BBQ Bacon Crack Fries: The Irresistible Beer-Battered, Cheesy, Smoky Snack
Get ready for an explosion of flavor with BBQ Bacon Crack Fries – the ultimate combination of crispy beer-battered potatoes, savory bacon, rich cheddar cheese sauce, and smoky BBQ. These fries are designed for pure indulgence, making them the perfect companion for game day, tailgating, or any occasion that calls for seriously delicious comfort food. Prepare to dive into a platter of smoky, savory, spicy, and perfectly crispy perfection!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own. We are grateful for the support from brands like Head Country that make great content possible for Cake ‘n Knife!
As the leaves begin to hint at a change in color and the crisp autumn air slowly settles in, our minds naturally drift towards cozy gatherings, spirited game days, and, most importantly, hearty comfort food. While summer might be fading, the season of sensational tailgating grub is just kicking off, and that means it’s time to bring out the bold, smoky flavors of BBQ.
This year, elevate your game day experience from ordinary to extraordinary with a dish that’s guaranteed to be the star of any spread: BBQ Bacon Crack Fries. Imagine perfectly crisp, golden fries, coated in a light beer batter, then loaded with a creamy, spicy cheddar cheese sauce, crumbled crispy bacon, and a generous drizzle of the finest hickory smoke BBQ sauce. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for more, making these fries not just a snack, but a true event.
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Before we dive into the delicious details, let’s talk about what makes these fries truly special. This isn’t just about throwing some toppings on fried potatoes. This recipe focuses on building layers of flavor and texture, starting with the very foundation: the fries themselves. We’re talking about homemade, beer-battered fries that achieve an unparalleled crispiness on the outside while remaining wonderfully fluffy on the inside.
And when it comes to BBQ, my obsession with Head Country Bar-B-Q runs deep. Their commitment to quality is evident in every bottle, from their classic sauces to their versatile seasonings. My pantry shelves are always stocked with their products (especially now that I’ve finally gotten around to organizing it!), and for good reason. Their sauces deliver an authentic, rich flavor that truly enhances any dish, and these fries are no exception.
This particular plate of beer-battered crack fries is, quite simply, pure bliss. The preparation might take a little effort, but the incredible payoff is absolutely worth it. Each component is thoughtfully crafted to contribute to an overall experience that is both indulgent and perfectly balanced.
The Foundation: Crafting the Perfect Beer-Battered Fries
The secret to truly extraordinary loaded fries lies in starting with an exceptional base. Our fries are not just fried; they are expertly beer-battered. This crucial step gives them a unique texture – a delicate, slightly puffy, and incredibly crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, melt-in-your-mouth potato interior. The beer in the batter contributes to both the crispy texture and a subtle, yeasty flavor that perfectly complements the savory toppings.
To achieve this perfect crispness, we employ a double-frying method. The first fry at a lower temperature cooks the potatoes through, making them tender. After a cooling period, they get a second dip in hotter oil after being coated in the beer batter, which creates that glorious golden, extra-crispy shell. This technique ensures every single fry holds up to the generous layers of cheese, bacon, and BBQ sauce without becoming soggy.
Crafting the Spicy Cheddar Cheese Sauce
Once the fries are crisp and golden, it’s time for the decadent, spicy cheddar cheese sauce. This isn’t your average nacho cheese; it’s a homemade roux-based sauce, infused with just the right hint of warmth from garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The spice level is perfectly balanced to add an exciting kick without overpowering the other flavors. Each spoonful blankets the fries in creamy, sharp cheddar goodness, creating a rich and savory layer that’s utterly addictive.
The combination of melted butter, flour, and milk forms a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the fries. Stirring in quality cheddar cheese off the heat ensures a silky finish, avoiding any grainy texture. This sauce is a fundamental component, bringing the necessary creaminess and a delightful spicy edge to every bite.
