Guy Fieri’s Ultimate Snack Attack: Donkey Sauce Loaded Fries Recipe

Guy Fieri, the Mayor of Flavortown, is known for his larger-than-life personality and his even larger-than-life flavor combinations. When it comes to snacks, Guy doesn’t mess around. And while he has many culinary loves, one snack reigns supreme: loaded fries, especially when drenched in his signature Donkey Sauce. This isn’t just any fry recipe; it’s a flavor explosion designed to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to Flavortown. Get ready to dive into this epic recipe for Guy Fieri’s favorite snack of all time: Donkey Sauce Loaded Fries.

## What Makes These Fries So Special?

Before we get to the recipe, let’s break down what makes these fries so incredibly delicious:

* **The Fries:** Crispy, perfectly seasoned fries are the foundation of this masterpiece. We’re talking golden-brown perfection, crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
* **The Donkey Sauce:** This is the star of the show. A creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that elevates the fries from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a flavor bomb that you’ll want to put on everything.
* **The Toppings:** From crispy bacon to melted cheese, and fresh pico de gallo, the toppings add layers of flavor and texture that make each bite an adventure.

## The Recipe: Guy Fieri’s Donkey Sauce Loaded Fries

This recipe is broken down into three parts: making the fries, preparing the Donkey Sauce, and assembling the loaded fries. Let’s get started!

### Part 1: Making the Fries

**Ingredients:**

* 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Vegetable oil, for frying

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Cut the peeled potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.
2. **Soak the Fries (Optional):** Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Drain the fries thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. **Season the Fries:** In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning.
4. **Fry the Fries (First Fry):** Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 325°F (160°C). Carefully add the fries in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fries are slightly softened but not yet golden brown. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to drain and cool.
5. **Fry the Fries (Second Fry):** Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Add the fries back to the hot oil in batches and fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and place them back on the wire rack to drain.
6. **Keep Warm:** If you’re not assembling the loaded fries immediately, keep the fries warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C).

**Tips for Perfect Fries:**

* **Soaking is Key:** Don’t skip the soaking step! It really makes a difference in the crispiness of the fries.
* **Double Fry for Extra Crispiness:** The double-frying method ensures that the fries are cooked through and super crispy on the outside.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pot:** Frying in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much, which can result in soggy fries.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the fries well. The seasoning is what gives them that extra flavor.

### Part 2: Making the Donkey Sauce

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup roasted garlic cloves (about 4-5 heads worth, roasted)
* 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Roast the Garlic:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off of several heads of garlic, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and easily squeezed out of their skins. Let the garlic cool slightly.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a food processor or blender, combine the mayonnaise, roasted garlic cloves (squeeze them out of their skins), yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. **Season to Taste:** Taste the Donkey Sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
4. **Chill:** Transfer the Donkey Sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps to thicken the sauce.

**Tips for Perfect Donkey Sauce:**

* **Roasted Garlic is Essential:** Don’t even think about using raw garlic! Roasted garlic has a mellow, sweet flavor that is crucial to the Donkey Sauce.
* **Adjust the Spiciness:** Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired level.
* **Make it Ahead:** The Donkey Sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often improve over time.
* **Consistency is Key:** If your sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little bit more mayonnaise.

### Part 3: Assembling the Loaded Fries

**Ingredients:**

* Cooked fries
* Donkey Sauce
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
* 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
* 1/2 cup pico de gallo
* Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
* Pickled Jalapenos (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Arrange the Fries:** Spread the cooked fries on a large serving platter or baking sheet.
2. **Drizzle with Donkey Sauce:** Generously drizzle the Donkey Sauce over the fries.
3. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the fries.
4. **Add Bacon:** Scatter the cooked and crumbled bacon over the cheese.
5. **Melt the Cheese (Optional):** If you want the cheese to be melted, place the platter of fries under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
6. **Top with Pico de Gallo:** Sprinkle the pico de gallo over the melted cheese (or unmelted, if you prefer).
7. **Garnish:** Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Add pickled jalapenos for an extra kick.
8. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the loaded fries immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

**Tips for Perfect Loaded Fries:**

* **Use a Large Platter:** Make sure you have a large enough platter to accommodate all of the fries and toppings.
* **Don’t Overload the Fries:** While it’s tempting to pile on all of the toppings, be careful not to overload the fries, or they will become soggy.
* **Serve Immediately:** Loaded fries are best served immediately, while the fries are still crispy and the toppings are fresh.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings, such as pulled pork, chili, or guacamole.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Cheese Variations:** Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even crumbled blue cheese.
* **Meat Variations:** Add different types of meat, such as pulled pork, shredded chicken, or chili.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Options:** Omit the bacon or substitute with plant-based bacon alternatives. Use vegan mayonnaise for the Donkey Sauce and vegan cheese. Add black beans, corn, or roasted vegetables as toppings.
* **Spicy Variations:** Add more cayenne pepper to the Donkey Sauce or top the fries with jalapenos or hot sauce.
* **Sweet and Savory Variations:** Drizzle the fries with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweet and savory twist.

## Health Considerations

Let’s be honest: this isn’t exactly a health food. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it in moderation. Here are a few tips for making this recipe a little bit healthier:

* **Bake the Fries:** Instead of frying the fries, bake them in the oven. Toss the cut potatoes with olive oil and seasonings, then spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
* **Use Sweet Potato Fries:** Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins and fiber. Substitute Russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier option.
* **Use Less Cheese:** Reduce the amount of cheese you use or choose a lower-fat cheese option.
* **Load Up on Veggies:** Add more vegetables to the toppings, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
* **Use Greek Yogurt:** Substitute some of the mayonnaise in the Donkey Sauce with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat and higher-protein option.

## Serving Suggestions

These Donkey Sauce Loaded Fries are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Game Day:** Serve these fries at your next game day party. They’re sure to be a hit with your guests.
* **Movie Night:** Enjoy these fries while watching a movie with friends or family.
* **Casual Dinner:** Serve these fries as a main course with a side salad or coleslaw.
* **Potluck:** Bring these fries to your next potluck gathering. They’re easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.

## Leftover Storage

Ideally, these loaded fries are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

* **Fries:** Store the leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will lose some of their crispiness, but you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore some of their crunch.
* **Donkey Sauce:** Store the leftover Donkey Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Toppings:** Store the leftover toppings in separate containers in the refrigerator.

To reheat the loaded fries, spread the fries on a baking sheet, top with the cheese and bacon, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the fries are heated through. Top with the pico de gallo and drizzle with Donkey Sauce before serving.

## The Flavortown Verdict

Guy Fieri’s Donkey Sauce Loaded Fries are a flavor explosion that you won’t soon forget. This recipe is a testament to Guy’s love of bold flavors and his ability to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, you can easily recreate this iconic snack at home. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and get ready to take a trip to Flavortown! These fries are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Enjoy!