What are your favorite kinds of fries? If you said all of them, I’m right there with you. I mean, who doesn’t love French fries?! They’re crunchy, tender, fatty, salty, and downright tempting. From traditional French fries to authentic poutine to creative variations like Korean honey fries, there are so many different types to try. The hardest part about ordering a crispy side of spuds is what type of fries to get. More importantly, knowing all your options so you can decide.
25 Types of French Fries
In the world of French fries, there is no shortage of options. You have crinkle, curly, waffle, wedge, matchstick, and standard cut. Add on the toppings, and the sky’s the limit! There are so many possibilities and all of them are equally great. So let’s get into all the different types just waiting to be devoured. Be careful, all of these are addicting!
1. Regular Fries
To begin this roundup of irresistible fries is everyone’s go-to, regular fries. The secret to achieving the perfect texture of those long slender fries is to soak them in water. This helps to draw out the starches so they get super crispy. Be sure to pat them dry, then you can bake or fry them.
2. Curly Fries
The hardest part about fair food is deciding what to get. There is one thing I always order, though, and that’s curly fries! Whenever I see people walking around with a mess of those curly spuds piled to the high heavens, I have to give in. When the fair is not in town, you can make them at home instead. All you need is a spiralizer, russet potatoes, spices, frying oil, and flour.
3. Waffle Fries
Waffle fries are a fun cut I think we could all use more of in our lives. Those little nooks and crannies create a ton of texture that’s perfect for munching. But how does one get that classic waffle cut? Use a wave waffle cutter or a mandolin with a waffle cut shape.
4. Crinkle-Cut Fries
Raise your hand if you grew up on frozen crinkle-cut fries. Me too! I have a soft spot in my heart for those wavy fries. They tasted so good dipped in ketchup and still do! If you want to make them at home with a bit more class, try this version. They’re seasoned with a flavorful cajun blend and come with a side of dairy-free ranch for dipping.
5. Cottage Fries
What are cottage fries? I’m pleased you asked. They’re those thin round fries you coat with olive oil and bake in the oven. They’re so easy that anyone can make them and they’re healthier than deep frying. You can add spices like Italian seasoning and chili powder if you like. Just note that salt and pepper are non-negotiable. When choosing a variety, Russet potatoes are a top choice due to their high starch content.
6. Steak Fries
Does anyone else love Red Robin’s bottomless steak fries? I could skip the burger and make a meal out of those thick cuts. If you feel the same as me, you’ll be just as ecstatic about this recipe. These thick potato wedges are simple to make at home. And cutting them into wedges is far less tedious work than making other types of fries.
7. Wedge Fries
Speaking of wedge fries, here’s how to make them perfect every time. You take russet potatoes, cut them into eight pieces, season, and bake. Be sure to cook them at a high temp so they crisp up nicely. They’ll come out fork-tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. See, perfection!
8. Matchstick/Shoestring Fries
Soggy fries need not apply here. Matchstick fries are as crispy as it gets! If you like your fries crunchy, I’m sure you’re no stranger to these. Each thin and salty carb-laden fry is crunchy as crunchy can be. Stuff them in a sandwich or pile them on a plate with your favorite barbecue. There’s no wrong way to eat these.
9. Smiley Fries
This cheery snack smiles back! These fries are a fun cut the kids will love eating. They’re super tender and have a bit more oomph than thinly cut fries. You need a straw and a spoon to make the smiley face. Well, that and some boiled grated potatoes.
10. Home Fries
Home fries are great for those lazy Sunday mornings when it’s too late for breakfast but too early for lunch. This version is a comforting breakfast skillet featuring potatoes, bell peppers, and onions with Italian seasoning. If you like a little heat, toss in some red chili pepper flakes. And by all means, bust out that homemade hot sauce!
11. Side Winding (Sidewinder) Fries
Side winding fries may look like pork rinds, but I assure you, they’re all potatoes. They have a crazy unique shape that’s new to the scene. You make them by spiraling an entire potato and then chopping it up into fry-sized bites. They’re just as fun to dip as they are to eat!
