Overview

Steak & Cheese Loaded Fries are a hearty and indulgent dish featuring crispy fries topped with tender steak, melted cheese, and a variety of delicious toppings. Perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying meal!

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 2 pounds frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if making homemade fries)

For the Steak:

• 1 pound flank steak (or sirloin)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Toppings (optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Cooked bacon bits

Timing

Making the Steak & Cheese Loaded Fries takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

1. Cook Fries: If using frozen fries, prepare them according to package instructions (bake or fry) until crispy. If making homemade fries, cut potatoes into fries, toss with olive oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

1. Season Steak: In a bowl, drizzle the flank steak with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook Steak: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Flour: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Fries

1. Layer Fries: Once the fries are cooked, place them on a large serving platter or baking sheet.
2. Add Steak: Top the fries with the sliced steak.
3. Pour Cheese Sauce: Drizzle the cheese sauce over the steak and fries.
4. Add Toppings: Finish with any desired toppings such as chopped green onions, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or cooked bacon bits.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Warm: Enjoy the loaded fries immediately while hot and cheesy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Steak & Cheese Loaded Fries (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	600
Protein	30g
Fat	35g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Steak Variations: Use different cuts of steak like ribeye or tenderloin for varying flavors and tenderness.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend for a unique flavor.
• Add Veggies: Include sautéed peppers and onions for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Steak & Cheese Loaded Fries are a deliciously indulgent dish that combines crispy fries with savory steak and creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy this delightful recipe!