Loaded Steak & Cheese Fries with Special Sauce

Here’s a recipe for Loaded Steak & Cheese Fries with Special Sauce – the ultimate comfort food packed with bold flavor, perfect for game night or a cheat-day treat.

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🧄 Loaded Steak & Cheese Fries with Special Sauce

🍽️ Servings: 4 | ⏱️ Total Time: 45-60 mins | 🔥 Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

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🧾 Ingredients

🍟 For the Fries:

• 1.5 lbs frozen French fries or fresh-cut fries

• 1 tbsp olive oil (if air frying or baking)

• Salt to taste

🥩 For the Steak:

• 10–12 oz ribeye, flank, or sirloin steak (your preference)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce splash for marinade

🧀 For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 cup whole milk (warm)

• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: a dash of hot sauce or mustard for depth

🔥 For the Special Sauce:

• ½ cup mayo

• 2 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tbsp yellow mustard

• 1 tbsp pickle relish

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp white vinegar or pickle juice

🧅 Toppings (optional but recommended):

• Chopped green onions

• Jalapeño slices

• Diced red onions

• Crispy bacon bits

• Fresh parsley

• Crushed red pepper flakes

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🔪 Instructions

1. Cook the Fries

• Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread fries on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake until crispy (20–25 minutes).

• Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway.

• Deep Fryer: Fry until golden brown and drain on paper towels.

✅ Pro Tip: Season fries immediately after cooking with salt or seasoning salt for best flavor.

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2. Prepare the Steak

1. Let the steak come to room temperature.

2. Season both sides with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.

4. Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side (for medium-rare), or cook to your preferred doneness.

5. Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain or chop into bite-size pieces.

🔪 Want more flavor? Marinate steak in soy sauce, garlic, and Worcestershire for 30 minutes beforehand.

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3. Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.

3. Slowly add warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps.

4. Cook until slightly thickened (3–4 minutes), then stir in shredded cheese.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce/mustard.

6. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.

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4. Prepare the Special Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and vinegar or pickle juice.

🥄 Chill for 10 minutes for flavors to blend better.

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5. Assemble the Loaded Fries

1. Place fries on a large serving tray or plate.

2. Evenly distribute chopped steak over fries.

3. Drizzle generously with hot cheese sauce.

4. Add a few spoonfuls or a drizzle of special sauce.

5. Top with your choice of onions, jalapeños, bacon bits, or parsley.

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✅ Tips & Variations

• Swap steak with grilled chicken, shredded pork, or carne asada.

• Add more cheese: Top with mozzarella, pepper jack, or queso fresco.

• Turn it into a skillet meal: Layer everything in a cast iron pan and broil for 3–5 minutes for an extra melty top.