There are two kinds of people in this world: those who order the fries for the table, and those who steal them off someone else’s plate. Within that, there’s a very special subgroup—the ones who order the fries, don’t Venmo request anyone, and just silently let the group benefit. Bless those people. There’s a special place in heaven for them (probably with a trio of unlimited aiolis and fountain Diet Coke).
Fries are technically a side dish, but let’s be real: they’re doing main character work. Whether they’re saving a sad dinner, showing up as girl dinner (see: Caesar salad, fries, and a Diet Coke), or loaded with toppings and eaten straight from the sheet pan, fries are the one food that almost no one can resist.
Maybe our love is fries is something we can agree on. I think as long as there’s a sauce (or, ideally two) and a good amount of it, I’m in. Extra points for seasoning and parm.
And it turns out the rest of the country feels the same. Just in time for Fry Day (July 11, conveniently a Friday this year), McCain Foods—aka the company behind one in four fries made worldwide—surveyed 5,000 Americans (with Talker Research) to get to the bottom of our collective fry obsession. The results are just as delightful as you’d expect.
Key Findings From the Fry Frontier:
Virginia tops the charts as the Fry Capital of the U.S., with the average person consuming 21 pounds of fries a year.
Alabama, Georgia, and Maryland follow close behind. (Lowkey shocked the Midwest didn’t dominate, but maybe the Culver’s crowd didn’t get the survey link.)
63% of people say fries can absolutely be considered a main dish. Correct. Especially when loaded.
63% of people say fries can absolutely be considered a main dish
65% admit to stealing fries off someone else’s plate (who hasn’t?).
83% say they’d share their last fry with someone they love. (The ultimate love language.)
Fry Preferences by State:
While most people agree the ideal fry is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the format varies wildly by state.
• Straight and seasoned took the top spot overall, especially beloved in North Dakota and Mississippi. (If your favorite spot has their own fry seasoning? Elite.)
• Curly fries rule in Alaska, Kansas, Connecticut, and Oklahoma.
• Waffle fries only reigned supreme in one state: Colorado. (Honestly? Expected more of a showing.)
Waffle fries only reigned supreme in one state
• Shoestring fries were #1 in Hawaii, New Hampshire, Michigan, Maine, and Texas.
• Crinkle-cut fries dominate in Nebraska, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Illinois—likely thanks to the Culver’s effect.
Bottom line? Americans love fries in all forms. We steal them, we serve them as dinner, and some of us even share our last one. In honor of Fry Day, here are our favorite fry-forward recipes to celebrate properly:
Our Best Homemade French Fry Recipes
Whether you’re team shoestring, sweet potato, or crinkle-cut, there’s something here to dip into.
1. Loaded Cheese Fries
Now this is a fry dish I can get behind as a meal. Maybe this is what everyone was picturing when they responded?
2. Spiralized Shoestring Fries
I would argue these are the second best type of fry, especially with some form of steak.
3. Wonder Fries
I had to throw these on here because look at how good they look? Yes, these are fingerling potatoes but I would say they rival some of the best French fries I’ve had.
4.Curly Fries
Curly fries will always reign supreme for me. I’d name these a personal #1 as long as they aren’t soggy (though, I think that goes without saying).
5. Home Fries
If you don’t have it in you to deep fry like McDonald’s this weekend, these home fries might be your best bet. Add some scallions, sauces, and you’re good to go.
6.Roasted Slap Fries
Also another way to get some great fries without having to pull out a deep-dryer or use an entire bottle of oil (because in this economy, that’s not happening).
7. Southwestern Spices Sweet Potato Fries
If nothing else, check out this recipe for the chili cilantro sour cream on the side and add to all your potatoes this weekend.
8. Disco Fries
Noah made these a few months ago and the interest had a field day with saying New Jersey copied poutine. What do you think?
9. Sweet Potato Fries
How I wish I could reach onto this plate right now. I think the dream might be having a bit of sweet potato fries next to regular fries.
10. Fake Frites
Patricia teaches us how to get crispy fries in the oven without using a ton of oil. Tip: it’s all about using an insanely hot oven and pan.
11. French Fries ala McDonald’s
How to get those classic drive through French fries at home—crispy, salted, and fresh.
What is the best fry shape, seasoning, and form?
