Start your day with these irresistible Loaded Breakfast Fries—a crispy, cheesy, protein-packed breakfast that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare.
Golden fries are topped with melted cheese, savory bacon, and perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs, offering a hearty mix of fiber, good fats, and plant-based protein. Ideal for busy mornings, brunches, or fun meal prep.
Loaded Breakfast Fries
Equipment
- (1) Baking sheet
- 1 Skillet or frying pan
- 1 spatula
- 1 Knife and cutting board
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 small bowl (optional for toppings)
Ingredients
- 1 bag about 500 g crinkle-cut fries
- 4 large eggs
- 4 slices bacon cooked and roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend cheddar and Monterey Jack
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Optional: 1–2 jalapeño peppers sliced and seeds removed
- Optional: 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven according to the temperature suggested on your fries package—usually around 425°F (220°C). Ensuring the oven is fully heated before placing the fries inside guarantees a crispy exterior. While the oven warms up, gather all ingredients so everything is within easy reach. This makes the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Cook the Fries: Spread the crinkle-cut fries evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they crisp up properly. Avoid overlapping, as this can make them soggy. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake according to the package instructions, usually 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp. Halfway through, gently flip the fries with a spatula for even browning.
- Prepare the Bacon: While the fries are baking, cook your bacon. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the slices.Cook until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually 4–6 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled slightly, roughly chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt Butter for Eggs: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan so the butter coats the surface evenly. This ensures your eggs don’t stick and adds a subtle richness.
- Cook Sunny Side Up Eggs: Crack the eggs into the skillet carefully, keeping the yolks intact. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Let the eggs cook undisturbed until the whites are fully set but the yolks remain soft and runny, about 3–4 minutes. If you prefer firmer yolks, cover the skillet with a lid for 1–2 minutes. Once done, gently slide the eggs onto a plate.
- Season the Fries: Once the fries are fully cooked and golden, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of seasoned salt evenly over the fries while they are still hot. This helps the seasoning adhere better and enhances the natural potato flavor.
- Layer the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the fries while they are still warm. The heat from the fries will begin to soften the cheese slightly. This first layer ensures the cheese melts into the fries and holds the bacon and eggs in place.
- Add Bacon and Optional Jalapeños: Scatter the chopped bacon pieces evenly across the cheesy fries.If you’re using jalapeños, sprinkle them on now for a subtle, spicy kick. The combination of salty bacon and optional heat from jalapeños creates a balanced and flavorful base for your breakfast fries.
- Place the Eggs on Top: Carefully arrange the cooked sunny side up eggs on top of the fries, cheese, and bacon. Position them gently to avoid breaking the yolks. This creates an attractive and appetizing presentation and ensures each serving gets a perfect egg.
- Finish with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the eggs and fries. Place the tray back in the oven for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely. Keep a close eye to prevent over-browning. This final layer of cheese brings everything together, creating a gooey, savory topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter, if desired. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately while hot, so the fries remain crispy, the cheese melty, and the eggs perfectly runny.
- Optional Tips for Perfect Results: For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the fries after melting the cheese. To save time, cook bacon and eggs simultaneously on different pans. Customize with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Notes
- For the crispiest fries, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding.
- You can use frozen or fresh fries; fresh fries will be slightly less crunchy but taste wonderful.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
- Cheese choices can be customized: cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, but gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack can add a different flavor profile.
- Optional toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or avocado slices elevate flavor and presentation.
Chef’s Secrets: Master Fries With Ease
To achieve the ultimate loaded breakfast fries, timing and layering are key.
Cook the fries until golden and crispy before adding any toppings—this prevents sogginess.
Layer cheese first, then bacon and eggs, finishing with a second layer of cheese to create a cohesive, melty texture.
For perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs, keep the heat low and cover the pan briefly if needed.
Using seasoned salt on the fries enhances depth without overwhelming the other flavors, while fresh herbs like green onions or chives add a refreshing contrast to the richness.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Ideas To Try
Serve these loaded breakfast fries immediately while the cheese is gooey and the fries are crisp.
They pair wonderfully with a light salad or fresh fruit for a balanced brunch.
For a fun twist, drizzle a small amount of hot sauce, sriracha, or a mild aioli over the top.
If serving for a group, bake the fries on a larger sheet and allow each guest to top their portion with optional extras like sliced avocado, extra cheese, or more herbs.
This dish also works well for casual weekend brunches, family breakfasts, or even late-night indulgences.
Storage Tips: Keep Fries Fresh Longer
These loaded fries are best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored carefully.
Place any uneaten fries, bacon, and eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, use a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture.
Cheese may not fully melt during reheating, so you can sprinkle a little extra before warming.
Avoid storing fries at room temperature for long periods, as this reduces crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace bacon with plant-based alternatives or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
You can also skip bacon entirely and add extra cheese or avocado for richness.
2. Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen fries?
Absolutely. Slice potatoes into crinkle or regular fries, toss with a little oil, and bake until golden.
Fresh fries will be slightly less crispy than frozen, but the flavor will be excellent.
3. How do I prevent the eggs from overcooking?
Cook eggs on medium-low heat and monitor closely. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes if the whites are cooking slower than the yolks.
The key is patience to maintain that runny yolk.
4. Can this recipe be meal-prepped?
Yes, but store fries, eggs, and bacon separately to maintain freshness.
Reheat fries in the oven and quickly reheat eggs in a skillet before serving. Assemble just before eating for best texture.
5. Can I make this spicier or milder?
Absolutely. For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or chili flakes.
For a milder version, remove jalapeños and serve with neutral accompaniments like avocado or sour cream to balance flavors.
