Loaded Cheese Fries on the Griddle (From Frozen French Fries)

Ingredients

• 12 oz Steak Fries (frozen, straight from the bag)
• 3 strips Bacon (cut into bite‑size pieces after cooking)
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (prefer sharp cheddar for flavor)
• 0.25 cup Whole Milk (to thin the cheese sauce)
• 3 tablespoons Nashville Hot Rub (store‑bought or homemade spicy seasoning blend)
• 2 tablespoons Ranch Seasoning (dry ranch mix, adds tanginess)
• 1 stalk Green Onion (thinly sliced on a bias for garnish)
• 3 slices Pickled Banana Peppers (for color and mild tang)
• 1 tablespoon Peanut Oil (high smoke‑point oil for shallow frying)

Instructions

1. Warm the Cheese Sauce

   Combine shredded cheddar cheese and milk in a small saucepan over low heat on the left (cooler) side of the griddle. Stir constantly until melted and smooth; add a splash more milk if needed to reach a pourable consistency.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Low heat (around 250°F / 120°C)

2. Cook the Bacon

   Lay bacon strips on the hot side of the griddle. Cook, turning occasionally, until crisp. Transfer to a paper‑towel lined plate, let cool, then chop into bite‑size pieces. Reserve the rendered bacon grease in the pan.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat (≈400°F / 205°C)

3. Prep Garnishes

   Thinly slice the green onion on a 45‑degree bias. Set aside banana pepper slices.

   Time: PT2M

4. Mix the Seasoning

   In a mixing bowl, combine 3 Tbsp Nashville hot rub with 2 Tbsp ranch seasoning. Stir until evenly blended.

   Time: PT2M

5. Preheat the Griddle

   Turn on the left burner (cool side) low and the right burner high. Allow the surface to reach the appropriate zones before adding anything.

   Time: PT3M

6. Start Cooking the Fries

   Spread the frozen steak fries in a single layer on the cooler side of the griddle. Let them sit, turning once, until they begin to soften (about 5 minutes).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Low zone (≈250°F / 120°C)

7. Season & Finish the Fries

   Drizzle a little of the reserved bacon grease over the fries, then toss them with the Nashville hot/ranch seasoning mix. Move the fries to the hot side of the griddle and continue cooking until golden and crispy, about 8 minutes.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: High heat (≈425°F / 220°C)

8. Assemble the Loaded Fries

   Transfer the seasoned fries to a serving plate. Spoon warm cheese sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle chopped bacon, green onion strips, and banana pepper slices. Finish with a light dusting of the remaining hot/ranch seasoning.

   Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

820

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

78 g

Fat

45 g

Fiber

6 g