If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a plate of Outback Steakhouse’s Aussie Cheese Fries, then you know what bliss tastes like. Crispy fries layered with melty cheese, topped with smoky, savory bits of beef bacon, and finished with a drizzle of creamy, spicy ranch—it’s basically a love letter to comfort food. But what if I told you that you could recreate that indulgent magic in your very own kitchen, casserole-style? Enter the Copy Cat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries—the homemade version that captures everything you love about the original, but with a cheesy, golden twist that makes it perfect for sharing, reheating, or even freezing.

This isn’t just about dumping fries and cheese into a dish and calling it a day. No, this recipe is about building flavor in layers, crafting a texture journey from the base of crispy golden fries to the gooey, stretchy cheese on top. It’s about recreating that Outback flavor with real ingredients, and with a little bit of know-how and a lot of enthusiasm. Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a fun family dinner, or just looking to spoil yourself, this dish will deliver. Think of it as a deconstructed, upscale version of loaded fries—only you get all the credit.

And the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy equipment. We’re going to bake, broil, and layer our way to casserole heaven, with a few clever tricks to keep it crispy and cheesy without becoming a soggy mess. It’s approachable, adaptable, and just a little over-the-top—the way cheesy fries should be. So grab your favorite baking dish, preheat that oven, and get ready to turn your kitchen into the best booth at your favorite steakhouse.

Why You’ll Love This Copy Cat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries

You get all the restaurant flavor without the restaurant price. No need to tip, wait for a table, or leave your house. This casserole version gives you everything you love from Outback’s famous fries at a fraction of the cost—and you can make it in your pajamas.
Perfect texture in every bite. This isn’t just some soggy mess with cheese slapped on top. The fries are baked until golden and crisp, then layered with shredded cheddar and mozzarella, and finally broiled to create those glorious melted cheese pockets. That means every forkful delivers crunch, gooey cheese, and savory bacon in one.
Totally customizable. Don’t eat beef? Use turkey bacon. Want a little heat? Add sliced jalapeños. Craving a tangy twist? A drizzle of barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of chopped pickles can change the whole vibe. This dish is your canvas, and cheese is your paint.
Crowd pleaser to the max. You know that moment when everyone’s going back for seconds before you’ve even finished your first plate? Yeah, this casserole causes that. It’s ideal for parties, potlucks, family dinners, or lazy weekend movie nights.
Prep is a breeze. You can use frozen fries, pre-shredded cheese, and pre-cooked bacon to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but won’t leave you washing ten pans afterward.
Kid and adult-approved. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hungry grown-ups, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s salty, creamy, cheesy, and full of umami goodness. Serve it with ranch or chipotle mayo on the side and watch it disappear.
It reheats like a dream. While fries don’t typically survive the microwave, this casserole’s layered format gives it new life the next day. Pop it back in the oven or air fryer and bring those fries back to crispy glory.
A fun twist on classic comfort food. This isn’t just cheese fries—it’s casserole cheese fries. It’s nostalgic, creative, and a little rebellious. Think of it as comfort food that got dressed up for a party.
Pairs with everything. Burgers? Check. Grilled chicken? You bet. Salad for balance? Sure. It’s the side dish that also works as a main when you’re feeling indulgent, and it’s easy to dress up or down depending on the crowd.
You’re in control. Spice level, cheese blend, bacon style, portion size—it’s all up to you. Make it loaded or keep it simple. Add veggies or keep it classic. Once you master this base recipe, the variations are endless.

Preparation Time and Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g

Ingredients for Copy Cat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries

1 (28-ounce) bag of frozen steak fries or thick-cut fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
8 slices beef bacon or turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Ranch dressing or chipotle mayo, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for Copy Cat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries

Step 1: Bake the Fries to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen steak fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the fries. Toss to coat. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon While the Fries Bake

While the fries are in the oven, cook the beef or turkey bacon until crisp. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven on a separate tray. Once cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Layer the First Cheese Round

Once the fries are baked and crispy, transfer them to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the fries evenly across the bottom, then sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top. This layer is your cheese foundation—it melts right into the fries.

Step 4: Add Bacon and More Fries

Sprinkle half of your crumbled beef bacon over the cheesy fries, then add the rest of the fries on top. This layering helps build depth and gives you those rich cheesy pockets throughout the dish.

Step 5: Finish with More Cheese and Bacon

Top the second layer of fries with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Scatter the remaining bacon over the top, making sure every corner gets some love. This is the moment when things start looking irresistibly cheesy.

Step 6: Broil for Maximum Melt

Place the casserole under the broiler for 3–5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to brown in spots. Keep a close eye on it—broilers work fast and you don’t want the top to burn.

