The Baconator fries are a popular menu item at Wendy’s restaurants. They feature the chain’s signature seasoned fries topped with bits of applewood smoked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese and a creamy cheese sauce. The addition of bacon and cheese makes these fries an indulgent treat for bacon and cheese lovers. But what exactly is in the Baconator fries? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that go into this over-the-top fried side.
Bacon
The star ingredient of the Baconator fries is obviously the bacon. Wendy’s uses applewood smoked bacon which has a deeper, smokier flavor compared to other types of bacon. The bacon is cooked until crispy then chopped into small bits that are scattered over the fries. A regular order of Baconator fries contains around 2-3 slices of crumbled bacon.
Fries
The fries that serve as the base of the Baconator fries are Wendy’s signature Natural-Cut Fries. These are made from whole Russet potatoes that are washed, cut, and then fried until golden brown and crispy. The fries are seasoned with a proprietary blend of sea salt, garlic powder, paprika and other natural flavors. This seasoning adds a tasty coating to the outside of the fries.
Cheddar Cheese
What’s bacon and fries without cheese? The Baconator fries are topped with a generous sprinkling of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese adds a creamy, salty flavor and also helps adhere the bacon bits and sauce to the fries. The natural sharpness of aged cheddar cheese balances nicely with the smokiness of the bacon.
Cheese Sauce
A creamy, nacho-style cheese sauce is drizzled over the Baconator fries tying all the ingredients together. The smooth liquid cheese helps keep the fries moist and ups the cheesy flavor. According to Wendy’s ingredients information, the cheese sauce is made with a blend of milk, cream, cheese cultures, modified cornstarch, butter, salt, enzymes, citric acid, and preservatives.
Calories and Nutrition
The Baconator fries pack a serious calorie punch. Here’s the full nutrition breakdown for a large order:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 670 |
| Total Fat | 41g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Sodium | 1280mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 61g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Protein | 21g |
As you can see, a large order contains 670 calories and 41 grams of fat. The high amounts of fat and sodium come from the bacon, cheese and sodium-rich cheese sauce. However, the Baconator fries do provide some nutritional value with 21 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. The protein comes from both the bacon and the cheese.
Ingredients to Avoid
The Baconator fries do not contain any ingredients that are commonly avoided for dietary or allergy reasons. Here are some key points:
– No MSG, artificial colors or flavors
– No peanuts or tree nuts
– Not made with any wheat, soy, dairy or egg ingredients aside from the cheddar cheese topping
– No fish, shellfish or other common food allergens
So individuals with common food restrictions or allergies like gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian/vegan or Kosher diets can feel safe eating Baconator fries. Those watching sodium intake may want to limit portion sizes or frequency due to the high sodium content.
How Are the Baconator Fries Made?
Now let’s take a behind-the-scenes look at how Wendy’s assembles this fan favorite menu item:
1. The process starts by gathering ingredients – Russet potatoes for fries, applewood smoked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and creamy cheese sauce.
2. Whole potatoes are washed, hand-cut into fry shapes, and par-fried until browned.
3. Fries are cooked to order in small batches at high heat for a hot, crispy finish.
4. Bacon slices are cooked until crispy then chopped into bits.
5. Hot fries are seasoned with Wendy’s signature blend.
6. Cheese sauce is evenly drizzled over the hot fries.
7. Bacon bits are generously sprinkled on top.
8. Fries are finally topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. The loaded fries are bagged, served hot and enjoyed!
Following these steps results in the perfect bacon cheese fry experience with great ingredient coverage in each bite.
Copycat Recipe
To recreate the Baconator fries at home, here is a copycat recipe to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen french fries
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
- Cook bacon slices until crispy, then chop into bits.
- Cook fries according to package directions.
- Toss hot fries with garlic powder, paprika and salt.
- Top fries evenly with cheese sauce, bacon bits and cheddar cheese.
- Bake 5 minutes at 400°F until cheese melts.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
This easy copycat recipe recreates the taste you love using just a few simple ingredients. Adjust the amount of bacon and cheese to suit your preferences.
Storing Leftovers
Like many fried foods, Baconator fries are best fresh and hot. But leftovers can be stored in the fridge for later. Here are some tips:
– Allow fries to cool completely before refrigerating
– Store in sealed container for up to 3 days
– Reheat in oven at 400°F until hot and crispy, about 10 minutes
– Microwave leftovers in 30 second intervals, checking between
The reheating process may soften the texture slightly but will revive the flavor. Eat refrigerated leftovers soon for maximum enjoyment.
Where to Enjoy Baconator Fries
You can enjoy Baconator fries at any Wendy’s location. Prices may vary but expect to pay around $2.79 for a small order, $3.19 for a medium, and $3.69 for a large. Wendy’s frequently offers specials like 2 for $5 mix and match deals on signature items.
The Baconator fries make for an indulgent side to a Wendy’s burger or chicken sandwich. Or enjoy them on their own for a hearty snack or cheat meal. You can place an order for pick-up or delivery through the Wendy’s app or third-party delivery services.
Reviews
The Baconator fries have received mostly positive reviews from Wendy’s fans:
– “These loaded fries were amazing. The smoky bacon flavor really came through and the cheese sauce tied it all together. Dangerously good!”
– “I’m a big bacon fan so I knew I’d love these. The fries stay crispy even with all the toppings. My new go-to order!”
– “So decadent and delicious but very salty. I couldn’t finish a large but would get them again as an occasional treat.”
– “The bacon and cheese overload was a little much for me. But my husband scarfed his down so I guess it just depends on your tastes.”
– “For the price these loaded fries can’t be beat! Wendy’s fries always hit the spot and the bacon addition puts them over the top.”
Overall the feedback indicates these indulgent fries satisfy cravings thanks to the generous bacon and cheese topping combo. They make for a filling side or snack. Just beware of the high sodium content.
Conclusion
The Baconator fries from Wendy’s pack crispy fries with applewood smoked bacon, shredded cheddar cheese and creamy cheese sauce. This loaded fry creation contains indulgent amounts of fat and sodium but does offer some protein and fiber nutrition. The ingredients are straightforward and work well together to create maximum bacon cheese flavor. Fans praise the smoky bacon sprinkled throughout hot, crispy fries and melty cheese. The Baconator fries make an ideal side to a Wendy’s burger or chicken sandwich. Or enjoy them solo as a hearty, satisfying bacon cheese fry fix.