In-N-Out burger with animal-style fries (MarieKaz/Shutterstock)
Devouring a pile of fast food fries is the ultimate comfort food experience for many. But when you top those crispy fries with melted cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sauces, and fresh veggies, it brings the experience to a whole new level. While the origins of cheese fries are still a mystery, does it matter? Not to us. Today’s fast food-loaded fries go way beyond just cheese, offering an irresistible blend of ingredients that are hard to resist. So, which fast food chains serve up the most satisfying loaded fries? We’ve scoured expert opinions from six top websites to bring you the ultimate list of the best fast food loaded fries. Think we missed your favorite? Drop a comment below and let us know!
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5 Must-Try Cheese Fries You Can’t Resist
1. Wendy’s
Choosing between Wendy’s Baconator Fries and Pub Fries can be tricky since they’re similar. The key difference? Pub Fries come with a rich beer cheese sauce, while the Baconator Fries feature a creamy cheese sauce. The upside? Both options are nearly identical in calorie, fat, and sodium counts. However, Eat This, Not That advises steering clear of the chain’s Chili Cheese Fries.
In contrast, Mashed raves about Wendy’s Chili Cheese Fries, recommending them over the Baconator Fries. These sea salt-covered, skin-on fries come loaded with hearty chili and hot cheese sauce. While they are high in calories and sodium, they’re an indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Business Insider agrees the Chili Cheese Fries offer much more flavor than the Baconator Fries. While they admit they are a bit soggy, they say the stewy, tomato-based chili adds a necessary acidic note that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and the ground beef adds a satisfying touch.
2. In-N-Out
In-N-Out’s Animal-Style fries are a cult favorite. These fries are technically part of the chain’s “secret menu,” but cashiers won’t bat an eye when you order them because they are that popular. Making them animal-style transforms simple sunflower oil-fried potatoes into a loaded masterpiece. With melted cheese, special sauce, and grilled onions, these fries have origins dating back to a surfer’s request in the ’60s. According to Mashed, they exemplify how the right toppings can turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
UPROXX agrees, noting that the animal-style treatment elevates every bite, making it a true treat. While they might not be everyone’s top pick, they undeniably enhance the regular fries, especially for those who aren’t fans of the classic version.
You can’t go wrong with fresh-cut fries drenched in tangy Thousand Island, caramelized onions, and thick, melty cheese. Ranker describes it as a “mouthful of bliss” that clings to your taste buds—and maybe your arteries. But let’s be honest, life isn’t the same without them.
4. Shake Shack
Mashed hails this fast food joint’s iconic crinkle-cut fries as a must-try, thanks to their perfectly cooked bacon and gooey melted cheese sauce. The cheese clings to every curve of the fries, making each bite irresistible. If you’re craving comfort food done right, these fries are the perfect indulgence.
According to The Daily Meal, Shake Shack’s Cheese Fries are a fan favorite, with one Tripadvisor reviewer declaring them the best item on the menu. Timmy’s Takeout raves about the perfect balance of crispy bacon and creamy cheese sauce, concluding that Shake Shack offers the best fries in the world.
It’s all or nothing with these bad boys. UPROXX thinks it’s the bacon that makes these loaded fries. Without it, the reviewer admits the fries are lackluster. So, be sure to go all in when ordering.
5. Sonic
Sonic is known for its great sides, from crispy tater tots to gooey mozzarella sticks and golden onion rings. But even with all these tasty options, Mashed insists it’s their chili cheese fries that stand out. Made with salted skin-on russet fries, they’re loaded with melted cheddar and warm chili, creating a savory treat that’s hard to beat.
So, definitely skip the regular cheese fries and go for the chili cheese version instead. Eat This, Not That promises you won’t regret it. Loaded with shredded cheddar, diced onions, jalapeños, and hearty chili – these fries are a flavor-packed indulgence. And if you’re feeling extra daring, add a slice of American cheese on top for the ultimate treat.
You can also get cheesy tots! Ranker likes the chili cheese tots, saying they’re delicious and the portion size is just right. After all, you can’t eat just one!
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