Step 7: Add Freshness and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness. Serve hot with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Ingredient Background

Fries, cheese, and bacon might sound simple, but each one brings a whole world of flavor, history, and texture to this casserole. Let’s start with the fries. We’re not using just any fries here—we’re going for steak fries, those thick, hearty wedges that can handle layers of toppings without turning into mush. Steak fries have been a comfort food staple for decades, offering a crispy outside and a fluffy, tender interior. Originally popularized in diners and steakhouses across America, their wide surface makes them ideal for cheese melts and baked casseroles like this one.

Next, let’s talk about the cheese combo. Cheddar cheese brings that signature sharp, tangy richness. It’s aged and packed with character, making it a top choice for comfort food recipes. Meanwhile, mozzarella adds the gooey stretch factor that turns a simple casserole into a drool-worthy experience. Mozzarella’s roots trace back to Italy, but its creamy neutrality makes it the perfect partner for cheddar’s bold personality. Together, these cheeses deliver both flavor and texture in every bite.

Now, the real kicker—beef or turkey bacon. We’re skipping traditional pork bacon in favor of halal-friendly alternatives that don’t skimp on flavor. Turkey bacon has a smoky, lean flavor that crisps up beautifully when baked or fried. Beef bacon is a meatier, richer option that gives the casserole a savory depth. Both mimic the salty crunch of the original Outback version while keeping things halal. Combined with the creamy cheese and hearty fries, it’s a fusion of flavors that hits all the right notes.

Technique Tips for Copy Cat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries

Getting the texture just right in this casserole takes a bit more than just layering and baking. The secret starts with how you treat the fries. Most frozen fries come par-cooked, which means they’re partially baked before freezing. But to get that golden crispiness that holds up under cheese and toppings, you need to take it a step further. Baking them at a higher temp—think 425°F—is crucial. You’ll want to flip them halfway and make sure there’s space between each fry. Crowding them causes steam, which turns crispy into soggy real quick.

Now, let’s talk cheese. Pre-shredded cheese might be convenient, but it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as beautifully as fresh cheese. If you’ve got a few extra minutes, shredding your own cheddar and mozzarella will give you a silkier melt and better coverage. Another pro tip? Layer your cheese twice. Starting and ending with cheese helps create those luscious, stringy bites and helps hold the fries together in every forkful.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of broiling. It might seem like an afterthought, but a quick broil transforms melted cheese into a bubbly, browned crown of flavor. Just make sure your dish is broiler-safe, and don’t walk away—broilers go from zero to scorched in seconds. Keep the oven door slightly ajar and your eyes peeled. That final touch of heat caramelizes the cheese and crisps the bacon topping, giving your casserole that authentic Outback-style finish with a little extra flair.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

If you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking to impress guests at a potluck, consider switching things up with a skillet presentation. Using a cast-iron skillet gives the casserole a rustic, restaurant-quality look, and it also keeps the fries hot for longer thanks to cast iron’s heat retention. You can serve it directly in the skillet with a dollop of sour cream or ranch in the center for dramatic effect. Add some jalapeño slices or diced tomatoes on top for color and freshness.

Want to go mini and cute? Try assembling individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins. This approach not only makes serving a breeze but also ensures everyone gets their own portion with the perfect cheese-to-fries ratio. It’s ideal for parties or snack boards, and you can even play around with different toppings in each ramekin—one spicy, one cheesy, one smoky. It turns your casserole into a fun, interactive tasting experience.

If you’re looking for a more upscale spin, you can stack the fries vertically in a casserole dish, alternating each layer with cheese and bacon, almost like a cheesy fry lasagna. Top it with a drizzle of homemade aioli and a scatter of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. The vertical layers make for a beautiful slice and elevate the humble cheese fry into something you could serve at a dinner party. Who said comfort food can’t be classy?

Freezing and Storing Copy Cat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries

Freezing this casserole is surprisingly easy, and the results are still delicious if done right. The key is to assemble everything before the final broil. Go ahead and bake the fries, layer them with cheese and bacon, then let the dish cool completely. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and then again in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 375°F until bubbly and heated through. Finish with a quick broil for that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture.

For leftovers, you’ll want to store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to four days. To reheat, skip the microwave, which will make the fries soggy, and use a toaster oven, air fryer, or standard oven. This helps crisp the fries back up while remelting the cheese evenly. Add a fresh sprinkle of green onions or a quick drizzle of ranch just before serving to refresh the flavors.

Another great storage tip? If you anticipate having extras, keep the cheese and bacon in a separate container and only bake what you plan to serve immediately. That way, your fries stay crispy and ready to assemble fresh the next time. This trick works great for meal prepping or when you want to stagger servings across several days. It’s the casserole that keeps on giving—one layer at a time.

