McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, you’ve got to try McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries. This recipe combines crispy fries, juicy steak, gooey cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions for a flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Every bite is loaded with savory goodness, making this copycat dish a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re watching the game or just treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries so irresistible is the simple lineup of ingredients that come together in every cheesy, savory bite. Each component brings something unique to the table—crunch, creaminess, or a pop of vibrant color.
- Frozen French fries: These are the foundation for loaded fries—crispy and golden when baked to perfection.
- Olive oil: A splash for sautéing adds a subtle richness and helps caramelize the veggies.
- Onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and a touch of classic cheesesteak flavor.
- Green bell pepper: Sliced and sautéed for a fresh, slightly tangy crunch.
- Thinly sliced steak: Ribeye or sirloin work best for tender, juicy bites that soak up all the seasonings.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the steak and veggies.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: A gentle kick that balances the richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy pull.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Lends sharpness and extra creaminess to the cheese layer.
- Cheese sauce (optional): For those who want to go all-in on the ooey-gooey factor.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness right before serving.
How to Make McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries
Step 1: Bake the Fries
Start by baking the frozen French fries according to the package instructions. You want them golden and crisp, since they’re the base that will hold up all those delicious toppings. While they’re crisping up in the oven, you can get everything else prepped!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
While the fries bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and green bell pepper, then let them cook down for about 6 to 8 minutes. The goal is to soften the veggies and bring out a little sweetness, with just a hint of caramelization for extra flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Push the sautéed veggies to one side of the skillet, then add your thinly sliced steak. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the steak for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and just cooked through. The steak should stay tender—don’t overcook it!
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Fries
Once your fries are done, spread them out on a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Layer the cooked steak evenly over the fries, then pile on the sautéed onions and peppers. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses generously over the top, making sure every fry gets some love.
Step 5: Bake Until Melty
Pop the loaded fries back in the oven at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted to perfection. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle with cheese sauce as soon as they come out, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
How to Serve McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries
Garnishes
A final flurry of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a touch of freshness that balances all the rich, cheesy flavors. If you’re a fan of heat, a few sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give your McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries a spicy kick!
Side Dishes
These loaded fries are pretty much a meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple coleslaw for contrast. If you’re going all out, serve alongside classic diner fare like onion rings or chicken tenders for the ultimate feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries right on the baking tray for a rustic, shareable vibe. Or, dish them up in mini cast iron skillets for individual portions—perfect for parties! For game day, try loading them into paper boats, just like at your favorite fast food joint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), let your loaded fries cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the fries will soften a bit as they sit.
Freezing
While fries generally don’t love the freezer once they’ve been topped, you can freeze the steak, peppers, and onions separately for up to a month. Just prep fresh fries and assemble when you’re ready to enjoy McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries again.
Reheating
To reheat, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 400°F oven until hot and the cheese is bubbly again—this helps revive some crispiness. The microwave works in a pinch, but the fries will be a little softer.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese for these loaded fries?
Absolutely! Provolone or American cheese are both classic choices for a Philly cheesesteak vibe. Feel free to mix and match with your favorites for a unique twist on McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries.
What steak works best for this recipe?
Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin are ideal for tenderness and flavor, but you can use any cut that cooks quickly. For a shortcut, try pre-sliced steak from the deli section.
Is there a vegetarian version of McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries?
Definitely! Swap the steak for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative. You’ll still get all the cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.
How do I keep the fries crispy after topping them?
Bake the fries until they’re extra golden before adding the toppings. When you return them to the oven, keep the bake time short—just until the cheese melts—to maintain crispiness.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just use certified gluten-free fries and cheese sauce. The rest of the ingredients for McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been longing for a savory, cheesy treat that delivers big flavor and pure comfort, McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries is a must-try. It’s fast, fun, and completely customizable—so gather your ingredients and enjoy this irresistible dish at home!
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McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious copycat of McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries featuring crispy baked fries topped with sautéed onions, green bell peppers, thinly sliced steak, and a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a savory and indulgent appetizer.
Ingredients
Fries
- 1 bag frozen French fries (about 20 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables & Steak
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cheese sauce (optional for extra cheesiness)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Bake the fries: Preheat your oven according to the frozen fries package instructions. Spread the fries evenly on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables: While the fries bake, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the steak: Push the cooked onions and peppers to one side of the skillet. Add the thinly sliced steak to the pan. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Assemble the loaded fries: Once the fries are done, arrange them on a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Evenly layer the cooked steak, sautéed onions, and peppers over the fries. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top.
- Melt the cheese: Return the assembled fries to the oven at 400°F and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle cheese sauce over the top if using for extra cheesiness. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use frozen pepper and onion blend instead of fresh veggies.
- Substitute provolone or American cheese for a more authentic Philly cheese steak flavor.
- Best served hot and fresh for maximum flavor and texture.
- Make sure to choose gluten-free fries and cheese sauce if maintaining a gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
