Name: Papas Locas - Crazy Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: Large potatoes = 4 (or store-bought fries); Shredded cheese = 1 Cup (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite); Cooked beans = 1 Cup (black beans or pinto beans); Avocado = 1 sliced; Pickled jalapeños = 1/4 Cup; Sour cream = 1/4 Cup (optional); Salsa = 1/4 Cup (optional); Cooked bacon = 1/4 Cup chopped (optional); Caramelized onions = 1/2 Cup (optional); Sautéed bell peppers = 1/2 Cup (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying (or baking)

Papas Locas, or Crazy Fries, are a plate full of crispy fries topped with all sorts of flavors, cheese, and cream. It’s a hearty and delicious dish that everyone will love.

I adore dishes that are based on fries and spices. Since my last Togarashi Fries, I haven’t made a similar recipe, but Papas Locas definitely hold a special place among my favorite fry dishes. Every time I make them, they turn out different. Today, I used beans, avocado, cheese, and jalapeños. Sometimes, I add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, and bell peppers too. The toppings can vary for each person, but I always use cheese to make it cozy and creamy.

The dish is delicious without any sauce on top, but adding one will make it even creamier and juicier. You can add a mild sauce, a spicy one, or just stick with salsa. It’s your choice.

What is Papas Locas?

Papas Locas (Crazy Fries) is a fun and flavorful dish made with crispy fries topped with a variety of ingredients like cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauces. The toppings can be mixed and matched depending on personal taste, making each plate of Papas Locas unique. Popular toppings include things like beans, avocado, jalapeños, bacon, and salsa, creating a hearty and delicious meal or snack. It’s a customizable dish that can be as simple or loaded as you like!

Ingredients:

Large potatoes = 4 (or store-bought fries)
Shredded cheese = 1 Cup (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
Cooked beans = 1 Cup (black beans or pinto beans)
Avocado = 1 sliced
Pickled jalapeños = 1/4 Cup
Sour cream = 1/4 Cup (optional)
Salsa = 1/4 Cup (optional)
Cooked bacon = 1/4 Cup chopped (optional)
Caramelized onions = 1/2 Cup (optional)
Sautéed bell peppers = 1/2 Cup (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying (or baking)

How to Make Papas Locas?

Step 1:
Peel the potatoes (if using fresh) and cut them into thin strips. Soak the potato strips in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry.

Step 2:
Heat oil in a large pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato strips in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the potato strips with oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 3:
Arrange the crispy fries on a serving plate and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the hot fries so it melts slightly. Top with cooked beans, avocado slices, and pickled jalapeños.

Step 4:
If you want extra flavor, add toppings like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed bell peppers.
Drizzle with sour cream or salsa for extra creaminess and flavor.

Pro Tips

Choose thicker fries like steak fries or waffle fries. They hold up better under heavy toppings and stay crispy longer.
Use fresh avocado, freshly shredded cheese, and homemade salsa for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can make the dish less creamy.
Make sure to balance the toppings. For example, if you’re adding a lot of spicy jalapeños, balance it with creamy elements like avocado or sour cream.

FAQ

Can I use frozen fries for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen fries work great if you’re short on time. Choose thick-cut or waffle fries for the best results as they hold up better under heavy toppings.

What type of cheese should I use?
Use a good melting cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of these. For added flavor, you can use pepper jack or sharp cheddar.

How can I make my fries extra crispy?
Soak fresh-cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up. You can also double-fry them—fry at a lower temperature first, then increase the heat to get that golden crisp.