Nut-free option, Soy-free option
French fries topped with perfect cheese sauce, Tofu “Bacon”, green onion and Ranch Dressing—what more could you ask for? We could argue that this is one of our favorite weeknight meals. We love to serve it with BBQ Jackfruit Sliders.
Loaded Cheese Fries are a mouthwatering and indulgent dish that combines the comforting goodness of crispy fries with the rich flavors of melted cheese, savory toppings, and zesty sauces. This popular comfort food takes the classic French fry to a whole new level by transforming it into a fully loaded culinary delight.
At its core, Loaded Cheese Fries feature a base of perfectly cooked fries, whether they’re homemade or store-bought. What sets these fries apart is the generous blanket of a homemade cheese sauce, crafted with vegan butter, all-purpose flour, plant-based milk, and a blend of vegan Cheddar and Mozzarella shreds. The result is a creamy and gooey cheese sauce that coats the fries in a velvety embrace.
The “loaded” aspect of these fries comes from the assortment of delectable toppings. Crispy and flavorful Tofu “Bacon” bits add a smoky and savory component, perfectly complementing the richness of the cheese sauce. Chopped green onions provide a burst of freshness and color, while vegan Ranch Dressing drizzled over the top introduces a tangy and creamy element that ties everything together.
The beauty of Loaded Cheese Fries lies not only in their irresistible taste but also in their versatility. These fries can be enjoyed as a crowd-pleasing party snack, a satisfying appetizer, or even a hearty main dish for those who appreciate comfort food with a twist. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful contrast – the crunch of the fries, the silkiness of the cheese sauce, the savory “bacon,” and the cool creaminess of the ranch dressing.
Whether you’re indulging in a cozy night at home, hosting a gathering with friends, or looking for a creative and delicious way to enjoy fries, Loaded Cheese Fries offer a symphony of flavors that cater to both the craving for comfort and the desire for excitement in each bite.
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: about 10 minutes
YIELD: 4 to 6 servings
INGREDIENTS:
CHEESE SAUCE
- 2 tbsp (28 g) vegan butter (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (360 ml) plain, unsweetened rice milk
- 1 cup (113 g) vegan Cheddar shreds or store-bought (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
- 1 cup (113 g) vegan Mozzarella shreds or store-bought (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed)
LOADED FRIES
- 8 slices Tofu “Bacon” or prepared store-bought variation, chopped (soy-free if needed)
- 4 green onions
- ¼ cup (60 g) vegan Ranch Dressing or store-bought (nut-free and/or soy-free if needed), plus water to thin
- 1 batch Fries (Baked or Fried), or 2½ lb (1 kg) store-bought fries, prepared according to package instructions
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Whisk in the flour until it is completely incorporated.
- Slowly pour in the rice milk while whisking constantly.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking constantly.
- Lower the heat to low, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let simmer, whisking occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Stir in the Cheddar and mozzarella shreds until melted.
2. Assemble the Loaded Fries:
- Chop the “bacon” into small pieces and chop the green onions.
- Mix the ranch dressing with a bit of water to thin it out.
- Place the freshly prepared, hot fries on a serving tray.
- Pour the warm cheese sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing and sprinkle the chopped green onions all over.
- Serve immediately.
TIP:
- For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños, sliced black olives, or diced tomatoes to your loaded fries. You can also customize the toppings based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.
