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Crispy Loaded Sweet Potato Fries Recipe with Cheese Sauce and Bacon Made Easy

crispy loaded sweet potato fries - featured image

Crispy sweet potato fries topped with a silky cheese sauce and crispy bacon, perfect for a quick indulgent snack or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for a higher smoke point)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend if needed)
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml), warmed
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into evenly sized 1/4-inch thick fries.
  3. Dry the fries thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  4. Toss the fries in olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  5. Arrange fries on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through at around 12 minutes for even browning.
  7. While fries bake, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain and crumble.
  8. Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  9. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  10. Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  11. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard until smooth; season with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Once fries are done, plate them and pour cheese sauce over the fries while hot.
  13. Sprinkle crispy bacon, green onions, and fresh herbs on top.
  14. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Dry fries thoroughly before baking to ensure crispiness. Use a high oven temperature and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Flip fries halfway through baking for even browning. Warm milk before adding to roux to prevent lumps in cheese sauce. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for best crispness. Assemble fries just before serving to maintain texture. For extra crispiness, refrigerate fries uncovered for 30 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato fries, loaded fries, cheese sauce, bacon, crispy fries, snack, appetizer, comfort food