bacon pieces until the onions start to soften and the bacon is cooked. You can continue frying if you prefer them crispy.
- Pour the onion, bacon and bell pepper mixture over the fries. Sprinkle chopped spring onions and top with grated cheese. Cook in the oven until the cheese has melted (this takes me roughly 10 to 15 minutes).4 Spring Onions, 70 g Grated Cheddar Cheese
Video
Notes
Recipe Variations
Change The Vegetable: You don’t have to stick with potatoes, have a go at making this recipe with sweet potato fries (they taste just as good in my opinion) or even parsnips and butternut squash. You could make the chips yourself using fresh potatoes cut into small sticks, a potato cutter would be handy in easily cutting your potatoes to the right size effortlessly. Drizzle With Thin Mayonnaise: If you’re a fan of mayonnaise, mix mayonnaise with just a bit of milk to make thin mayonnaise to drizzle all over your chips. I LOVE garlic sauce, so I do drizzle some of that on top. Changing The Toppings: Go crazy with your toppings, you can never have too much! You can add multiple types of cheeses, pulled pork, mince and so much more. Trust me, there’s always room for more toppings.Nutrition
Music in video from Uppbeat, License code: 08VBCZFHCZBZDBBY
Wendy Lynne Dunne
Great recipe, I’m doing these later, satisfying meal for all the family…
Michelle
Thanks Wendy 😊
Francis
It’s my first time making dirty fries and they were very easy to make. The whole family loved it.
Aman Sharma
I love these homemade dirty fries! They are so easy and so delicious. I can’t wait to make them again.
Michelle
Thank you, I’m glad you like the recipe!
Wendy Gramadzki
I want to make the Cajun seasoning recipe as I find commercial ones are extremely salty. My problem is there are many spices but the only amounts mentioned are for paprika, garlic powder and black pepper. What are the amounts for the other spices: salt, white pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper and onion powder?
This is what is stated for the recipe: “mix 3 tablespoons of paprika with 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and salt with 1 tablespoon of black pepper, white pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper and onion powder.”
I really want to make the recipe but without the Cajun seasoning, I think it would taste “flat.”
Thanks for your help!
Michelle
Hi Wendy, I’ve listed the measurements for homemade Cajun seasoning below:
3 tbsp Paprika, 2 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp white pepper, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp cayenne pepper and 1 tbsp onion powder.