January 8, 2024
Review RecipeRecipe For Dirty Fries
You will be hooked on these cheesy and delicious dirty fries. Cook on the grill for a tasty snack or side dish.
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There’s something about crispy, golden fries that just makes them irresistible, but sometimes they just need a little something extra, and these dirty fries are the answer. These bad boys are smothered in cheese, bacon, and green onions, making them a perfect, addictive comfort food.
What Are Dirty Fries?
Dirty fries are French fries that are loaded with cheese, bacon, veggies, and plenty of other indulgent toppings.
Dirty Fries Ingredients
These flavorful, savory fries take the classic crispy snack to a whole new level.
With rich toppings like melted cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions, dirty fries are a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.
You’ll need:
- 26-ounce package of frozen French fries
- 2 tablespoons of salted butter, melted
- 8 slices of American cheese
- ½ to 1 cup of bacon bits or crumbled bacon
- ½ to 1 cup of sliced green onions
PRO TIP:
It is best to use heavy-duty foil for this recipe to ensure that it doesn’t tear during the cooking process.
Dirty Fries Substitutions And Additions
CHEESE: You can substitute any type of cheese that you like. Cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Monterey jack, or pepper jack would all work well.
If you do use grated cheese, it is best to grate it at home as the pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt quite as well due to being coated with a preservative.
TOPPINGS: You can top these with any of your favorite French fry toppings! I like to make them with a scoop of sour cream on top or even a drizzle of ranch dressing.
SPICE: A dash of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeño peppers or banana peppers, or a little bit of hot sauce would all give these a great kick.
SEASONING: This basic recipe doesn’t add any extra seasoning, but you could certainly mix it up a bit. Go for cajun seasoning or another favorite spice blend.
How to Make Dirty Fries
This irresistible snack is made in individual portions so that you can snack away as soon as they are ready. Layer the French fries with your favorite toppings and heat to perfection.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
If you’re taking the dirty fries on the go, the various components can be prepared in advance. Slice the onions and crumble the bacon ahead of time. If you are using shredded cheese, you can grate that too.
STEP ONE: In a medium bowl, toss together the frozen French fries and melted butter.
STEP TWO: Divide the French fries between four 12-inch square sheets of aluminum foil.
STEP THREE: Fold the aluminum foil up and around the French fries to create a packet or boat – leaving just a small bit open at the top to allow steam to escape.
STEP FOUR: Place foil packets over indirect heat on a grill or campfire grate and cook for about 20 minutes, until fries are crispy and beginning to brown.
You can cook longer or to desired crispness.
PRO TIP:
For the grill, I kept one side of the grill on high heat and placed the foil packets on the adjacent grill.
STEP FIVE: Open each foil packet and cover the French fries with two slices of American cheese.
STEP SIX: Close the packets back up and return to the grill (indirect heat) until the cheese melts.
STEP SEVEN: Top with bacon and green onions and serve hot, right out of the foil packets.
How To Serve Dirty Fries
Why not turn this into a full meal with foil packets? Check out our chicken foil packets for your protein and our campfire apple crisp foil packets or campfire banana boats for dessert.
Add fresh greens, such as our Caesar salad, and you are sorted.
From juicy burgers to spicy wings, pickles, and everything in between, the perfect accompaniment can take your dirty fries from yummy to absolutely irresistible.
Our chili cheese fries are another variation of the loaded fries idea, while our crack potatoes are a creamy and over-the-top delicious side dish.
MORE SIDE DISH RECIPES
Dirty Fries Recipe Storage
These homemade dirty fries are best eaten immediately, and we wouldn’t recommend keeping any leftovers.
Can I Make This Recipe For Dirty Fries Ahead Of Time?
If you are taking these fries on the go, you can chop all the toppings and store them in Ziploc bags. Combine everything right before you are ready to cook the packets.
Why We Love This Recipe
IRRESISTIBLE FLAVOR: Dirty fries are flavor-packed with a combination of crispy fries, savory cheese, rich gravy, and toppings like crispy bacon and green onions.
COMFORT FOOD AT ITS BEST: This dish embodies the essence of comfort food. It’s hearty, indulgent, and perfect for satisfying cravings on a chilly evening or as a satisfying snack.
CUSTOMIZABLE: You can tailor the toppings to your preferences, adding extra cheese, jalapeños for a spicy kick, or even pulled pork for a meaty twist.
I’m not sure what it is about these dirty fries that just make them so darn addicting, but I can’t seem to stop eating them. Sometimes, you just need a good greasy fry fix. The fries become crisp and golden, and they take on some of that smokey campfire flavor while they are getting all nice and melty on the grill. Delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook dirty fries on the barbecue at home?
These easy fries would be delicious cooked on the barbecue grill at home. Just follow the same directions and add them to your grill over indirect heat until they get all melty and golden brown.
Can I save the leftovers of these fries?
These full-loaded dirty chips won’t keep well. They will get soggy and lose their crispiness. We’d recommend eating them right away.
How many calories are in dirty fries?
Our dirty fries recipe is 830 calories per serving.
Can you reheat dirty fries?
You can reheat dirty fries in either the microwave or in the oven until they are piping hot.
What’s the secret to crispy fries?
If you are frying French fries in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven with oil, frying them twice will result in crispier fries. You can also soak the potatoes in water before frying them to draw out the starch, and you will end up with crispy fries.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Buffalo Chicken Fries
- Cajun Shrimp
- Loaded Fries Recipe
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
Recipe for Dirty Fries
You will be hooked on these cheesy and delicious dirty fries. Cook on the grill for a tasty snack or side dish.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 26 ounces frozen French fries
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 8 slices American cheese
- ½ to 1 cup bacon bits, or crumbled bacon
- ½ to 1 cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss together the frozen French fries and melted butter.
- Divide the French fries between four 12-inch square sheets of aluminum foil.
- Fold the aluminum foil up and around the French fries to create a packet or boat – leaving just a small bit open at the top to allow steam to escape.
- Place foil packets over indirect heat on a grill or campfire grate and cook for about 20 minutes, until the fries are crispy and beginning to brown (you can cook longer or to desired crispness.
- Open each foil packet and cover the French fries with two slices of American cheese.
- Close the packets back up and return to the grill (indirect heat) until the cheese is melted.
- Top with bacon and green onions and serve hot, right out of the foil packets.
Notes
- It is best to use heavy-duty foil for this recipe to ensure that it doesn’t tear during the cooking process.
- If you’re taking the dirty fries on the go, the various components can be prepared in advance. Slice the onions and crumble the bacon ahead of time. If you are using shredded cheese, you can grate that too.
- For the grill, I kept one side of the grill on high heat and placed the foil packets on the adjacent grill.
Nutrition
Calories: 830kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 2180mg | Potassium: 927mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 696IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 496mg | Iron: 3mg
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Comments
Kelly says
So flavorful and yummy… love the cheese sauce!
Melissa says
Can they be cooked in an air fryer?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Melissa – I’m sure they could be, we haven’t tested them that way so I don’t have specifics for you on temp or cook time. Please let me know if you try them!
Linda says
This looks yummy!