Surf & Turf Cheesy Loaded Fries

This is the kind of tray you set in the middle of the table and let everyone dig into. Crispy fries get buried under melted mozzarella, then piled high with juicy seared steak, Cajun-spiced shrimp, and sweet sautéed peppers. It’s part appetizer, part full meal, and entirely the kind of dish that disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Surf and turf without the fuss. Steak and shrimp share the spotlight on one easy tray.
• Crispy, cheesy, and loaded. Every bite has a mix of textures and flavors.
• Great for sharing. Perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or just a fun dinner at home.
• Ready in 40 minutes, most of which is hands-off while the fries bake.

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen French fries
• 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Surf & Turf Cheesy Loaded Fries

1. Cook the fries. Bake or air fry the French fries until golden and crispy, then spread them in a baking dish.

2. Season the steak. Season the steak with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.

3. Sear the steak. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet. Sear the steak for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the shrimp. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the shrimp, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and tender.

5. Add the peppers. Stir in the sliced red bell pepper and cook for 1 minute.

6. Melt the cheese. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the fries. Broil or bake until melted and bubbly.

7. Load the fries. Top the cheesy fries with the cooked steak, shrimp, and peppers.

8. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.

Tips for the Best Loaded Fries

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak. Give it space so it browns instead of steams.
• Cook the fries until truly crispy before adding the cheese, since they’ll continue softening slightly under the toppings.
• Watch the broiler closely if using it to melt the cheese, since it can go from bubbly to burnt quickly.
• Layer the toppings evenly so every fry gets a bit of steak, shrimp, and pepper in each bite.

What to Serve with Surf & Turf Loaded Fries

These loaded fries are hearty enough to be the main event, but a simple dipping sauce like ranch, garlic aioli, or a squeeze of lime brightens things up nicely. A cold drink and good company are really all you need alongside.

Frequently Asked Questions