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3. **Dry the wedges**: After soaking, pat the potato wedges dry with a clean towel or paper towels. This ensures they’ll crisp up nicely when baked or fried.
### Step 2: Season the Potatoes
1. **Toss the potatoes in olive oil**: Place the potato wedges in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss the wedges until they are evenly coated.
2. **Season the potatoes**: Sprinkle the potatoes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if desired). You can adjust the seasoning based on your preferences. Toss the potatoes again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
### Step 3: Bake or Fry the Potatoes
1. **To bake**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and arrange the seasoned potato wedges in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
2. **To fry**: If you prefer to fry your fries, heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the potato wedges in batches for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain the fries on paper towels to remove excess oil.
### Step 4: Add the Cheese
1. **Top with cheese**: Once your fries are crispy and cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar (or your cheese of choice) over the hot fries. If you baked the fries, return the tray to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you fried the fries, you can place them under a broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
### Step 5: Add the Toppings
1. **Add the bacon**: While the cheese is melting, chop up some crispy bacon into small bits. Once the cheese has melted, sprinkle the bacon pieces over the fries.
2. **Add sour cream and green onions**: Spoon a dollop of sour cream on top of the fries and garnish with freshly chopped green onions. The sour cream adds creaminess and a tangy contrast to the rich cheese and bacon.
3. **Optional toppings**: This is the fun part—adding any additional toppings you like. You can add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick, or top with some homemade guacamole or salsa for a southwestern twist. You can even add a fried egg on top for a decadent touch.
### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your loaded steak fries are topped with all the delicious fixings, they’re ready to serve! These fries make a great appetizer, side dish, or main course. Pair them with a refreshing cold drink or enjoy them on their own as a treat to satisfy your cravings.
## Creative Variations of Loaded Steak Fries
While the classic version of loaded steak fries is already indulgent and delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dish. Here are a few creative variations to try:
### 1. **Chili Cheese Loaded Fries**
Top your steak fries with a generous serving of chili (either beef or vegetarian) and melted cheese for a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cold day.
### 2. **BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Fries**
For a smoky and savory variation, top your fries with tender pulled pork, barbecue sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. This Southern-inspired twist is sure to be a hit.
### 3. **Tex-Mex Loaded Fries**
Add a Tex-Mex flair by topping your steak fries with seasoned ground beef or chicken, shredded cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. A little sprinkle of cilantro and jalapeños adds a fresh, zesty touch.
### 4. **Buffalo Chicken Loaded Fries**
If you love the spicy heat of buffalo wings, try topping your fries with shredded buffalo chicken, crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a tangy, spicy, and creamy treat.
### 5. **Veggie Loaded Fries**
For a lighter, vegetarian option, top your fries with sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and spinach. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
## Conclusion
Loaded steak fries are the perfect comfort food dish—crispy, cheesy, and bursting with savory flavors. They combine all the best elements of fries, cheese, bacon, and more into one irresistible dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own. Whether you stick to the classic toppings or experiment with your own unique combinations, loaded steak fries are sure to become a favorite in your household. So, next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, whip up a batch of these loaded steak fries and enjoy a delicious treat that will have everyone coming back for more.
