Ingredients

For the Fries:

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen crinkle-cut fries
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Hot Honey:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or your preferred brand)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Toppings:

  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, drained (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Small saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Oven
  • Tongs
  • Spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Spread the frozen crinkle-cut fries evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
  3. Drizzle the fries with vegetable oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Follow package instructions if different.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

  1. While the fries bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Stir gently and heat for 2–3 minutes until warmed through and well combined. Do not boil.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside. Taste and adjust spice level by adding more hot sauce if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Fries

  1. Once fries are crispy, remove from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
  2. Return the baking sheet to the oven for 4–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  3. Remove from the oven and sprinkle crumbled bacon and pickled jalapeños (if using) over the cheesy fries.
  4. Drizzle the hot honey generously over the top, followed by the ranch dressing.
  5. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley (if using).

Step 5: Serve

  1. Serve immediately while hot and gooey, either directly from the baking sheet or transferred to a large platter.
  2. Provide extra hot honey and ranch dressing on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the hot honey up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat gently before using.
  • Customization: Swap bacon for crispy chorizo or pulled pork for a different flavor. Add diced tomatoes or avocado for freshness.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the hot honey.
  • Serving Size: Serves 4–6 as an appetizer or 2–3 as a main dish.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Fat: 38g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Sodium: 1200mg

Enjoy your Hot Honey Loaded Crinkle Fries!