Protein loaded french fries are piled high with smoky bean chili, gooey melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. What’s better than a plate of loaded fries? A healthier version that’s just as delicious, packed with flavor, and super easy to make! Need to make them vegan? Swap the cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives, and you’re golden!
Are you hungry yet? 🤤 french fries with cheese for you!
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❤️ WHY THIS LOADED FRIES RECIPE WORKS
Healthier comfort food: Oven-baked fries and a hearty bean chili make this a feel-good treat.
Customizable: Pile on your favorite toppings, from avocado dip to pickled jalapeños.
Vegetarian & Vegan options: Easily adaptable for all diets!
🥄 INGREDIENT LIST AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Very Easy Bean Chili
Find the recipe below in the recipe card. 👇
Potato Fries:
Frozen oven fries for convenience.
Substitute: Frozen sweet potato fries.
Shredded Cheese:
Shredded cheese melts over the loaded fries.
Substitute: Vegan shredded cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Sour Cream:
Adds a cool, tangy topping.
Substitute: Greek yogurt or plant-based sour cream.
Chives/Green Onions:
Brighten the dish with a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Substitute: Parsley or omit entirely.
👩🏼🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
1. Make the smoky bean chili. You can find the below in the link in the recipe card.
2. Prepare the fries.
Preheat your oven (or air fryer) and cook the French fries according to the package instructions. For an extra crisp, toss them in a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
3. Assemble the loaded fries.
Once the fries are golden and crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish.
Scoop the smoky bean chili generously over the fries.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
4. Bake until melty.
Pop the dish back into the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Add the finishing touches.
Remove the fries from the oven and dollop sour cream over the top. Sprinkle with chives or green onions for that extra burst of freshness.
💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
📝TIPS AND TRICKS
Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based sour cream substitute.
Crispier fries hack: Spread the fries in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Air-frying? Shake the basket halfway through for even crisping!
Spice level: If you’re spice-shy, reduce the chili flakes or leave them out entirely. For heat lovers, add a fresh jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce.
Batch cook the chili: This smoky bean chili freezes well, so make extra and save it for future fry nights!
❓FAQS
Loaded fries are topped with generous, customizable toppings like cheese, bacon, and sauces. Dirty fries usually have a messier, spicier vibe with bold flavors like chili, jalapeños, or pulled pork.
You sure can! Simply use frozen sweet potato fries.
MAKE-AHEAD AND STORAGE
MAKE-AHEAD:
Prepare the bean chili up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. French fries need to be baked on the day and enjoyed fresh.
STORAGE:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive crispiness.
FREEZING:
The bean chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
Print
PROTEIN LOADED FRENCH FRIES
- Total Time: 10 min Prep Time + 30 min Cook Time = 40 min Total Time
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These protein loaded french fries are piled high with smoky bean chili, gooey melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. What’s better than a plate of loaded fries? A healthier version that’s just as delicious, packed with flavor, and super easy to make! Need to make them vegan? Swap the cheese and sour cream for plant-based alternatives, and you’re golden!
Ingredients
1 bag oven french fries
Very easy vegan chili, find the recipe here
TO SERVE
1 cup shredded cheese
sour cream
chopped green onions/spring onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the smoky bean chili. The recipe is here
2. Prepare the fries.
Preheat your oven (or air fryer) and cook the French fries according to the package instructions. For an extra crisp, toss them in a drizzle of olive oil before baking.
3. Assemble the loaded fries.
Once the fries are golden and crispy, transfer them to an oven-safe dish.
Scoop the smoky bean chili generously over the fries.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
4. Bake until melty.
Pop the dish back into the oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Add the finishing touches.
Remove the fries from the oven and dollop sour cream over the top. Sprinkle with chives or green onions for that extra burst of freshness.
💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
Notes
Crispier fries hack: Spread the fries in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. Air-frying? Shake the basket halfway through for even crisping!
Spice level: If you’re spice-shy, reduce the chili flakes or leave them out entirely. For heat lovers, add a fresh jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce.
Batch cook the chili: This smoky bean chili freezes well, so make extra and save it for future fry nights!
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nikki says
Let me know if you have any questions. Nikki