10 Ways To Elevate Those Boring Frozen French Fries
French fries are a diverse and often tasty, savory treat to enjoy, whether you order them as a quick snack at the drive-through or as a satisfying side dish at your favorite restaurant. However, they aren't always the healthiest option on the menu, and sometimes those late-night cravings hit hard at home after the restaurants are closed. Fast food french fries are often deemed unhealthy because of the type of oils that they are fried in, along with the added salt and sugar, which can result in serious health conditions if consumed too frequently, according to She Finds. If you're a big fan of fried, crispy, salty fries, then stashing a few bags of frozen french fries in your freezer might sound like a no-brainer. However, just dumping the bag onto a baking sheet and sprinkling some salt might leave you feeling a bit disappointed or unsatisfied.
The good news is that frozen french fries are the perfect opportunity to get adventurous in the kitchen without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen prepping and cooking. In fact, simply utilizing your air fryer can significantly cut back on the health risks that are often associated with french fries, according to Healthier Steps. Frozen fries are simple to doctor up with a few tricks and common ingredients around your kitchen. Check out these tips for everything from snacks to main dish ideas and elevate a basic food item like french fries to a whole new level right in your own home.
1. Get the perfect crunch and satisfy your craving
Part of the allure of salty french fries is the satisfying crunch that comes with frying them up in some piping-hot oil. This is something that restaurants and fast food joints can easily make happen because of the big industrial fryers that cook fries up in a matter of minutes. However, you can still achieve this satisfying fried texture at home with a bag of frozen fries. At-home, smaller fryers are available for your countertop or you can utilize a large pot, wire-straining ladle, or tongs to fry on your own.
The equipment is the easy part; however, there are a lot of options when it comes to what oil is best for frying your fries. According to Eat Pallet, one common option for deep frying at home is practically a staple ingredient, and that's canola oil. This oil is great for frying because you can bring it to very high temperatures and it will not change the flavor of what you're cooking. It also will not burn until it reaches an extreme temperature, which can also affect the taste. Canola oil is a well-known ingredient and is usually quite affordable, which ranks it high on the list of oils to fry with. Yet, there are healthier options, such as tallow, or the fat that naturally occurs when cooking beef, which can also be brought to a high temp. Refined coconut oil is another option that is nearly flavorless.
2. Toss them in olive oil before cooking, baking, or air frying
If you're still on the fence about what oil to use, try tossing your frozen fries in some olive oil before cooking. Olive oil has a unique flavor, will create the desired crunch, and will help your seasonings stick to the fries better. In terms of health, olives naturally contain nutrients, good fats, and antioxidants, all of which are present in extra virgin olive oil, according to Olive Wellness Institute. These helpful antioxidants have been linked to a great number of health benefits, especially when it comes to the heart. Continued, regular use of extra virgin olive oil could do everything from reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and preventing strokes and heart disease, to lowering your chance of developing certain cancers.
The best way to toss your fries in olive oil is to coat the bottom and sides of a large bowl with the oil. Add your frozen fries and stir with a spoon or with your hands until the fries are evenly covered. Drizzle more oil over the fries as needed. After the fries have had a few moments to absorb the oil, then sprinkle on your seasonings. Garlic powder, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper, and more will elevate the flavor of the potato and pair perfectly with the olive oil. Olive oil can reach a high temperature; however, it is best used for baking or air frying. It would be expensive to use olive oil for deep frying.
3. Get extra creative with spice blends
Frozen fries may seem like an American side dish that is typically served plainly with salt and ketchup, but there are endless ways to get creative. Potatoes have a perfect neutral flavor that is an ideal blank canvas for different spices from around the world. From spicy to savory and even a little sweet, you can keep it simple with a few spices or really go big and create your own blends that could become your new go-to for easy meals.
According to Herb Class, mixing your own spice and herb blends is one of the easiest ways to elevate your dishes with minimal effort. To master a flavorful blend, it's important to consider how big your portion is, what other flavors will be part of the meal, and what herbs inherently work well together. Through trial and error, a few last-minute dashes, and with the help of some experts you can easily put together a blend that will take your frozen french fries to another level.
