If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about the iconic flavors of a Philly cheesesteak and the crispy comfort of loaded fries, the McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries are about to become your new obsession. This dish delivers a glorious tangle of golden French fries, tender steak, caramelized peppers and onions, and a decadent mix of melty cheeses all finished with a creamy cheese sauce drizzle. Whether you want to recreate a fast-food legend at home or impress friends during movie night, this recipe brings that crave-worthy magic to your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries so irresistible is how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together for something truly show-stopping. Each component adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Frozen French fries: Choose your favorite cut for that perfect crispy base; crinkle or waffle fries hold up especially well under toppings.
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way to get the steak sizzling and keep things juicy, adding depth as it cooks into the veggies too.
- Thinly sliced beef steak (ribeye or sirloin): Pick a tender cut—thin slices let the flavors soak right in and mimic those classic Philly cheesesteak vibes.
- Garlic powder: Adds savoriness without overpowering the steak, ensuring every bite is ultra-flavorful.
- Onion powder: Lends that little extra punch of sweet oniony goodness to the beef.
- Salt and pepper: No loaded fries are complete without this classic duo for seasoning everything to perfection.
- Green bell pepper, thinly sliced: This brings a vibrant crunch and color—totally key for that Philly flavor.
- Small onion, thinly sliced: Choose a yellow or sweet onion for beautiful caramelization and mellow sweetness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For melty, stringy perfection that tucks itself into every fry-filled nook and cranny.
- Shredded provolone cheese: Signature cheesesteak flavor—smooth, melty, and nutty.
- Cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade): The finishing touch that makes these fries impossibly rich and creamy.
How to Make McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries
Step 1: Bake the Fries
Preheat your oven and get those frozen French fries on a baking sheet. Cook them according to package instructions until they’re beautifully golden and crisp—about 20 to 25 minutes for most varieties. This step is crucial since the fries need to be sturdy enough to handle the cheesy, meaty toppings without getting soggy.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
While the fries are working their magic, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add your thinly sliced beef and scatter on the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear everything for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the meat browns and the edges curl. Once cooked through, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside—they’ll be starring up top in just a moment.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Using the same skillet (no need to wash—those tasty steak bits are flavor gold), toss in your sliced green bell peppers and onions. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re softened and gleaming with caramelization. You want them tender but still vibrant, with a little toothsome bite.
Step 4: Build the Stack
Grab your golden fries and transfer them to an oven-safe dish or a rimmed sheet pan. Next, layer on the cooked beef, spreading it evenly. Then pile on the sautéed peppers and onions, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and provolone. Don’t forget to drizzle over that cheesy sauce for the ultimate finish!
Step 5: Broil to Finish
Pop the loaded fries under a hot broiler for 2 to 3 minutes—just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots. Keep a close eye; you want gooey, not burnt. Serve immediately, and watch as everyone flocks to the irresistible aroma and gooey cheese pulls!
How to Serve McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries
Garnishes
The best part? You can play around with finishing touches. Try a scattering of chopped parsley for a burst of color, extra black pepper for heat, or pickled jalapeños if you like a little fire. Even a quick squiggle of your favorite hot sauce brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
To balance the richness of the McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries, pair them with a crisp salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or simple steamed veggies. If you want a pub-style feel, homemade coleslaw and crunchy pickles on the side are classics that cut through all that gooey goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these loaded fries on a big platter for everyone to dive in, or portion them into mini cast iron pans for a fun, personalized touch at parties. For game night, try individual paper fry boats or pile them into a big skillet in the middle of the table for sharing—just make sure you have plenty of napkins handy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep for up to two days—though it’s rare to have leftovers after a dish this tempting!
Freezing
For best results, freeze the cooked steak, peppers, and onions separately from the fries and cheese. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. While you can freeze assembled loaded fries, they’re best when freshly prepared, as freezing affects the fry texture.
Reheating
To recapture that crispy magic, reheat leftovers in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until piping hot and the cheese is gooey again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the fries soggy rather than crispy and craveable.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Appetizer
Absolutely! The classic McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries combination uses mozzarella and provolone for that signature melt, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even American cheese can be swapped or added for a twist.
Which cut of steak works best?
Look for ribeye or sirloin—both are tender and flavorful, especially when thinly sliced. If you’re in a rush, ask your butcher to slice it super thin to save time and effort at home.
How do I make homemade cheese sauce?
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan, whisk in 1 tablespoon flour for a minute until bubbly, then slowly whisk in 1/2 cup milk. Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, stirring until smooth and creamy. That’s all it takes for a quick, luscious cheese drizzle!
Can I make these loaded fries vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the steak for extra sautéed veggies like mushrooms and red peppers, or use a plant-based beef alternative. The flavors marry beautifully, even without meat.
How do I make these fries spicy?
Add sliced jalapeños, a dash of crushed red pepper, or your favorite hot sauce right before serving. The contrast of heat with creamy cheese and savory steak is next-level delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a comfort food adventure, McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries absolutely deserve a spot at your next gathering or cozy night in. With their layers of flavor, golden crispiness, and oozy cheese, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone—or keep it your delicious little secret!
Print
McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate loaded fries experience with these McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries. Crispy fries topped with seasoned beef steak, sautéed peppers and onions, a blend of gooey cheeses, and a drizzle of cheese sauce. Perfect for a delicious meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Frozen French Fries:
1 lb;
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon;
Beef Steak (ribeye or sirloin):
½ lb thinly sliced;
Garlic Powder:
½ teaspoon;
Onion Powder:
½ teaspoon;
Salt:
to taste;
Pepper:
to taste;
Green Bell Pepper:
1, thinly sliced;
Onion:
1 small, thinly sliced;
Mozzarella Cheese:
¾ cup shredded;
Provolone Cheese:
½ cup shredded;
Cheese Sauce:
¼ cup (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Bake the Fries: Preheat the oven and bake the frozen French fries until crispy.
- Cook the Steak: Season and cook the thinly sliced beef steak until browned.
- Sauté Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, sauté the green bell pepper and onion until softened.
- Assemble: Transfer the cooked fries to a dish, top with steak, peppers, onions, cheeses, and cheese sauce.
- Broil: Broil the loaded fries until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Enjoy your McDonald’s Philly Cheese Stack Loaded Fries hot.
Notes
- Use waffle fries or crinkle cuts for more surface area.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- For homemade cheese sauce, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon flour, then whisk in ½ cup milk and ½ cup shredded cheddar until smooth.
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