12. Loaded Fries
There are an endless amount of ways to do loaded fries. You can top them with fresh fixings or pile on the meat. One ingredient is a must, though, and that’s cheese. Add bacon, sour cream, green onions, and gravy for an epic game day appetizer worth sharing.
13. Tornado Fries
Some of the best creations come from street food vendors, including Tornado fries. This is a popular Korean street food. It involves taking a ginormous skewer and loading it up with a deep-fried spiralized potato. But the goodness doesn’t stop there! They also have a brushing of seasoning and other add-ons like cheese, onions, honey, and sometimes meat.
14. Tater Tots
These tater tots will bring out the kid in you! Remember all those family dinners and kid’s meals that you got to munch on tots? Those were the best! Now that you’re all grown up, you can make them at home and relive those memories.
15. Truffle Fries
Truffle fries are the sophisticated type you’ll find on fancy and local restaurant menus alike. The truffle oil and truffle salt make them extra rich and extravagant. Coat them in parmesan and parsley to make them even more lavish. Bake, fry, or air-fry them, just don’t skip these fries!
16. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries have become all the rage. And rightfully so, as they’re downright amazing! They’re a healthier alternative to your standard fried spuds, especially when you bake them. My new thing has been to toss them on a kale salad. Of course, you can’t go wrong serving them with a big fat juicy grilled burger.
17. Pommes Souffles
Pommes souffles are French fries with a pillowy center. And these, my friends, are a serious feat! It takes some practice and skill to get these fries to puff up perfectly. The key is to use super hot oil and use a high-starch potato variety. Once you nail down the technique, you’ll be dubbed the master of the fries!
18. Bratkartoffeln (German Cottage Fries)
The German version of cottage fries takes those heavenly rounds and doctors them up with fresh herbs, onions, and bacon. It’s a popular dish in Germany. And I have a feeling it’s about to be all the rage now in your home, too.
19. Patatas Bravas
No tapas night is complete without a side of patatas bravas. These cubed potatoes are a Spanish favorite. Each nibble is tender and crisp thanks to a quick boil and frying session. There is only one way to serve these and that’s with a spicy side of patatas bravas sauce!
20. Korean Honey Butter Fries
These sweet and savory concoctions will leave your mouth watering and your stomach growling. Korean honey butter fries are pretty much like they sound. They’re sweet, buttery, and umami. You cook the fries, then coat them in the sauce. It’s pretty tasty and so easy. They’re so good, even McDonald’s in Korea added them to the menu.
21. Belgian Fries
France undoubtedly has the claim to fame when it comes to fries. And yet, their roots are believed to have begun in Belgium. Legend has it that French fries were a misnomer dubbed by a soldier stationed in Belgium who thought he was in France. No matter the history, these are delectable! Belgian fries are somewhat thicker than standard, but not as thick as steak. They get a double round of baking to make them extra crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
22. Garlic Fries
Every garlic lover knows these fries well. In case you’re not privy, I’m talking about Gorden Biersch’s signature garlic fries! Topped with a mound of garlic, they’re a game-day favorite no matter the sport. When your favorite team is playing an away game, bust out these homemade fries to cheer them on from your couch. Thanks to frozen fries they’re super easy to make!
23. Carne Asada Fries
Carne asada fries are a San Diego favorite and a must when you’re in town. You pile a heaping of fries onto a plate and load it up with juicy carne asada, melty cheese, pico de gallo, and guac. Finding a taco shop that does good carne asada fries wherever you are might be a no-go. But that’s why homemade recipes like this exist!
24. Poutine
Poutine is a Canadian favorite every fry lover has got to try at least once. You take a big pile of fries, top it with cheese curds, and drown it in brown gravy. What bar food could be better than that?! If you can’t get your hands on some at a local eatery, give this recipe a try. It’s great for beginners and has substitutions, too.
25. Chili Cheese Fries
Chili cheese fries are as American as apple pie. Some say the dish was born in Texas while others state it’s from Missouri. Despite where it’s from, there’s no denying how much we love it in all the states. You load up a batch of fries with savory ground beef chili, sprinkle on the cheese, and add a dollop of sour cream. It’s messy, greasy, fatty, meaty, and cheesy. So it’s perfect! Click on a star to rate it!
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