Loaded Fries Topped with Shrimp & Steak Goodness

When comfort food meets gourmet indulgence, magic happens. These loaded fries bring together three all-time favorites—crispy golden fries, perfectly seared steak, and buttery garlic shrimp—all crowned with melted cheese and a luscious garlic sauce. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning date night at home, or simply craving something spectacular, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

The beauty of loaded fries lies in their versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal. Each component can be prepared to your preference, making this recipe adaptable for different tastes and occasions. The crispy fries provide the perfect base, soaking up all those delicious juices while maintaining their crunch. The steak adds hearty, savory depth, while the shrimp brings sweet, buttery elegance. Together, they create a harmony of textures and flavors that’s utterly irresistible.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of surf and turf over crispy fries isn’t just delicious—it’s strategic. The hot fries help melt the cheese naturally, creating that coveted cheese pull. The residual heat from the freshly cooked proteins keeps everything warm and inviting. Using the same skillet for both steak and shrimp builds layers of flavor, with the steak’s fond enhancing the shrimp’s buttery garlic sauce.

This recipe also embraces efficiency. While your fries bake or fry, you have plenty of time to prepare the proteins. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients Breakdown

Base: The Foundation

1 lb frozen or fresh fries, plus salt to taste

Your fries are the canvas for this masterpiece. Frozen fries work beautifully for convenience—look for thicker-cut varieties that can support heavy toppings without getting soggy. Crinkle-cut, steak fries, or waffle fries all work wonderfully. If using fresh potatoes, opt for russets. Their high starch content creates that coveted crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

Proteins: The Stars

8 oz sirloin or ribeye, sliced

Sirloin offers lean, beefy flavor at an accessible price point, while ribeye brings marbling and richness. Slice against the grain into thin strips for quick cooking and tender bites. Room temperature steak sears better than cold, so remove it from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking.

8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined

Medium to large shrimp work best here. They’re substantial enough to stand out among the other ingredients without overwhelming the dish. Fresh or frozen both work—just ensure frozen shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry to achieve proper browning.

Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder

This simple seasoning blend enhances without overpowering. The paprika adds subtle smokiness and color, while garlic powder provides aromatic depth that complements both proteins.

Cooking fats: 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Olive oil has a higher smoke point for searing steak, while butter adds richness to the shrimp. Fresh garlic, minced fine, infuses the butter with aromatic flavor that permeates every shrimp.

Toppings: The Finishing Touch

1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar

Mozzarella melts beautifully with excellent stretch, while cheddar offers sharper, more pronounced flavor. A blend of both gives you the best of both worlds. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded melts more smoothly without anti-caking agents.

Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

Fresh herbs provide color contrast and bright flavor that cuts through the richness. Green onions add mild onion flavor, while parsley offers fresh, peppery notes.

Optional sauce: ½ cup garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy mayo

This creamy element ties everything together. Garlic aioli complements the garlic shrimp, ranch adds tangy coolness, and spicy mayo brings heat. Store-bought works fine, but homemade elevates the dish significantly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fries

Start by cooking your fries until they’re extra crispy—this is crucial. For oven-baked fries, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 425°F (220°C), flipping halfway through, until deeply golden and crispy, about 25-30 minutes. For air fryer fries, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. Deep-fried fries should be cooked at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. Regardless of method, season immediately after cooking while they’re still hot so the salt adheres properly.

Sear the Steak

Pat the steak slices completely dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until very hot. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, add steak slices in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a caramelized crust, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes for medium. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest.

Cook the Shrimp

Without wiping the skillet, reduce heat to medium-high. Add butter and let it melt completely. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add shrimp in a single layer, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook—shrimp continue cooking from residual heat. Remove from heat immediately.

Assemble Your Masterpiece

Transfer the hot crispy fries to a large serving platter or baking sheet. Arrange them in an even layer, creating a sturdy base. Distribute the sliced steak evenly over the fries, followed by the garlic butter shrimp. While everything is still piping hot, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. The residual heat will melt the cheese naturally, but if you want extra melty cheese, place the entire platter under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Final Touches

Drizzle your chosen sauce artistically over the entire dish—zigzag patterns look particularly appealing. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions for that pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is still melty.

Pro Tips for Success

Maximize crispiness: Coat fries lightly with cornstarch before cooking for extra crunch that holds up under toppings.

Flavor boost: Add crispy bacon bits, pickled jalapeños, or caramelized onions for additional layers of flavor.

Sweet twist: Substitute regular fries with sweet potato fries for a subtly sweet contrast to the savory proteins.

Cheese sauce option: Make or buy a warm cheese sauce for drizzling instead of shredded cheese for ultimate decadence.

Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the butter when cooking shrimp, or use Cajun seasoning on the proteins for a spicy kick.

Make it a meal: Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness and add freshness to your plate.

Serving and Storage

This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the fries are crispy and the cheese is melted. It serves 2-3 as a hearty main course or 4-6 as an appetizer for sharing. If you must store leftovers, keep components separate—fries become soggy when stored with toppings. Refrigerate proteins and cheese separately for up to 2 days, then reheat and assemble with fresh fries.

Variations to Try

Transform this recipe based on what you have or what you’re craving. Use chicken instead of steak for a more budget-friendly option, or go all-in on seafood with scallops and lobster for special occasions. Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack for heat or gouda for smokiness. Experiment with sauces—chipotle mayo, blue cheese dressing, or even a drizzle of hot honey all work beautifully.