27 Delicious Foods to Enjoy with French Fries

Everyone loves French fries, but eating them alone can get boring. We often stick to the usual ketchup or mayonnaise, missing out on many tasty combinations that could make our fries more enjoyable.

You can turn your regular fries into an outstanding meal by pairing them with the right foods. In fact, there are many delicious options you might not have considered yet that work perfectly with fries.

This article will show you 27 mouthwatering foods that pair wonderfully with French fries.

From classic combinations to surprising matches, you’ll find options for every taste. These pairings will help you appreciate your fries in completely new ways.

Tasty Foods That Go Well with Fries

1. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish made with finely shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, often consisting of mayonnaise, vinegar, and a hint of sugar. Its texture balances crunchy vegetables and smooth, tangy dressing.

• It adds a cool, crisp element that contrasts with the warm fries.
• The tanginess of the dressing cuts through the heaviness of fried foods.
• A great way to balance the flavors with something light and refreshing.

2. Onion Rings

Onion rings are thick slices of onion coated in a seasoned batter, then deep-fried to golden perfection. The exterior is crunchy, while the inside remains soft and slightly sweet, offering a savory contrast to fries.

• Their crunchiness adds texture and variety to the meal.
• Onion rings provide a savory, slightly sweet flavor that complements salty fries.
• They are easy to dip, making them a fun side dish.

3. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is made from slices of bread (typically a baguette or French loaf) slathered with butter, garlic, and herbs, then toasted until golden and crispy. The texture is crispy on the outside while remaining soft and buttery inside.

• The rich, buttery taste enhances the flavor of the fries.
• Garlic bread’s crisp texture contrasts nicely with the softness of fries.
• The garlic aroma and flavor bring a savory richness to the meal.

4. Crispy Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenders are breaded and deep-fried chicken strips, offering a juicy and tender inside with a crispy, golden exterior. The texture is crunchy on the outside while remaining moist and tender on the inside, providing a hearty contrast to fries.

• Adds protein, making the meal more filling.
• The crispy coating complements the fries’ texture.
• It can be dipped in a variety of sauces for added flavor.

5. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are lightly charred over an open flame, preserving their natural flavors. The texture is tender yet slightly crisp, adding a smoky depth to the meal.

• Offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to heavier sides.
• The smoky flavor enhances the richness of the fries.
• Adds a vibrant color contrast to the plate.

6. Baked Beans

Baked beans are slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made of molasses, brown sugar, and seasonings. The texture is soft and creamy, with a rich, hearty flavor that complements the crispness of fries.

• It adds a sweet, savory element that balances salty fries.
• The creamy texture pairs well with the crunch of the fries.
• Provides a comforting, hearty option alongside fries.

7. Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are breaded and deep-fried pieces of mozzarella cheese that melt into a gooey, stretchy center. The outer coating is golden and crispy, while the inside remains soft and cheesy, offering a delightful contrast to fries.

• The gooey cheese provides a rich, savory flavor.
• The crispy crust enhances the texture experience when paired with fries.
• Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.

8. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a creamy dish made with tender pasta mixed with a rich cheese sauce, typically made from cheddar or a blend of cheeses. The texture is smooth and velvety, offering a comforting, indulgent side to fries.

• The creamy texture adds richness to the meal.
• The cheesy flavor pairs wonderfully with the saltiness of the fries.
• Offers a warm, comforting side that contrasts with the crisp fries.

9. Side Salad (with Vinaigrette)

A side salad features mixed greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula, topped with vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots tossed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh and crisp texture provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, fried fries.

• The light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the fries.
• Adds freshness and balance to the meal.
• Offers a healthy, light side that complements the heaviness of fries.

10. Hushpuppies

Hushpuppies are deep-fried cornmeal balls, typically flavored with onions and seasoning. The exterior is crispy and golden, while the interior is soft, dense, and slightly sweet, making them a delightful pairing with fries.

• The crunchy exterior provides a nice contrast to the fries’ texture.
• Their slight sweetness balances the savory flavor of fries.
• Perfect for dipping in sauces like tartar or ranch.

11. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is typically grilled or boiled, often seasoned with butter and salt. The kernels are tender and juicy, providing a sweet and savory flavor with a slight bite, making it a great side to accompany fries.

• The natural sweetness of the corn complements the saltiness of the fries.
• Adds a juicy and slightly chewy texture to the meal.
• The buttery finish enhances the richness of fried food.

12. Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are tangy pickle slices dipped in batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The exterior is crunchy, while the inside remains tangy and juicy, offering a delightful contrast to fries.

• Their tangy, salty flavor pairs well with the fries’ savory taste.
• The crispy coating adds an extra crunch to the meal.
• They’re a fun and flavorful option for dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo.

13. Pita Bread with Hummus

Pita bread is soft and slightly chewy, typically served warm and paired with creamy hummus. The texture of the pita is light and airy, while the hummus offers a smooth, rich dip, creating a unique side for fries.

• The smooth, earthy flavor of hummus complements the fries’ saltiness.
• The soft pita provides a contrasting texture to the crisp fries.
• A lighter, Mediterranean-inspired side that balances the richness of fries.

14. Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A cucumber and tomato salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a light dressing of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. The texture is crisp and refreshing, offering a cool contrast to hot, crispy fries.

• The fresh vegetables add a burst of flavor and color to the plate.
• The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the fries.
• Provides a light, healthy side that pairs well with heavier fried foods.

15. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are made from sweet potatoes, sliced into thin strips, and baked or fried until golden and crispy. The texture is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a slightly sweet contrast to traditional fries.

• The natural sweetness of the sweet potato complements the salty fries.
• Offers a healthier alternative while still satisfying the craving for crispy fries.
• The slightly caramelized edges add depth to the flavor profile.

16. Cheese Curds

Cheese curds are small, fresh chunks of cheese, typically from cheddar, with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. The texture is firm yet squeaky when bitten, offering a fun and savory side to accompany the fries.

• Their mild, cheesy flavor complements the salty fries.
• The firm yet squeaky texture adds an enjoyable contrast to the fries’ crunch.
• Often served with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy ketchup for extra flavor.

17. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo cauliflower bites are cauliflower florets coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, then baked or fried until crispy. The texture is crunchy on the outside, with a tender interior, providing a flavorful and healthy alternative to fried sides.

• The spicy buffalo sauce pairs well with the fries’ saltiness.
• A great vegetarian option that brings heat and flavor to the meal.
• The crispy coating adds texture contrast to the soft fries.

18. Garlic Parmesan Mushrooms

Garlic Parmesan mushrooms are mushrooms sautéed in garlic and butter, then tossed in Parmesan cheese. The texture is tender yet slightly chewy, with a rich, buttery flavor, creating a savory side to complement fries.

• The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs well with the crispy fries.
• Garlic and Parmesan add a rich, savory depth to the meal.
• Provides a flavorful, earthy contrast to the lightness of fries.

19. Chili

Chili is a hearty stew made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The texture is thick and rich, with tender chunks of meat and soft beans, offering a savory and warming contrast to fries.

• The robust, savory flavors of chili enhance the fries’ taste.
• Its thick, hearty texture provides a satisfying contrast to the crispy fries.
• Chili can be used as a topping for fries, making it a versatile and flavorful addition.

20. Poutine

Poutine is a Canadian dish made with fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. The fries remain crispy, while the cheese curds are soft and the gravy adds a rich, creamy texture, making it a perfect indulgent side.

• The rich, savory gravy complements the crispness of fries.
• Cheese curds add a delightful squeaky texture and a mild, tangy flavor.
• A warm, comforting side that turns fries into a complete dish.

21. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus features tender asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon. The texture is a satisfying combination of the crisp bacon and tender asparagus, offering a savory, slightly smoky side to balance the fries.

• The smoky bacon flavor pairs well with the savory fries.
• The tender asparagus offers a lighter, vegetable-based side to complement the heaviness of fries.
• The crispy bacon adds texture variety and a rich, indulgent flavor.

22. Potato Salad

Potato salad is made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, often including hard-boiled eggs, pickles, or onions. The texture is creamy and slightly chunky, providing a smooth, rich contrast to the crispy fries.

• The creamy texture complements the crispness of the fries.
• The tangy, mustard-based dressing cuts through the richness of fried food.
• Offers a cool, hearty side that balances the warmth of fries.

23. Gravy (for Dipping)

Gravy, typically made from beef or chicken drippings, is rich, savory, and smooth in texture. It pairs perfectly with fries, offering a luxurious dip or topping that adds depth and flavor.

• The rich, savory flavor of gravy enhances the fries’ taste.
• Provides a warm, comforting dip for fries.
• Adds a rich, umami-packed component to balance the fries’ saltiness.

24. Kimchi

Kimchi is a Korean fermented dish made of cabbage, radishes, and spices, with a distinctively tangy, spicy flavor. The texture is crunchy and slightly chewy, offering a zesty contrast to the mild taste of fries.

• The spicy and tangy flavors cut through the richness of the fries.
• Its crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the softness of the fries.
• Provides a unique, fermented bite that enhances the meal’s flavor profile.

25. Avocado Slices

Avocado slices are fresh, creamy, and rich with a subtle buttery flavor. The texture is smooth yet firm, offering a cool, soft contrast to the crisp, hot fries.

• The creamy texture of avocado balances the crispiness of the fries.
• Adds a refreshing, mild flavor that complements the fries’ saltiness.
• A healthy, nutrient-rich side that enhances the overall meal.

26. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A grilled cheese sandwich features melted cheese between two slices of toasted bread, creating a warm, gooey filling with a crispy exterior. The texture is soft and creamy on the inside, with a satisfying crunch on the outside.

• The cheesy, buttery richness pairs beautifully with the fries.
• The crunchy bread provides a texture that contrasts with the soft fries.
• Offers a comforting, indulgent side that enhances the meal experience.

27. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Sautéed spinach with garlic is a simple, flavorful side made with tender spinach leaves cooked in olive oil with garlic. The texture is soft and slightly wilted, with a savory, garlicky flavor.

• The earthy, garlicky flavor contrasts with the fries’ saltiness.
• Offers a healthy, vegetable-based side to balance the richness of fries.
• The soft, tender spinach provides a mild and flavorful accompaniment.

Conclusion

French fries are more than just a side dish – they’re a versatile food that can enhance many meals.

The 27 combinations we’ve shared prove that fries can complement different flavors and textures, from savory to sweet and from crunchy to creamy.

These pairings matter because they can help you create more interesting meals without much effort. Instead of serving plain fries next time, try one of these combinations to make your meal more enjoyable.

Next time you’re having fries, experiment with some of these pairings to create a more exciting dining experience.

Don’t forget to share your favorite combination in the comments below – we’d love to hear what works best for you!