Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries Recipe

Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries is a modern twist on the classic comfort food, loaded with crispy fries, savory turkey bacon, and melted cheese. It’s a fun, indulgent dish perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a comforting snack. The combination of crispy turkey bacon, gooey cheese, and hot, golden fries offers a delectable contrast of textures and flavors. Plus, using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon lightens the dish while maintaining that smoky, savory goodness. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and easy to make.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

1. Wash and Cut Potatoes:
   • Start by washing your russet potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt and debris. Cut them into even strips, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. For crispier fries, you can also soak them in water for 30 minutes, which helps remove excess starch.
2. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you’re using frozen fries, skip this step and follow the package instructions.
3. Season and Coat Fries:
   • Place your potato strips on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (optional), salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Spread the fries in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Bake:
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes (but watch closely to avoid burning).

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

1. Heat the Skillet:
   • While the fries are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm up.
2. Cook Turkey Bacon:
   • Place the turkey bacon slices in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they become crispy and browned. Turkey bacon has less fat than regular bacon, so it might not get as crispy as regular bacon, but it should still crisp up nicely.
3. Drain and Crumble:
   • Once the turkey bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and drain it on paper towels to remove any excess grease. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Make a Roux:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken your cheese sauce.
2. Add Milk:
   • Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
3. Add Cheese and Season:
   • Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and Dijon mustard (optional). Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.

Step 4: Assemble the Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries

1. Layer the Fries:
   • Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them on a large serving platter or individual plates. Spread the fries out evenly.
2. Top with Turkey Bacon:
   • Sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon evenly over the fries, ensuring each bite gets a bit of bacon flavor.
3. Pour Cheese Sauce:
   • Drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over the fries and bacon. Be liberal with the sauce to ensure every fry is coated with creamy cheese goodness.
4. Add Optional Toppings:
   • If desired, top your Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries with sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, salsa, guacamole, or any other toppings of your choice.

Variations and Customizations

1. Vegetarian Version:

• Meatless Option: Skip the turkey bacon entirely or replace it with plant-based bacon or crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach for a veggie-loaded version of cheese fries.

2. Spicy Version:

• Spicy Bacon: Use a spicy version of turkey bacon or add extra heat to the cheese sauce with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Jalapeños or Chili Peppers: Top the fries with fresh or pickled jalapeños for a zesty kick.

3. Different Cheeses:

• Cheese Sauce Variations: Try different cheese combinations such as Gouda, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for a unique cheese flavor. Blue cheese or crumbled feta can also add a sharp, tangy element.

4. Gourmet Touch:

• Truffle Oil: Drizzle a little truffle oil over the fries after baking for a luxurious twist.
• Caramelized Onions: Add caramelized onions or sautéed shallots for a deep, sweet flavor that complements the savory turkey bacon.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries

1. For Crispy Fries: Make sure the fries are in a single layer on the baking sheet and don’t overcrowd them. This allows for maximum crispiness.
2. Turkey Bacon Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of turkey bacon, you can substitute it with regular bacon or even prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
3. Cheese Sauce Consistency: If your cheese sauce gets too thick, simply add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Double the Fun: For even more flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese or grated mozzarella on top of the fries before baking them.

Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer or Snack: Serve these cheesy fries as an appetizer or snack at parties, game day, or gatherings. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or BBQ sauce.
• Main Course: Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries can also make for a hearty meal when paired with a simple salad or some grilled chicken on the side.
• Pair with Drinks: These fries pair well with a cold beer, lemonade, or even a milkshake for a fun, indulgent treat.

The History of Cheese Fries

Cheese fries have been a staple in many North American kitchens, often found on restaurant menus as a fun snack or appetizer. The origins of cheese fries can be traced back to the mid-20th century, evolving from the simple dish of French fries topped with cheese curds or melted cheese to the more elaborate versions we see today. Combining cheese with crispy fries became especially popular in fast food chains, and regional variations have appeared throughout the years, with some areas topping fries with chili, bacon, and other savory ingredients.

Conclusion

Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries are a perfect blend of savory, crispy, and cheesy goodness that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking to make a fun snack, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a filling meal, this dish has something for everyone. By following this detailed recipe and experimenting with different toppings and cheese variations, you can create a personalized version that suits your tastes and preferences.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your deliciously indulgent Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries!

Yield: 4-6

Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries Recipe

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Turkey Bacon Cheese Fries is a modern twist on the classic comfort food, loaded with crispy fries, savory turkey bacon, and melted cheese. It’s a fun, indulgent dish perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a comforting snack. The combination of crispy turkey bacon, gooey cheese, and hot, golden fries offers a delectable contrast of textures and flavors. Plus, using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon lightens the dish while maintaining that smoky, savory goodness. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and easy to make.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
• 6 oz turkey bacon (about 6 slices), chopped
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying the bacon)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the fries:Cook the frozen French fries according to the package instructions, either in the oven or air fryer, until crispy and golden brown. If making homemade fries, slice the potatoes, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25 minutes or until crispy.
2. Cook the turkey bacon:While the fries are cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
3. Assemble the fries:Once the fries are done, transfer them to a serving dish or platter. Evenly sprinkle the cooked turkey bacon on top of the fries.
4. Add cheese:Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the fries and bacon. If you're using the oven, you can pop the fries under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you're using an air fryer, just toss the fries back in for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese.
5. Garnish and serve:Once the cheese is melted, remove the fries from the oven or air fryer. Top with optional sour cream and chopped green onions, then season with a little more salt and pepper to taste.
6. Enjoy:Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious turkey bacon cheese fries!

Notes

• Customizations: Feel free to add toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or a drizzle of ranch dressing to suit your taste.
• Make it healthier: You can use sweet potato fries or a baked version of regular fries for a slightly healthier twist.