BBQ Bacon Crack Fries: The Ultimate Game Day & Tailgating Indulgence
Get ready for an explosion of flavor! These BBQ Bacon Crack Fries are a legendary combination of crispy, beer-battered potatoes, savory bacon, rich and spicy cheddar cheese sauce, and smoky Head Country BBQ sauce. They’re the perfect, irresistible snack for game days, tailgating parties, or any occasion when you crave something truly epic. Prepare for a smoky, savory, spicy, and utterly crispy experience that will have everyone reaching for more. Let’s make this tailgating season unforgettable!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Head Country Bar-B-Q. As always, all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!
Embrace the Flavors of Fall and Tailgating Season
Can you believe September is already upon us? It feels like just yesterday we were enjoying the peak of summer, and now the crisp autumn air is just around the corner. While the passage of time can be a bit mind-boggling, one thing is certain: fall brings with it the undeniable excitement of football season, cozy gatherings, and, of course, the best tailgating food imaginable. Forget your worries about resolutions at the start of the new year; for now, it’s all about indulging in deliciousness!
As the leaves begin to turn and the stadiums fill with enthusiastic fans, my mind immediately shifts to classic comfort foods that perfectly complement the festive atmosphere. And when I think of fall food, tailgating grub, and hearty deliciousness, my thoughts invariably turn to the rich, smoky, and utterly satisfying world of BBQ. This recipe is designed to be the star of your next game day gathering, blending the best of fries with the irresistible notes of barbecue.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I will receive a small commission.
Why Head Country Bar-B-Q is My Go-To for Epic Flavor
My passion for Head Country Bar-B-Q runs deep, and for good reason. Their commitment to quality and flavor truly shines through in every product. From their versatile sauces that range from tangy and sweet to bold and smoky, to their incredible array of creative seasonings, my pantry is always stocked with Head Country essentials. I even made sure to dedicate a special section for them during my recent pantry organization spree!
It’s not just about the sauces and rubs; it’s about the heritage and the consistent excellence that Head Country brings to the table. Their products are designed to elevate any dish, making it easy for home cooks to achieve that authentic, slow-cooked BBQ taste without spending hours over a smoker. This dedication to flavor is precisely what makes these BBQ Bacon Crack Fries so incredibly special, providing that unmistakable smoky depth that defines great barbecue.
Crafting the Perfect Beer-Battered Fries
This plate of beer-battered crack fries isn’t just a snack; it’s pure culinary bliss, built on a foundation of perfectly prepared potatoes. The journey to these extraordinary fries begins with a unique beer batter that transforms ordinary potatoes into something truly spectacular. Instead of standard fries, we dredge them in a seasoned beer batter, which creates an irresistible textural contrast.
The beer batter contributes to an extra-crispy exterior that’s delightfully puffy and golden brown, while the inside remains wonderfully soft and melt-in-your-mouth tender. The carbonation in the beer adds lightness to the batter, creating a delicate, airy crunch that is truly addictive. It’s this meticulous preparation that sets these fries apart and makes them the ideal canvas for our incredible toppings. The subtle flavor of the pale ale also adds a unique depth that pairs beautifully with the rich sauces and bacon.
The Perfect Toppings: Spicy Cheese, Crispy Bacon, and Smoky BBQ
Once you’ve achieved that perfectly crispy, fluffy interior, it’s time to elevate these fries with a medley of sensational toppings. First, we introduce a vibrant and creamy spicy cheddar cheese sauce. This isn’t just any cheese sauce; it’s infused with just the right amount of spice, ensuring that each bite offers a delightful kick without overpowering the other flavors. The smooth, molten cheddar coats every fry, adding a luxurious richness that is simply irresistible and provides a beautiful contrast to the crispy fries.
Next up, crispy, perfectly cooked bacon. Chopped into delightful bits, the bacon adds an essential layer of savory, smoky flavor and a fantastic textural crunch. This umami bomb provides a welcome counterpoint to the soft fries and creamy cheese, making every mouthful an exciting adventure for your taste buds. The combination of spicy cheese and salty bacon is already a winner, but we’re not stopping there – the final layer takes it to a whole new level.
Finally, the pièce de résistance: a generous drizzle of Head Country’s Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce! This is my new favorite, and for good reason. Its tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet profile provides an incredible blast of flavor that ties all the elements together. The deep, rich hickory smoke notes in the sauce penetrate through the cheese and bacon, creating a harmonious blend that is truly unparalleled. It’s the signature touch that makes these fries undeniably BBQ-infused.
The profound smoke and richness of this BBQ sauce elevate these loaded fries to an entirely new dimension. Honestly, once you taste them, you might find it incredibly difficult to share. They are designed for pure, unadulterated enjoyment, and resisting the urge to keep them all to yourself will be a true test of your willpower. But trust me, it’s a test worth failing for these fries.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From Game Day to Casual Gatherings
These BBQ Bacon Crack Fries are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of settings. They are, of course, absolutely ideal for serving up as the big game kicks off. Imagine the cheers from your friends and family as you bring out a platter piled high with these irresistible fries. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and will quickly become the star appetizer of any tailgating spread or watch party, setting the mood for an exciting day of sports and good company.
