They’re not typically the headliners, but more often than not, loaded fries and nachos are the standout dishes guests rave about—and post—long after the entrées have cleared. Like an opening act that unexpectedly brings the house down, these humble carriers deliver bold flavors, visual drama and menu momentum that operators can’t afford to overlook.
Loaded fries and nachos fit seamlessly on appetizer, side and bar menus, glamming up the comfort food everyone already loves. Their acceptably indulgent nature makes them the kind of food that stirs a response—comforting, satisfying and familiar in the best way.
In fact, though you could and should tout them as shareable, I’d guess most people would be tempted to stick a fork in anyone’s hand who dares reach for a bite of some of the versions I’ve seen lately.
Casual dining chain The Greene Turtle is offering Loaded Chicken & Waffle Fries through August—maple waffle fries topped with chicken tenders, chopped bacon, pickles, scallions, hot honey ranch dressing and Mike’s Hot Honey.
Even fast-food favorite Taco Bell has joined the drama with Loaded Steak & Jalapeño Topped Fries: fries topped with warm nacho cheese sauce, marinated grilled steak, creamy jalapeño sauce and pickled jalapeños.
One of the beauties of these loaded comfort carriers is the opportunity to cross-utilize ingredients already on hand. Or, for an interesting limited-time offer, bring in a few new ingredients to explore global cuisines in a “safe” way. BD’s Mongolian Grill recently offered Asian-Inspired Loaded Fries—topped with “Yum Yum” sauce, teriyaki sauce, fried garlic and scallions. Was that a test? Loaded fries and nachos are perfect platforms for that. Whatever trendy global flavors are circulating—birria, gochujang, tikka masala—pile them on in a low-risk, high-reward format.
But beyond trend-driven LTOs, consider the impact of a line-up of A-list ingredients that only need to appear as a dab on top. Case in point: Tennessee-based Buddy’s bar-b-q’s Loaded Nachos LTO, topped with hickory-smoked pork, queso, barbecue sauce, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes and onions—served with sour cream.
There’s strong value perception at play when you assemble fan favorites like that. With rising menu prices, guests are looking for items that feel generous—and loaded fries and nachos look loaded. They’re hearty, high-impact plates that support premium pricing while delivering visual and experiential bang for the buck. Add a protein, a fried egg or a signature drizzle, and you’ve built both an upsell and a signature dish.
Best of all, these items bring personality to a menu. They give your brand a way to show off—whether through playfulness, cultural flair or seasonal creativity.
So, while they may appear under “Appetizers” or “Shareables,” don’t underestimate the power of these openers. Loaded fries and nachos are often the real stars of the show.
Jody Shee
