Your favourite sandwich reimagined! Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Fries are deliciously indulgent. Juicy steak strips, green pepper and onions are piled high on top of golden fries, then smothered with melty cheese. Perfect for a game night!
If you love this loaded fry recipe, take a look at my Beef Tacos. Another great idea for a fabulous party!
We are heading into the holiday and party season and I feel it’s my duty to share a few ideas for you festive table. This recipe for loaded fries is ideally suited for a game night or a casual party. You can even make it for your own family as a treat. I won’t judge you!!
What are Loaded Fries?
Loaded Fries or as they also are called Dirty Fries are nothing more than French fries topped with a variety of toppings with melted cheese often being one of them. Sometimes they are also called cheesy fries.
Toppings
Let your imagination run wild. There are no wrongs when it comes to toppings since it’s all about personal taste. Spiced ground beef, pulled pork or chicken, bacon, tomatoes, olives, you name it!
The idea I want to share with your today was inspired by my affection for Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches.
I just love the delicious combination of grilled steak, green peppers and onions topped with melty cheese. Don’t you?
The mix of stringy when melted mozzarella and sharp cheddar works wonders on humble fries!
What French Fries can I use?
You can cut your own and either oven bake or deep fry them. Personally I dislike deep frying anything, so I use an air fryer, which uses a tiny amount of oil to transform a large bunch of cut potatoes into crispy fries.
If using frozen French fries, skip the oil as it’s already added by a manufacturer but do season with salt! You can also bake them in the oven according to package instructions.
Whatever option you end up going with, make sure to choose thickly cut or chunky fries as thin ones will dry out after being in the oven twice. First time for cooking and the second time for melting cheese.
Recipe tips and notes
- Chunky fries work much better for loaded fries, especially as thin fries will dry out.
- I used a mixture of shredded mozzarella and cheddar, which is a mixture I also use when making nachos. This way, you get the sharp flavour of cheddar with the great melt of mozzarella. But that’s just what I love. If you prefer to use other varieties of cheese, go right ahead!
- A thicker cut of steak is important so it doesn’t dry out, especially as it is cooked twice, once when seared and the other when the cheese is melted over top. And be careful not to overcook the steak when searing. This is not the time for well done meat! I recommend rare, as it will cook further under the broiler.
Serving suggestions
I created these loaded fries with a Super Bowl party in mind, and I can’t think of a better time to serve them. Doesn’t have to be a Super Bowl party, of course, but these are great for a party or to enjoy when watching sports.
They will be at their best when served piping hot. The cheese will lose become less melty and the fries will get soggy the longer it is left.
A savoury dish like this loves a bit of green as well. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and cilantro/coriander.
Storage and leftovers
It’s best to eat this hot and fresh but if you want to keep one for another day, keep it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days in an airtight container or under plastic wrap.
Reheat by placing it in an even layer on a baking sheet and in an oven preheated to 200C/400F for 5-7 minutes. It’s best to line with parchment paper to make the loaded fries easier to remove.
Or try an air fryer for 3-7 minutes. In both cases, make sure the fries are hot and the cheese is melted. Avoid using a microwave as it’ll give you very soggy fries!
More Favourite Party Food Recipes
- Asian Pulled Pork Sandwiches
- How to Create a Bruschetta Bar
- 5 Minute Blender Salsa Recipe
- Whipped Feta and Ricotta Dip with Mint and Pistachio Pesto
- Loaded Potato Skins with Chorizo and Spanish Bravas Sauce
Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Fries
Equipment
- air fryer(optional)
Ingredients
- 680g/1 ½ lbs frozen French fries/frozen chips in the UK, thick cut
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 200g/8oz sirloin steak or steak of your choice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 green pepper, sliced
- 100g/1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 100g/1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the fries according to package instructions in an oven or air fryer until crispy.
- Trim the steak off visible fat and cut into strips, season with salt and pepper and sear in 1 tbsp of olive oil until nicely browned. Don't overcook the steak or it will be tough! Remove to a plate and set aside.
- To the same pan add another tablespoon of olive oil and saute sliced onions and green pepper over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Remove to another plate and set aside.
- When fries are cooked till golden, spread them on a large cast iron pan or a sheet pan, top with half of the cheese mixture, then top with steak strips, green peppers and onions and add the remaining cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted. Watch closely not to burn. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve.
