Loaded Pulled Pork Waffle Fries – The Schmidty Wife: Loaded Pulled Pork Waffle Fries Recipe

My Kind of Party Food

Hello there, it’s Anna. Let’s talk about fun food. This recipe is pure joy on a plate. It’s perfect for game night or a hungry family. I think food should make you smile. This one always does.

It mixes crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors. Doesn’t that sound amazing? The best meals are shared with loved ones. That’s why this matters. It turns a simple bag of fries into a celebration. What’s your favorite food for a fun gathering?

A Little Kitchen Story

This reminds me of my grandson’s 16th birthday. He wanted “epic” snacks. I had leftover pulled pork from Sunday dinner. I looked at those waffle fries in my freezer. An idea was born.

I piled everything together. The boys went quiet when they saw it. Then they cheered! I still laugh at that. Sometimes the best recipes are happy accidents. Fun fact: Waffle fries have ridges that hold extra cheese sauce. Isn’t that clever?

Why The Cheese Sauce Works

Let’s talk about that creamy cheese sauce. It seems fancy, but it’s simple. You just melt butter, stir in flour, then add milk. Keep whisking! It will thicken up nicely.

Then you add the cheese and a pinch of smoked paprika. That paprika is the secret. It gives a warm, cozy flavor. Does your family prefer a sharp cheddar or a milder cheese for sauce?

The Magic of Toppings

Here is where you make it your own. The hot pork, the cool tomatoes, the crunchy bacon. Each bite is different. The green onion gives a fresh little kick.

That’s why this matters. You get to build your perfect bite. The sour cream cools everything down. It’s all about balance. I love that. Do you have a must-have topping I didn’t list?

Putting It All Together

Timing is your friend here. Get your fries baking first. Then cook the bacon. Make the cheese sauce last so it stays warm and gooey. Have your toppings chopped and ready.

Assembly is the best part. Layer it all on a big platter. Serve it right away while everything is hot and crisp. The mess is part of the fun. Just make sure you have plenty of napkins!

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
frozen waffle fries	24oz package
pulled pork	1 1/2 cups	hot
unsalted butter	1 tablespoon
flour	1 tablespoon
milk	1 cup
shredded sharp cheddar cheese	1 cup
smoked paprika	2 pinches
bacon	3 strips
tomato	1 small, diced
green onions	3, chopped
sour cream	1/4 cup

My Grandson’s Favorite Game-Day Feast

My grandson calls these “super fries.” I just call them delicious. It’s like a cozy pulled pork dinner decided to have a party on some crispy waffle fries. The smell fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

You start with simple things from your freezer and fridge. The magic is in the cheese sauce. Making it from scratch sounds fancy, but it’s easy. I still laugh at my first lumpy sauce years ago. You learn as you go. Let’s make a memory together.

Step 1: First, bake your waffle fries. Follow the package directions. My oven likes 425°F for about 25 minutes. Get them nice and crispy. While they bake, start the bacon. This way everything is ready together.

Step 2: Cook three strips of bacon in a skillet. Medium heat is best. Flip them now and then. You want them crispy. This takes about 10 minutes. Drain them on a paper towel. Then chop them up. (A hard-learned tip: The bacon keeps cooking after you take it out, so take it off just before it looks perfect!).

Step 3: Now for the cheese sauce. Melt a tablespoon of butter in a small pot. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. This is your roux. It makes the sauce thick. Slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking until it’s steamy. Then add your cheese and paprika. Let the cheese melt for a moment before stirring. You’ll get a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Step 4: While your sauce rests, chop your fresh bits. Dice a small tomato. Slice some green onions. I love the pop of green color. It makes the dish feel fresh and happy. Do you think the green onions are just for looks, or do they add flavor too? Share below!

Step 5: Time to build your masterpiece! Put the hot fries on a big plate. Pile on the warm pulled pork. Drizzle that wonderful cheese sauce over everything. Now sprinkle on the bacon, tomato, and onions. Last, add little dollops of cool sour cream. Serve it right away while everything is warm and gooey.

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Game Day

Three Fun Twists to Make It Your Own

This recipe is like a friendly base camp. You can explore from here. Try one of these fun twists next time. It makes cooking feel like play.

BBQ Chicken Swap: Use shredded BBQ chicken instead of pork. It’s a lighter, tangy change.

Breakfor-Dinner Style: Skip the pork. Top the fries with scrambled eggs and the cheese sauce. Add the bacon on top!

Fully Loaded Veggie: For a vegetarian version, use black beans. Add diced bell peppers and jalapeños for a kick.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up With Style

This dish is a full meal on a plate. But I love adding a simple side. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness. You could also serve it with pickles on the side. The tang is a nice bite.

For drinks, a cold glass of apple cider is wonderful. The sweetness pairs so well. For the grown-ups, a cold lager or pale ale works nicely. It feels like a backyard barbecue in a glass. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Loaded Fries Fresh & Tasty

These loaded fries are best eaten right away. The fries get soft if they sit. But I know you might have leftovers.

Store everything in separate containers in the fridge. Keep the cheese sauce, pork, and toppings apart from the fries. This helps the fries stay a tiny bit crispier when you reheat.

To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet. Warm them in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. Then add the other toppings to warm through. I once microwaved it all together. It was a soggy mess! Now I always use the oven.

Batch cooking is a great idea for game day. You can prep the pork, cheese sauce, and bacon ahead. This saves you time and stress when guests arrive. Good planning makes hosting more fun for you too. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

Sometimes cooking does not go as planned. That is okay. Here are easy fixes for common problems.

Is your cheese sauce lumpy? Just keep whisking. A small sieve can also help strain them out. I remember when my first cheese sauce was full of lumps. I learned patience is the key.

Are your waffle fries not crispy? Do not crowd the pan. Give them space on the baking sheet. This lets the hot air move around each fry. It matters because a crispy base holds all the toppings better.

Is the pulled pork dry? Stir in a spoonful of barbecue sauce or broth when reheating. This adds moisture and flavor back. Good food should be joyful to eat, not dry. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Questions, My Answers

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend for the cheese sauce. Check your frozen fries’ label too.

Q: Can I make parts ahead?
A: Absolutely. Cook the pork and bacon a day early. Make the cheese sauce a few hours before.

Q: What are easy ingredient swaps?
A: Use leftover chicken instead of pork. Try Monterey Jack cheese for a milder sauce.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You can! Use two baking sheets for the fries. Rotate them halfway through cooking.

Q: Any optional tips?
A: A dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce is yummy. Fun fact: The smoked paprika adds a cozy, campfire smell. Which tip will you try first?

Let’s See Your Creations!

I hope you love making this fun meal. It is perfect for sharing with family or friends. Cooking is about making memories together.

I would love to see your version. Did you add a special topping of your own? Your kitchen adventures make me so happy.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @AnnaWhitmoreEats. I always look for your photos. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.