French fries are a beloved staple in many meals, known for their crispy texture and savoury flavour. While they’re often enjoyed on their own or as a simple side, there are countless ways to incorporate fries into your side dishes to elevate your meal. Here are three creative ways to add fries to your side dish:

1. Loaded Fries

Loaded fries are a fantastic way to transform a simple side into a decadent and satisfying dish. Start with a base of crispy fries, and then pile on your favourite toppings. Here are a few variations to try:

Classic Loaded Fries: Top your fries with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions. Add a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of chives for extra flavour.

Tex-Mex Loaded Fries: Give your fries a Southwestern twist by adding seasoned ground beef, black beans, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and a dollop of guacamole. Serve with a side of salsa or sour cream.

BBQ Chicken Loaded Fries: Combine the flavours of barbecue chicken with fries by topping them with shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheddar cheese, red onions, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of cilantro.

2. Poutine

Poutine is a Canadian classic that turns fries into a rich and savoury dish. The combination of crispy fries, cheese curds, and gravy makes for an irresistible side. Here’s how to make a traditional poutine:

Ingredients:

  • French fries (homemade or store-bought)
  • Fresh cheese curds
  • Gravy (beef, chicken, or vegetarian)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the fries until golden and crispy.
  2. Place a layer of fries on a serving plate.
  3. Scatter cheese curds generously over the fries.
  4. Pour hot gravy over the fries and cheese curds, allowing the cheese to melt slightly.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, savoury goodness.

For a twist, try adding toppings like pulled pork, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions to your poutine.

3. Fries in a Salad

Incorporating fries into a salad might sound unconventional, but it adds a delightful crunch and a hint of indulgence. Here are a couple of salad ideas that feature fries:

Steak and Fries Salad: Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and slices of grilled steak. Top with crispy fries and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite steak sauce dressing.

Greek Salad with Fries: Mix together romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Add a handful of seasoned fries on top and finish with a tangy Greek dressing. The fries add a unique twist to the traditional Greek salad, making it more filling and satisfying.

Conclusion

French fries are versatile and can be used in various ways to enhance your side dishes. Whether you’re loading them with toppings, incorporating them into a hearty poutine, or adding a crunchy element to your salad, fries can elevate any meal. Get creative and experiment with these ideas to discover new and delicious ways to enjoy fries as part of your next meal.