How to Create Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Loaded Fries
Are you ready to make a dish that’s both mouth-watering and perfect for gatherings or game days? Smoky BBQ pulled pork loaded fries are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine crispy golden fries topped with tender pulled pork, melted cheese, BBQ sauce, and your favorite garnishes. The best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this delicious treat at home. In this blog, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make smoky BBQ pulled pork loaded fries in a simple and easy way.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have everything you need. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
For the pulled pork:
– 2-3 pounds of pork shoulder (also called pork butt)
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand or make your own)
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for extra flavor)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
For the fries:
– Frozen french fries or fresh potatoes (cut into thin strips)
– Cooking oil (if frying fresh potatoes)
Toppings:
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite mix)
– Sliced green onions
– Jalapeño slices (optional for added kick)
– Sour cream or ranch dressing
– Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
Step 2: Make the Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is the star of this dish, and while it takes some time to cook, it’s easy to prepare. Here’s how to make it:
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Season the Pork: Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture all over the pork shoulder.
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Slow Cook the Pork: You can cook the pork in a slow cooker, oven, or pressure cooker. For a slow cooker:
- Place the pork shoulder into the slow cooker.
- Add apple cider vinegar and chicken broth (or water) to keep it moist.
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Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or high heat for 4-6 hours. If using an oven, set the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and cook for 6-8 hours in a covered baking dish.
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Shred the Pork: Once the pork is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it apart. The meat should easily fall apart.
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Add BBQ Sauce: Mix the shredded pork with BBQ sauce until it’s coated evenly. Set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Fries
Now, let’s get those fries ready. You can use frozen store-bought fries for convenience or make your own from scratch.
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Frozen Fries: Follow package instructions to bake or air-fry the frozen fries until they’re crisp and golden.
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Homemade Fries:
- Peel and cut fresh potatoes into thin strips.
- Soak the potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (this helps make them crispy).
- Drain and pat the strips dry with a paper towel.
- Heat cooking oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the potato strips until golden brown, then remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaded Fries
This is the fun part—putting all the delicious elements together into one masterpiece.
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Layer the Fries: Start by placing your cooked fries on a large serving plate or tray.
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Add Pulled Pork: Pile the smoky BBQ pulled pork generously on top of the fries.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the pork. If you want the cheese melted, you can pop the tray into an oven set to broil for 1-2 minutes.
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Garnish: Add your favorite toppings, such as sliced green onions, jalapeños, extra BBQ sauce, and a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Congratulations—you’ve just created a stunning plate of smoky BBQ pulled pork loaded fries! Serve the dish immediately while the fries are still crispy and the cheese is gooey. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet dinner, this recipe will definitely impress everyone at the table.
Tips for Success
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Slow Cooker Shortcut: Prepare the pulled pork a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you assemble the loaded fries later.
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Try Sweet Potato Fries: For a healthier twist, swap regular fries for sweet potato fries. The sweetness pairs wonderfully with smoky BBQ pulled pork.
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Customizable Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative. Add diced tomatoes, avocado slices, crispy bacon, or even a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor.
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Make It Vegetarian: You can substitute pulled pork with BBQ jackfruit if you’re looking for a meat-free option.
Final Thoughts
Smoky BBQ pulled pork loaded fries combine tender, flavorful meat, crispy fries, and gooey cheese into one irresistible dish. With just a few simple steps, you can easily recreate restaurant-quality loaded fries in your own kitchen. Whether it’s for a party appetizer, game-day snack, or casual dinner, this recipe will be a hit every time. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven (or slow cooker), and treat yourself to this delicious comfort food. Enjoy!