The Irresistible Bacon and BBQ Finish
No “crack fries” would be complete without the crowning jewels: crispy bacon and a generous drizzle of premium BBQ sauce. The crumbled bacon provides a fantastic textural contrast and a deep, salty umami flavor that elevates the entire dish. It’s that irresistible crunch that makes you crave the next bite.
And then, the piece de resistance: Head Country’s Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce! This is truly my new favorite. Its tangy, smoky profile with a subtle richness perfectly cuts through the creaminess of the cheese and the fat of the bacon. It’s a blast of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with every other element, bringing these cheese and bacon fries to an entirely new level. The deep hickory smoke flavor adds an authentic, slow-cooked BBQ essence that is simply unparalleled, making each bite an unforgettable experience. You might find yourself hoarding them, unable to bring yourself to share!
What Makes Them “Crack” Fries?
Great question! The term “crack fries” is playfully used to describe any loaded fries that are so incredibly delicious and addictive, you simply cannot stop eating them. It’s a testament to the irresistible combination of flavors and textures that make these fries a truly memorable indulgence. From the initial crunch of the beer-battered potato to the spicy kick of the cheese, the savory punch of bacon, and the sweet-and-smoky finish of the BBQ sauce, every element works in harmony to create a snack that’s utterly captivating.
So, while the name is all in good fun (and to be clear, no actual crack is involved!), it perfectly conveys the potent allure of this dish. It’s the kind of food that fosters camaraderie, ignites conversations, and becomes the instant favorite at any gathering. You’ve been warned: prepare for extreme deliciousness and the inability to put them down!
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This Recipe’s Must-Haves
To truly master these BBQ Bacon Crack Fries, having the right tools and ingredients on hand will make all the difference. Here are a few essentials:
- Obviously, you need a bottle of Head Country Hickory Smoke Bar-B-Q Sauce to make this dish possible! You might want to grab a couple though, because once you taste its rich, smoky, and tangy goodness, you are going to want to put it on eve-ry-thing, from grilled chicken to pulled pork and beyond.
- A Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round Dutch Oven and Stainless Steel Spider Strainer are the two indispensable tools I use for frying anything and everything. They ensure even cooking and easy removal of fries from hot oil.
- This reliable saucepan is perfect to whip up delicious sauces like the creamy, spicy cheese sauce you see in this recipe. Its even heat distribution is key.
- Don’t have a reliable whisk? I’ve been using this one for SO LONG and it is still pristine, making sure your sauces are lump-free and perfectly smooth every time.
For more incredibly addictive fry recipes, be sure to check out these amazing Thai Street Cart Fries – they are so fun and flavorful to snack on!
BBQ Bacon Crack Fries Recipe
40 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 russet potatoes cut into fries
- Vegetable or Canola Oil for frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz pale ale
- 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/8 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 8 oz cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- Head Country Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
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1. Fill a Dutch oven with 3 to 4 inches of vegetable or canola oil. Heat over medium-high heat until a thermometer reads 325 degrees F (160°C).
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2. Thoroughly dry the cut potatoes with paper towels. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pot, add the fries to the hot oil and cook until lightly golden and tender, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from the oil to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Season immediately with salt and let cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
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3. While the fries are cooling, prepare the spicy cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter with garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, stir in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, until the roux is lightly browned, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
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4. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is thickened to your desired consistency, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
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5. Return the oil in the Dutch oven to medium-high heat and increase the temperature of the oil to 350 degrees F (175°C) for the second fry.
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6. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, paprika, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the pale ale until a smooth batter forms. Dip the partially cooked fries into this beer batter to coat them evenly, shaking off any excess. Then, carefully drop the battered fries into the hot oil in small batches. Fry until golden brown and extra crispy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove to fresh paper towels to drain.
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7. To serve, arrange the hot, crispy fries on a large platter. Generously top with the chopped, cooked bacon, then drizzle with the warm spicy cheddar sauce, followed by a liberal amount of Head Country Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of freshness. Serve immediately with a cold beer and enjoy the ultimate “crack fries” experience!