Loaded French Fries Board

Who Invented French Fries?

Let’s start with who didn’t invent French fries. It’s France! According to the BBC, French fries originated in Belgium centuries ago. The lore (yes, there’s French fry lore) goes that in the winter of 1680, a river in current day Belgium froze over and people had to find something else to fry and eat besides fish–enter potatoes! 

But if they’re not French, why are they called French fries? Great question! It has everything to do with how they are prepared and not where they come from.  “Frenching” is a cutting technique that ensures even cooking–so all they had to do was “French” some potatoes, fry them, and there you have it: French fries.

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National French Fry Day

In my opinion every day is fry day! However, this unofficial holiday is celebrated on the second Friday (get it?) of July! 

Loaded French Fries Ingredients

• Classic french fries
• Crinkle-cut fries
• Tater tots
• Sweet potato fries
• Curly fries
• Waffle fries
• Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
• Garlic aioli
• Avocado ranch
• Ketchup
• Honey mustard
• Bacon bits
• Fry sauce (recipe below)
• Malt vinegar

Loaded French Fries Recipe Directions

• Cook the fries and tots according to their package instructions and keep warm until ready to serve.
• Add the Creole seasoning, aioli, avocado ranch, ketchup, honey mustard, bacon bits, fry sauce, and vinegar to separate small bowls. (Pro tip: Serve the bottle of malt vinegar on the side for easy use–it can get messy!) Place the bowls around the edge of the board or on a separate platter to conserve space. 
• Add the cooked fries to the board in separate sections and serve immediately, while warm.

French Fry Bar How-To Video

How To Air Fry Frozen French Fries

Depending on the size of your guest list, the oven may be the most practical tool for the job… but the air fryer is a great option for making deliciously crispy fries. Nowadays a lot of packages will have specific air frying instructions, but just in case they don’t, here’s how: 

• Preheat an air fryer to 400 degrees.
• Toss the frozen fries with olive oil (or add to the basket and spray all over with olive oil cooking spray), then spread out in an even layer in the basket of your air fryer. (It’s OK if some overlap, but don’t overcrowd!)
• Air fry for about 10 minutes, then toss and continue air frying until browned and crispy, 2-4 minutes more. 

French Fry Seasonings

You can’t go wrong with salt–it’s as classic as it gets! But I love adding a little pizazz to my fries with Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning. It has all the savory goodness of salty fries with an extra kick of flavor and a hint of spice. Try it, or give one of these seasonings a spin!:

• Old Bay
• Lawry’s French Fry Seasoning
• Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning
• McCormick® Air Fryer Loaded Seasoning Mix
• Trader Joe’s Everything But The Elote Seasoning Blend

How To Make Fry Sauce

Fry sauce is super duper easy to make. They do sell a version of it on shelves, but it’s essentially just equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise. Up your fry sauce game by adding a little garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Other French Fry Toppings Ideas

Potatoes are so amazingly versatile, and fries are no different. Get creative with your toppings! Here are some of my favorites:

• Cheese sauce
• Baked potato toppings (sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and/or chives)
• Truffle oil and parmesan
• Chili
• Feta and oregano
• Poutine (check out this recipe!)
• Taco toppings (try this recipe!)

What To Serve With French Fries 

Fries go with everything, that’s just a fact! But if you’re looking for some classic combos, try serving this french fry board with my:

• Build Your Own Burger Board 
• Build Your Own Hot Dog Board
• Bratwurst Board
• Beer Cheese Dip
• BBQ Chicken Board
• Chicken Wings (or chicken fingers!)
• Meatball Board
• Rotel Cheese Dip
• Cheese Fondue

These cheese-tastic recipes are also truly delicious:

• Classic Cheese Fries
• Nacho Tots
• Authentic Canadian Poutine