BEST Loaded French Fries | Baked, Healthy & High Protein

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon is lower in fat but still provides a savory taste.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt offers creaminess with fewer calories.

jalapeños

🥗Healthier: banana peppers

💰Cheaper: bell peppers

Banana peppers are milder and more affordable.

Slice 1.5 pounds of russet potatoes into uniform fries, about 1/4 inch thick.

Soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to draw out starch.

Drain the potatoes in a colander and dry them using a clean dish towel, squeezing out excess moisture.

In a bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of light olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a few dashes of pepper; stir to mix.

Add the dried potatoes to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Spread the coated fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Adjust the oven rack to just below the top and bake the fries at 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, flip the fries and return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.

Cook turkey bacon in a smaller pan lined with parchment paper in the oven, placing it below the fries.

Prepare homemade ketchup by mixing 6 oz of tomato paste, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few dashes of pepper in a bowl; whisk until combined.

After the fries have baked, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese and the cooked turkey bacon on top of the fries.

Return the loaded fries to the oven for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Top the fries with diced green onions and serve with homemade ketchup.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens