With over 20 types of French fries, there are so many ways to experience this wonderful side dish. From crispy shoestrings to soft steak fries, explore which fries to eat for your next burger night!
1. Standard Cut
Also known as traditional cut, these are the fries you’ll typically find in fast-food restaurants and diners. They’re usually long and relatively skinny, which gives them a crunchy texture.
2. Shoestring
These fries look just like shoestrings. They’re cut extremely thin – about ⅛ of an inch thick. Shoestrings cook quickly and have a super crunchy texture. These types of French fries are best used as a crispy garnish, but can be enjoyed as is!
3. Steak Fries
On the opposite side of the thickness spectrum are steak fries. Because of their thicker size, they’re not as crispy as other fries, but they are very soft. The size of steak fries makes them ideal for meatier meals like steak or burgers.
4. Crinkle Fries
Traditional fries are delicious, but the shape can be a bit basic. To have a bit more fun with your fries, try crinkle fries! Its ridged texture is not only fun but practical. With extra surface area, crinkle fries are the best to enjoy more sauces and condiments.
5. Curly Fries
Curly fries are your best option if you’re looking for fun fries to eat with the kids. Their spiral shape makes them more visually appealing than other cuts, but there is not much of a change in texture or taste. To make curly fries at home, you will need a special tool. Here is a recipe to try!
6. Waffle Shaped
Skip the waffle for breakfast and go for waffle fries instead! Just like waffles, this cut has a crisscross texture with lots of dips and ridges for the sauce to get into. For dip and condiment lovers, waffle-cut fries are the way to go.
7. Sweet Potato
French fries don’t have to be from potatoes. They can be made from other veggies like sweet potato! Sweet potato fries have a bolder taste and are a great choice for those who love a sweet-savory combo. Try my sweet potato fries recipe here!
8. Home Fries
Most French fries aren’t easy to make at home without special equipment. But there is one exception: home fries. These are roughly cut potatoes pan-fried on the stove rather than deep-fried. This makes them much easier to make in a typical kitchen than other fries. Home fries are a staple in many Southern breakfasts.
Get inspired with my Salt and Pepper fries for a twist on home fries!
9. Wedges
Wedges are a wonderfully thick fry that are loved for their heartiness. Unlike other fries, potato wedges have their skin on leading to a more flavorful fry. Their bigger shape makes them softer in texture, but they’re the perfect accompaniment for saucy dishes.
10. Tater Tots
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The small but fluffy tater tot is a favorite for many, especially kids. Their small but soft texture makes them addictive to munch on. Thanks to their cylindrical shape, tater tots are best for dips and toppings. Make this tater tot “nacho” recipe to see how much you can do with these fries.
11. Cottage Fries
These aren’t your typical fries. Cottage fries have a flat oval shape and are cooked similarly to home fries. If you want fries at home, cottage fries are the way to go. They’re super easy to make and can be topped with whatever you want.
12. Battered fries
Battered fries don’t have one particular shape, but they do have something special about them. Fries are battered before being fried making them even crispier! Here is a recipe for beer batter fries that will provide the best crispy texture and depth of flavor. Try these amazing battered fries at home!
13. Belgian Fries
Despite the name “French fries,” fries likely came from Belgium. So maybe “Belgian fries,” should be known as “the original fry!” These types of fries are slightly thicker than a traditional cut and are double-fried. This makes them extra crispy without neglecting their fluffy interior. To keep it traditional, enjoy Belgian fries with a side of mayonnaise!
14. Chips
In the UK, fries are referred to as chips. Traditional chips are different than conventional American fries though. Chips tend to be thicker and shorter in size, so they pair well with sauces and condiments. What’s the best way to enjoy these types of French fries? With fish of course! Pair chips with my Salmon Fish Cakes for a delicious dinner.
15. Tornado Fries
Hailing from South Korea, tornado fries are sweeping across the world. The potato is thinly spiralized on a skewer and fried. Right after frying, they’re sprinkled with salt and seasonings. Tornado fries are wonderfully crispy and are the perfect on-the-go fry.
16. Zucchini Fries
There is a constant debate on whether fries have to be made from potatoes. Zucchini fries are a great way to put that debate to rest. They’re crunchy, soft, juicy, and flavorful. If you’re adding more veggies to your diet, this could be an option! Pair zucchini fries with aioli and ranch for the best side dish.
17. Poutine
The Canadian poutine is a messy, gooey dish of excellence. These types of French fries are covered in cheese curds and rich gravy. They may not be as crunchy as plain fries, but poutine is full of textures and flavors. Once you give this dish a try, you’ll never see fries the same way again.
18. Chili Cheese Fries
Canada isn’t the only country with loaded fries! In the US, chili cheese fries are a classic in the Midwest. The fluffy fries are elevated with spicy chili and gooey cheese. These types of French fries are full of hearty flavors that will get you through the cold Midwest winters.
19. Garlic Parmesan Fries
Feeling fancy? Toss your fries in a bit of garlic and parmesan cheese! These bold tastes boost the subtle flavors of the potato for a rich dining experience. This simple twist will take your fries game to the next level.
20. Truffle Fries
Truffles are a rare and expensive fungi, so it’s not an ingredient you’ll typically see. That being said, truffles can add a lot of flavor when combined with certain foods. These types of French fries have an earthy, musky flavor that can only be achieved with the help of truffles.
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