Cheesy BBQ Fries with Ranch (Printer-friendly)

Crispy BBQ-seasoned fries loaded with melted cheddar and served with creamy homemade ranch dip for dipping.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fries

01 - 28 oz frozen French fries
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning blend

→ Toppings

04 - 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Homemade Ranch Dip

06 - 0.5 cup mayonnaise
07 - 0.5 cup sour cream
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
10 - 1 teaspoon dried dill
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
13 - 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
14 - 0.25 teaspoon salt
15 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss frozen fries with olive oil and BBQ seasoning until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
04 - While fries bake, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, parsley, dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
05 - Remove crispy fries from oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
06 - Transfer fries to a serving platter and sprinkle with sliced green onions.
07 - Serve hot with homemade ranch dip on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns basic frozen fries into something people will actually ask you to make again.
  • The homemade ranch tastes leagues better than bottled and takes about three minutes to whisk together.
  • You can have this on the table in under an hour with almost no real effort.
  • The BBQ seasoning adds a smoky sweetness that makes plain cheese fries feel boring in comparison.
02 -
  • If you pile the fries too close together they steam instead of crisp, give them breathing room even if it means using two sheets.
  • Add the cheese the moment the fries come out of the oven so the residual heat starts melting it before it goes back in.
  • Make the ranch at least ten minutes ahead so the garlic mellows and the herbs release their flavor.
  • Dont skip flipping the fries halfway through, the bottom side will stay pale and soft if you forget.
03 -
  • Use thick-cut or steak fries instead of shoestring, they stay crispier under the cheese and hold up to dipping.
  • If you dont have fresh herbs for the ranch, use half the amount of dried and add a little extra lemon juice to brighten it.
  • Sprinkle a tiny bit of flaky sea salt over the finished fries just before serving, it makes the flavors pop.
  • Serve with extra napkins, these get messy and thats part of the fun.
Return