If you're feeling stuck, consider thinking about other dishes that you love. For example, think chili or tacos and get a little spicy with paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Sprinkle on some cheese, and dollop sour cream and you've got a brand new take on taco night. Or think of Italian dishes and get savory with garlic and basil. There are endless recipes for seasoned french fries, so don't be afraid to take inspiration from your favorites and go from there.
4. Top them with melted cheese or cheese sauce for a savory, creamy snack
Unseasoned frozen french fries are a blank canvas and were practically made to be paired with cheese. A salty, crispy outside topped with melted, creamy cheese is a combination that never gets old. Toss some parmesan cheese over top of the fries in your air fryer and get really melty, or sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top when they are fresh out of the oven. This simple trick can transform your side dish into an unforgettable addition, or it can even be the highlight of your meal. Not to mention this is an exciting, inexpensive, and satisfying way to stretch your meal or upgrade leftovers from the night before.
If you want to get really savory, you can try melting cheese into a sauce to slather all over your fries. According to Hy-Vee, Colby and Havarti cheese are perfect for melting and they are quite common at most grocery stores. These are pretty mild in taste and can really elevate your frozen fries without overpowering your taste buds or stealing the spotlight from your main dish.
For a more noticeable flavor, try melting Swiss over a plate of fries. You can easily pair this with some mushrooms and gravy for some added extra flair. Gouda has a slightly smoky flavor that will melt perfectly and goes great with bacon bits, and the same goes for Provolone. These melted cheeses will have everyone coming back for seconds.
5. Add gravy and other sauces for an exciting side dish
Crunchy fries with ketchup are an excellent snack, but what about transforming frozen french fries into something a little more filling? Mashed potatoes and gravy are a classic combination, so why not try french fries with gravy for the same effect?
Brown gravy over french fries is a great place to start experimenting. You likely have a gravy packet in your cabinet, and if not, they're inexpensive at most stores. A cheese like Swiss, along with some hearty vegetables like mushrooms or onions would combine for a well-rounded dish. However, there are many other options when it comes to gravy that you might have overlooked.
As it stands, there are at least a dozen different types of gravy that are popular around the United States, depending on what region you are in. The base for all gravies includes fat, some kind of thickening agent like flour or cornstarch, and liquid, including stocks. This combination is simple but can transform your frozen fries into something elegant. You can try red-eye gravy, which is made from the fat on ham, or something more flavorful, such as shrimp gravy made with bacon and shrimp. Each recipe is slightly different depending on where you are in the country, for example, tomato gravy could be made without meat, or with pork or chicken fat.
When serving french fries and gravy, be sure to pour the gravy over top and serve immediately. The fries will slowly lose their crunch as they absorb the gravy, and no one likes soggy fries.
6. Top them with a protein and ditch the bread
Topping a pile of fries with some type of protein is a great, creative way to make a sandwich without bread but with some starch that will fill you up. Think about deconstructing a sandwich and stacking it on fries instead. This is also a great way to enjoy a gluten-free meal that doesn't feel like it's missing something. For example, the next time you're craving a burger or a roast beef sandwich, but can't eat the bread, consider placing your burger patty or roast beef right on top of a big pile of crispy french fries. They will absorb the flavor and leave you feeling full and satisfied.
This idea isn't exactly low carb, but complex starchy carbs like potatoes are healthier than some other carbs, such as white flour. According to Healthline, potatoes, especially ones with the skin left on, are an excellent source of fiber and other nutrients. The next time you're out of ideas for a meal, toss some frozen fries in a bowl and top them with a grilled piece of chicken with roasted cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, or a pile of shredded pork with barbecue sauce, a combination of pepperoni and cheese, or a juicy slice of meatloaf. If you're feeling stuck, frozen fries can almost always replace mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. This is your opportunity to make a hearty home-cooked meal while keeping the process quick and simple. Peeling, boiling, or baking potatoes can take time, but frozen french fries are an easy shortcut.
7. Make them the centerpiece of your meal
French fries are so often thought of as a side dish or a quick snack, but they can easily hold their own as the centerpiece of your meal, and a big meal at that. If you've found some frozen fries that have the skin on them, you'll even be sneaking in a few more extra healthy nutrients while satisfying your family's appetites.
