Unraveling the Best Fast Food French Fries: Insights from Top Chefs
We all have our favorite fries—those crispy, salty morsels that complement any fast food meal. But which fast food chain truly has the best French fries? To settle this delicious debate, we asked four esteemed chefs to weigh in. Their verdict? You might be surprised by their top choice!
Key Takeaways
- Four professional chefs evaluated fast food French fries based on texture, seasoning, and temperature.
- An unexpected chain emerged as a unanimous favorite, beating the ever-popular McDonald’s.
The Chef Panel: Meet Our Connoisseurs
To bring you expert insights, we consulted a diverse panel of chefs known for their culinary creativity and passion for food:
- Matt Ayala – Executive Chef at Francois Frankie in Chicago, Illinois
- Elliot Bell – Chef-owner of Charlie’s in St. Helena, California
- Dominic Iannarelli – Chef-owner of Prime & Providence in West Des Moines, Iowa
- Vivek Surti – Founder and owner of Tailor in Nashville, Tennessee
What Makes the Perfect Fast Food French Fry?
The fast food French fry landscape is as vast as it is varied. From crinkle cuts to steak fries, there are countless variations on this beloved side dish. Yet, when it comes to the best fries, certain qualities stand out:
Crispiness
“Texture is the biggest quality that I look for in fast food French fries,” says Chef Bell. The best fries boast a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, fluffy inside.Seasoning
Potatoes are a blank canvas for flavors. Adequate seasoning, especially salt, is crucial for elevating the taste of fries from bland to extraordinary.- Temperature
Fries should be served hot and crispy. Chef Ayala emphasizes, “Lukewarm or cold fries simply don’t compare." The ideal fry should be an inviting vessel for any dipping sauce.
The Winner: Curly Fries from Arby’s
In a surprising twist, our chef panel unanimously selected Arby’s curly fries as the best fast food French fries, leaving McDonald’s and Rally’s/Checkers in the dust.
Chef Surti declares, “Arby’s wins for several reasons. They’re curly, which adds a playful element. Plus, the seasoning goes beyond basic salt, offering a depth of flavor.” The curly shape creates more surface area, allowing for more crispy bits and seasoned goodness.
Chef Iannarelli adds, “The novelty of curly fries is appealing, especially since so few places serve them.”
Why Arby’s Fries Outshine the Competition
Arby’s curly fries deliver on the trifecta of fast food excellence: texture, seasoning, and temperature. According to Chef Ayala, “They always come out hot and crispy, making them a must-have on any fast food trip.”
Dipping Delights: Best Sauces for Arby’s Curly Fries
While Arby’s curly fries are delicious on their own, pairing them with the right sauce elevates the experience. Here are the top five dipping sauces our chefs recommend:
- Horsey Sauce: A zesty horseradish delight that adds a kick.
- Ketchup: “I’m all about the classic fries and ketchup,” Chef Surti shares.
- Buttermilk Ranch: This comforting sauce brings a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with fried food.
- Cheddar Cheese Sauce: A splurge worth every penny; it transforms fries into a cheesy extravaganza.
- Arby’s Sauce: A sweet and smoky blend perfect for cutting through the richness of fried foods.
Final Thoughts
As the debate over the best fast food fries continues, one thing is clear: Arby’s curly fries have stolen the spotlight from heavyweights like McDonald’s. Armed with crispiness, unique shape, and a medley of seasonings, they have emerged as a beloved favorite.
So, the next time you find yourself craving those golden streaks of goodness, consider heading over to Arby’s for a taste of their award-winning curly fries. Happy munching!
