Your favorite sandwich reimagined! Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Fries are indulgent and satisfying. Juicy steak strips, green pepper and onions crown golden fries, all smothered in melted cheese — perfect for game night or any casual gathering.
As we head into holiday and party season, this loaded fries recipe is an ideal idea for a festive table. It’s effortless to make for a crowd, or to treat your family at home.
What are Loaded Fries?
Loaded fries — sometimes called dirty fries or cheesy fries — are simply French fries topped with a variety of savory ingredients and finished with melted cheese. They’re endlessly adaptable and perfect for customizing to your taste.
Toppings
Use any toppings you enjoy: spiced ground beef, pulled pork, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, olives — the list goes on. This version is inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak: grilled steak, green peppers and onions under a blanket of melted cheese.
The combination of stretchy mozzarella and sharp cheddar gives excellent flavor and melt — a great match for chunky fries.
What French Fries Can I Use?
You can cut potatoes yourself and bake or air-fry them, or use frozen fries. I prefer an air fryer for crispness with minimal oil, but oven-baked fries work well too. If using frozen fries, they usually already contain oil — just season with salt.
Choose thick-cut or chunky fries. Thin fries are likely to dry out after being cooked and then reheated to melt the cheese.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Use thick-cut fries for the best texture; thin fries tend to dry out.
- I like a mix of shredded mozzarella and cheddar for stretch and sharpness. Swap cheeses to suit your preference.
- Trim visible fat from the steak and cut into strips. Sear quickly over high heat to brown the meat but avoid overcooking — the steak will finish cooking under the broiler, so aim for rare to medium-rare when searing.
Serving Suggestions
These loaded fries are made for parties — Super Bowl, sports nights, or casual entertaining. Serve them piping hot so the cheese is at its meltiest and the fries remain crisp. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and chopped cilantro or parsley for color and freshness.
Storage and Leftovers
Best eaten fresh, but leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 200°C/400°F for 5–7 minutes on a baking sheet, or air-fry for 3–7 minutes until hot and the cheese is melted. Avoid the microwave, which makes fries soggy.
More Favorite 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
- Baking sheet
- Cast iron skillet
- Air fryer (optional)
Ingredients
- 680g / 1½ lbs frozen thick-cut French fries
- 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, grated
- 100g / 1 cup cheddar, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the fries according to package instructions in the oven or air fryer until crispy.
- Trim any visible fat from the steak, slice into strips, season with salt and pepper, and sear in 1 tbsp olive oil until browned. Avoid overcooking — remove to a plate.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and sauté the sliced onions and green pepper over medium heat for about 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Spread the cooked fries on a large cast iron pan or sheet pan. Sprinkle half the cheese over the fries, then add the steak strips, peppers and onions. Top with the remaining cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts. Watch closely to prevent burning. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Thick-cut fries are best for loaded fries to maintain texture after reheating and broiling.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 28 g |
Protein: 14 g |
Fat: 24 g |
Saturated Fat: 9 g |
Cholesterol: 38 mg |
Sodium: 588 mg |
Potassium: 531 mg |
Fiber: 4 g |
Sugar: 1 g |
Vitamin A: 295 IU |
Vitamin C: 19 mg |
Calcium: 173 mg |
Iron: 2 mg
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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