Pizza is enjoyed by so many and frozen french fries can serve as an alternative crust in a pinch or if you need a fresh take on a classic meal. These are a perfect option for game night or a movie night because they are easy to share, handheld, and you can feed a whole group with just a few ingredients. Prepare your fries on a large baking sheet and once they're golden brown pour pizza sauce over the fries and sprinkle with your favorite cheese and sliced pepperoni. Don't forget to add the typical pizza seasonings, such as garlic powder, fresh basil, and dried oregano. Take the meal to another level with other popular toppings such as sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and other typical veggie toppers.
Are you and your friends a big fan of buffalo chicken pizza? You can refresh that idea with some fries as well. With a bag of frozen fries, you can toss them in light buffalo sauce, add shredded chicken, and cream cheese, and then layer on the mozzarella. Most toppings that work on a pizza will work on french fries as well.
8. More ideas for making them the centerpiece of your meal
Tacos or nachos are another classic meal that you can serve with fries instead of chips. Ground beef with taco seasonings can be served right on top of fries in lieu of classic tortilla chips. Next, add all of your favorite toppings that would typically go on nachos, such as cheese, tomatoes, guacamole, jalapeños, sour cream, and green onions. This is also an excellent way to stretch leftovers into another meal, making the possibilities endless.
Next, try transforming your fries into a Philly cheese steak surprise. Top a pile of fries with thinly sliced ribeye, add some grilled peppers and onions, and then add the cheese on top. You can serve these up on a large baking sheet, which is great for a big group of guests. For an added touch, add on the cheese at the end of the cooking process and hit the broil setting on your oven for a few minutes. This will get your cheese to that melted, slightly golden brown look that appears both professional and delicious. Other serving tips include, frying or baking your french fries before adding the toppings on for a really good crunch. Finally, never forget the seasonings. Just because you are adding a healthy heap of toppings on that doesn't mean you should neglect the actual potatoes. At the very least, remember to add salt and pepper, or give them a little something extra for some added pizazz.
9. Batter them and pair them with the perfect dipping sauce
Battering your frozen fries is another way to add even more crunch and flavor to this very basic frozen food item. A simple batter will be delicious but you can also get creative here. However, the real fun starts with the many dipping sauces to make or choose from. With everything from simple to complex, to savory and sweet, the right dipping sauce can elevate your fries beyond just ketchup.
Sweet may seem like an odd combination with potatoes, which are typically considered savory, however, the mild flavor of potatoes makes them easy to work with. If you like dipping your fries into your milkshake then the sweet, salty combination of fries and duck sauce, caramel sauce, or even cream cheese frosting may be your new favorite.
You might be convinced that ketchup is all you'll ever need for french fries, but consider these other salty, savory flavors. A good rule of thumb is that if it goes with chips, it will probably go with fries. Garlic hummus or roasted red pepper hummus with fries can be a great appetizer that doesn't contain a lot of added sugar. Or you can pull out the chip dips, such as French onion or creamy ranch dip. Salad dressings can work also as dipping sauces. Put out some Caesar, thousand island dressing, or even french dressing. These can be an alternative if you're out of ketchup or if you are craving something different.
10. Replace hashbrowns with fries for breakfast
French fries do not inherently scream breakfast, but hash browns, fried potatoes, and homefries certainly do, especially if you're a fan of a good diner or pancake house. The best thing about potatoes is that they can be prepared a hundred different ways but the flavor is pretty consistent across the board, which makes them interchangeable most of the time.
Fried, crunchy potatoes are a tasty addition to any meal, but beyond that, they are an excellent source of nutrients. According to the National Potato Council of Kenya, potatoes contain potassium, fiber, several other vitamins, and more nutrients that will give your immune system a boost and promote healthy circulation. Why not incorporate frozen fries into the most important meal of the day?
Consider tossing those leftover fries from dinner last night into the air fryer for breakfast the next morning. You can replace hash browns and homefries with French fries on the side of your breakfast, or you can incorporate them even further into your meal. Try serving a poached egg or eggs over easy on top of your fries. The yolk will work as a delicious sauce and help soften the fries. This savory addition can transform your breakfast into a restaurant-quality meal that will have you ready for the day ahead.