Healthier Twist Ideas

If you’re trying to lighten things up without losing that indulgent factor, the good news is this recipe adapts beautifully. One of the easiest swaps is using baked sweet potato fries instead of regular ones. Not only do sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with cheese and bacon, but they also pack in extra fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. Look for thick-cut sweet potato fries for the best texture, or make your own by slicing and baking fresh sweet potatoes with a touch of olive oil.

You can also cut back on the cheese without cutting back on flavor by mixing in some nutritional yeast or using a reduced-fat cheese blend. Try a mix of low-fat mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a lighter yet still melty topping. Adding more spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or a dash of cayenne can enhance the flavor profile so you won’t even miss the extra cheese. You get that same rich, bold taste but with fewer calories and less fat.

Looking to go full-on veggie mode? You can totally turn this into a plant-based casserole by swapping the beef or turkey bacon for crispy, seasoned chickpeas or plant-based bacon crumbles. Even better, toss in some roasted cauliflower florets or sautéed mushrooms to bulk things up. Use a dairy-free cheese blend, and you’ve got a dish that’s both satisfying and suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Healthier doesn’t have to mean boring—especially when cheese fries are on the table.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Game day? This dish is your MVP. Serve it in a large foil tray on the buffet line with bowls of dipping sauces—think ranch, spicy ketchup, chipotle mayo, even honey mustard. Sprinkle a bit of extra chopped green onions and jalapeños on top for garnish, and let your guests dig in. It’s easy to keep warm in a low oven during the game, and the crowd will keep coming back for more. Pair with sliders, wings, or mini tacos to complete your tailgate spread.

For family dinners, treat it like a main course and serve it alongside a fresh salad or some grilled chicken. The casserole’s richness pairs well with crisp greens, tangy vinaigrettes, or lightly grilled veggies like zucchini or asparagus. It turns a casual Tuesday dinner into something fun and special without requiring a lot of extra effort. Just set it in the middle of the table and let everyone help themselves.

Planning a party or potluck? Go buffet-style. Cut the casserole into squares and serve them in cupcake liners or on small plates with forks for easy, mess-free enjoyment. You can even create a DIY cheese fry bar with extra toppings like sautéed onions, hot sauce, shredded lettuce, or chopped olives. Guests can load up their servings however they like, which makes it interactive and fun. And trust me—no one leaves disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Absolutely. Just slice your potatoes into thick wedges or fries, season them, and bake them until crispy. They’ll add a more homemade feel to the dish, and you can season them exactly how you like.

2. What kind of cheese melts best for this recipe?

Cheddar and mozzarella are a great combo. Cheddar adds flavor, and mozzarella gives you that signature stretch. Avoid hard cheeses like parmesan for the base layer—they don’t melt as well on fries.

3. Is turkey bacon a good substitute for beef bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works great. It’s leaner and has a slightly lighter flavor but still brings that smoky, crispy goodness to the table.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can! Assemble everything but don’t broil it until you’re ready to serve. Store it in the fridge and just reheat and broil for fresh melty cheese.

5. How do I keep the fries from getting soggy?

Bake them until crispy before assembling, don’t overload the cheese, and always broil at the end for that crispy-cheesy top layer.

6. Can I add other toppings like jalapeños or onions?

Definitely. Feel free to customize with jalapeños, caramelized onions, pickles, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use a toaster oven or standard oven to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that fry crunch intact.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, but freeze it before the final broil. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven before serving.

9. What dipping sauces go best with it?

Ranch is a classic, but chipotle mayo, sriracha ranch, or even garlic aioli take it up a notch. Serve a few for variety.

10. Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the bacon or use a plant-based version, and you’ve got yourself a vegetarian-friendly casserole that still hits the spot.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about turning a pile of fries into a shareable, scoopable casserole that’s practically begging to be devoured. The Copy Cat Outback Aussie Cheese Fries casserole delivers on every front—comfort, crunch, creaminess, and convenience. It captures the spirit of the original dish but gives you the power to make it your own. Whether you’re pulling it out for game night, surprising the family with a fun dinner, or just indulging on a Friday night, it hits the mark every time.

What sets this recipe apart is how it elevates a beloved appetizer into a full-blown experience. Each layer is thoughtfully built for texture and flavor, and every ingredient gets a chance to shine. From the crispy fries to the gooey cheese, from the smoky beef or turkey bacon to the zesty ranch drizzle—it’s a flavor symphony, and you’re the conductor.

So next time that cheese fry craving hits, skip the takeout menu and head to the kitchen. This casserole is a celebration of comfort food, DIY style. It’s easy, customizable, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making it for one or a crowd, one thing’s for sure—there won’t be any leftovers.