Updated on August 29th, 2025
Aussie cheese fries are one of those appetizers that always grab attention because they’re loaded with everything people love: crispy fries, melted cheese, and smoky bacon. This copycat version brings the Outback Steakhouse favorite right to your own kitchen, and it’s surprisingly simple to make. The fries are seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper before being topped with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Finished off with crumbled bacon and served with ranch dressing, these fries are the kind of dish that disappears fast at parties, game days, or casual family dinners.
Why this recipe works
- Crispy and flavorful fries: Deep-frying the potatoes creates a crunchy base, and the seasoning mix adds layers of flavor before the toppings even go on.
- Cheese blend that melts well: Using both cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the fries a balance of sharpness and creaminess, making every bite rich and gooey.
- Bacon for smoky depth: Crumbled bacon brings just the right amount of saltiness and smokiness to complement the cheese and fries.
- Restaurant-style feel: This recipe recreates the Outback classic so you can enjoy the same indulgent appetizer at home without needing takeout.
- Easy shortcuts: Frozen fries work just as well as fresh-cut potatoes, so you can save time without sacrificing taste.
Serving suggestions
- Classic appetizer style: Serve the Aussie cheese fries with ranch dressing on the side for dipping, just like they do in the restaurant.
- Pair with mains: These fries go especially well with burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or wings for a casual dinner.
- Make it a party dish: Place the fries on a large platter, sprinkle with extra toppings, and serve them family-style for gatherings or game day spreads.
- Add variety: Top the fries with sliced jalapeños, green onions, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce if you want to switch things up.
- Turn into a full meal: Serve a big portion with a side salad or coleslaw to balance the richness and make it more filling.
Aussie Cheese Fries Recipe
Make Aussie cheese fries at home just like Outback Steakhouse, the crave-worthy appetizer everyone loves for game day or gatherings.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- oil for (deep frying)
Seasoning-
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 2 slices bacon (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F. Cut the potatoes into lengths of about ¼” x ¼” x 4” (you can peel the potatoes if you would prefer). Submerge the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Remove the potatoes from the water and pat dry them with paper towels.
- Add potatoes into the hot oil in batches and deep-fry for 8-12 minutes until light brown. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat until all of the fries are cooked.
- Sprinkle the fries with some of the seasonings.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lay the fries out onto baking sheet. Mix the cheddar and Monterey jack cheese together and sprinkle the cheese over the fries.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the cheese. Bake for 4-5 minutes in the oven until the cheese has melted. Serve with ranch dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 518
- Sugar: 1.8 g
- Sodium: 1680.3 mg
- Fat: 30.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 41.1 g
- Protein: 22.2 g
- Cholesterol: 71.3 mg