But their appeal isn’t limited to just sports events. They’re also fantastic for a relaxed afternoon on the patio, soaking up the last bits of summer sunshine (or enjoying the early fall crispness) with a cold beer in hand. Picture yourself unwinding, savoring each bite of these flavor-packed fries, perfectly complemented by your favorite brew. They make for a truly satisfying and memorable snack, whether it’s a lively party or a quiet moment of indulgence. Consider them for backyard barbecues, casual get-togethers, or even a comforting movie night snack.
Why Do We Call Them “Crack Fries”?
That’s an excellent question, and one that often sparks a chuckle! The term “crack fries” is a playful way to describe any fries that are taken to an almost unbelievably delicious and addictive level with their toppings. In essence, they are so good, so utterly irresistible, that you quite literally cannot stop yourself from devouring them. Each bite leads to another, and before you know it, the platter is empty! It’s that phenomenal combination of textures and flavors – the crispy potato, the creamy cheese, the smoky bacon, and the tangy BBQ sauce – that creates this insatiable desire for “just one more.”
It’s a lighthearted nod to their highly addictive quality, meaning they’re incredibly moreish and satisfying. Just to be perfectly clear, this is purely a descriptor for their phenomenal taste and effect on your appetite – not that I’ve had any personal experience with actual crack, of course. It’s all about the food-induced bliss and the sheer joy of a truly outstanding snack!
table of contents
Toggle
This Recipe’s Must Haves
- 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 it you are going to want to put it on eve-ry-thing.
- A Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 5-1/2-Quart Round Dutch Oven and Stainless Steel Spider Strainer are the two tools I use for frying anything and everything.
- This saucepan to whip up sauces like the cheese sauce you see in this recipe.
- Don’t have a reliable whisk? I’ve been using this one for SO LONG and it is still pristine.
Tips for Achieving Fry Perfection
Making truly exceptional fries, especially beer-battered ones, requires a few key techniques to ensure they’re perfectly crispy every time. First, always ensure your cut potatoes are thoroughly dried with paper towels before the initial fry; excess moisture can lead to soggy fries and dangerous splattering in hot oil. The two-stage frying method outlined in the recipe is crucial here: the first fry at a lower temperature cooks the potatoes through and softens them, while the second fry at a higher temperature, after they’ve been dipped in batter, creates that signature golden, puffy, and extra-crispy exterior. Remember not to overcrowd the pot when frying, as this significantly lowers the oil temperature and can prevent the fries from crisping up properly. Fry in small, manageable batches for the best and most consistent results!
Mastering Your Spicy Cheddar Sauce
The spicy cheddar sauce adds a creamy, zesty kick that perfectly complements the rich BBQ flavors of this dish. To ensure your sauce is smooth, velvety, and lump-free, start by melting the butter slowly in a saucepan. Then, whisk in the flour and spices (garlic powder, paprika, cayenne) to create a roux, cooking it for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste and develop its nutty flavor. Gradually whisk in the milk, pouring it in slowly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring constantly as the mixture gently simmers and thickens, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove it from the heat just before adding the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. This prevents the cheese from becoming oily or grainy, ensuring a silky-smooth, delectable sauce every time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
While these BBQ Bacon Crack Fries are fantastic on their own, a few thoughtful additions and pairings can elevate the experience even further. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbaceous counterpoint to the richness. For beverages, a crisp pale ale or a refreshing lager is a classic and highly recommended pairing, as its effervescence and slight bitterness perfectly cut through the richness of the fries and sauces. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a zesty homemade lemonade, a sparkling ginger ale, or a cold iced tea would also be delightful. Don’t forget to have plenty of napkins on hand – these fries are deliciously messy and absolutely worth every finger-licking bite!
For more addictive fries, these Thai street cart fries are so fun to snack on and offer a completely different but equally exciting flavor profile!
BBQ Bacon Crack Fries
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
-
Fill a Dutch oven with 3 to 4 inched of oil. Heat over medium-high heat until a thermometer reads 325 degrees F.
-
Dry the potatoes with paper towels well. Working in batches, add the fries to the hot oil and cook until lightly golden, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from the oil to a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and let cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
-
While the fries are cooling, making the spicy cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter with garlic powder, paprika and cayenne. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, stir in flour. Cook until browned, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in milk.
-
Cook until the mixture is thickened, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.
-
Return the oil to medium-high heat and increase temperature of the oil to 350 degrees F.
-
Dip the partially cooked fries into the batter to coat and then drop them into the oil. Fry the battered potatoes in small batches until browned and crispy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to paper towels to drain.
-
Add fries to a large platter to serve. Top with chopped bacon, cheddar sauce, and Head Country Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with cold beer.