Loaded fries are a popular comfort food, perfect for sharing during game nights, parties, or a cozy night in. But have you ever wondered: What goes with Fried potatoes? In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore a wide variety of complementary dishes, sauces, and beverages that will elevate your loaded fries experience to the next level.
What Makes Loaded Fries So Versatile?
Loaded fries are endlessly customizable. They can be topped with cheese, bacon, jalapeños, sour cream, and much more. Their versatility makes them an ideal dish to pair with a variety of foods. But what goes with Fried potatoes that will really take them over the top?
One of the reasons Fried potatoes are so beloved is that they can serve as both a snack and a full meal. Whether you’re having a laid-back evening at home or hosting a gathering, loaded fries can easily be enhanced by pairing them with other dishes and drinks that complement their rich flavors. For an in-depth look at the magic of loaded chips, check out this article on the cultural impact of Fried potatoes.
To craft the perfect loaded fries experience, it’s crucial to select dishes that provide a balance of textures and flavors—think crunchy, creamy, spicy, or tangy. Learn more about creating balanced flavor profiles by visiting this resource on flavor pairings.
Top Dishes to Pair with Loaded Fries
To answer the question, what goes with loaded fries, we need to consider a variety of options. Fried potatoes are bold and indulgent, so complementary dishes need to match or balance their richness. Below, we have listed some of the best foods that you can pair with your loaded fries to make your meal complete.
1. Grilled Meats
Grilled meats are the perfect partner for loaded fries. The smoky flavors of grilled chicken, steak, or even grilled vegetables provide a delicious contrast to the creamy and cheesy toppings on Fried potatoes.
- Grilled Chicken Wings: The tangy sauce and smoky flavor of grilled wings create the ideal contrast to the richness of loaded fries.
- BBQ Ribs: Sticky BBQ ribs and Fried potatoes make an irresistible pair.
- Kebabs: Whether it’s lamb, beef, or even veggie kebabs, the charred exterior and juiciness add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
2. Fresh Salads
Fresh salads can help balance the heaviness of loaded fries by adding brightness and acidity. A crisp, well-seasoned salad helps to cleanse the palate and keeps your meal feeling light.
- Caesar Salad: The crunchiness of romaine lettuce and the creaminess of Caesar dressing offer a nice textural contrast.
- Greek Salad: Featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, this salad adds a tangy kick that pairs well with savory loaded fries.
- Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula, topped with shaved parmesan and a light lemon vinaigrette, is a refreshing accompaniment.
3. Dips and Sauces
The right dipping sauce can enhance the flavors of loaded fries. Consider adding some of the following to your spread:
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy and rich, garlic aioli makes every bite of loaded fries more indulgent.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: If you like a kick, sriracha mayo is a perfect pairing.
- Ranch Dressing: Classic ranch dressing adds a cooling element that works well with spicy toppings.
4. Burgers and Sandwiches
Loaded fries also pair exceptionally well with burgers and sandwiches. The combination of a hearty sandwich with crispy fries creates a satisfying meal that leaves you wanting more.
- Classic Cheeseburger: Juicy beef patties with cheese match perfectly with loaded chips for a classic comfort meal.
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: The smoky flavor of pulled pork, mixed with barbecue sauce, complements the creaminess of Fried potatoes.
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Crunchy chicken paired with spicy or tangy toppings makes this sandwich a hit alongside loaded fries.
5. Refreshing Beverages
Choosing the right drink to serve with your loaded fries can also improve the overall experience. You need something refreshing to cut through the richness.
- Craft Beers: A hoppy IPA or crisp lager works great with Fried potatoes. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate.
- Iced Lemonade: Tart, sweet lemonade is refreshing and offsets the richness of the fries.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: A simple yet effective way to refresh your palate without overpowering the flavors of your food.
6. Vegetarian and Vegan Options
If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, there are still plenty of great pairing options for loaded fries. You can easily create delicious dishes that complement the flavors without using animal products.
- Black Bean Burger: A hearty black bean patty is an excellent pairing for Fried potatoes topped with vegan cheese.
- Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: The umami flavor of mushrooms is perfect for creating a balance with the Fried potatoes.
- Chickpea Salad: A chickpea salad made with fresh herbs and lemon juice is a light side that offsets the richness of the loaded fries.
7. Tacos and Mexican-Inspired Dishes
Mexican flavors work very well with loaded fries, especially when the toppings involve ingredients like cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole.
- Beef Tacos: Ground beef tacos with all the toppings are an excellent match for Fried potatoes.
- Chicken Quesadilla: The crispy tortilla and gooey cheese of a quesadilla are perfect with loaded fries.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): The tangy, creamy, and spicy flavors of elote pair beautifully with Fried potatoes.
8. Soups and Stews
While it might sound unusual, certain types of soups or stews go very well with loaded fries. A rich stew can add depth to your meal, while a light soup can act as a palate cleanser.
- Chili: A bowl of hearty chili pairs perfectly with Fried potatoes, especially if the chips are topped with cheese and jalapeños.
- Tomato Basil Soup: The acidity and creaminess of tomato soup balance out the richness of loaded fries.
- French Onion Soup: The savory, cheesy nature of French onion soup complements the flavors in Fried potatoes.
9. International Flavors
Loaded fries can be paired with a variety of international dishes to create a unique and exciting flavor profile. Here are some suggestions:
- Butter Chicken: The creamy, spicy nature of butter chicken works surprisingly well with loaded fries, adding an Indian-inspired twist.
- Shawarma: Fried potatoes topped with shawarma chicken, pickles, and garlic sauce create a delightful Middle Eastern-inspired fusion.
- Kimchi and Bulgogi: Korean flavors like spicy kimchi and sweet bulgogi beef pair wonderfully with loaded Fried potatoes for an adventurous meal.
10. Breakfast Pairings
Who says loaded fries are just for lunch or dinner? Breakfast-Fried potatoes can be a game-changer. Here are some ideas for enjoying loaded fries in the morning:
- Eggs and Bacon: Top loaded fries with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese for a decadent breakfast.
- Avocado and Poached Egg: Fried potatoes topped with avocado slices, poached eggs, and a drizzle of hollandaise make for an indulgent brunch.
- Chorizo and Salsa: Add chorizo, fresh salsa, and a sunny-side-up egg to your loaded fries for a Mexican-inspired breakfast.
11. Comfort Foods
Loaded fries can be paired with other comfort foods for a truly indulgent experience. Combining multiple comfort dishes creates the ultimate feast, perfect for a cozy evening in.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese served alongside or even on top of loaded fries makes for a comforting and cheesy treat.
- Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken paired with Fried potatoes brings out the best of both worlds—crunchy, savory, and indulgent.
- Meatloaf: Classic meatloaf with a rich gravy pairs wonderfully with Fried potatoes, adding depth to the meal.
12. Appetizers and Starters
If you’re hosting a gathering and serving loaded fries as the main attraction, consider adding some appetizers and starters to your menu to complement the chips.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Cheesy mozzarella sticks pair well with Fried potatoes, especially when dipped in marinara sauce.
- Jalapeño Poppers: The spicy kick from jalapeño poppers complements the savory toppings on loaded fries.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Mushrooms stuffed with cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs offer a lighter bite that balances the heavier Fried potatoes.
13. Sweet Pairings
Balancing savory Fried potatoes with something sweet can create a satisfying contrast. Here are some dessert options to consider:
- Milkshakes: A thick, creamy milkshake—whether vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry—is a classic pairing with fries that adds a sweet and cooling element.
- Apple Pie: The tartness and sweetness of apple pie offer a delightful contrast to the salty, cheesy fries.
- Churros: A few churros with cinnamon sugar and a side of chocolate sauce provide a sweet ending to your loaded fries meal.
14. Regional and Specialty Fries
There are also regional variations of Fried potatoes that pair well with different toppings and sides. Here are a few regional styles to try:
- Poutine: This Canadian classic features fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. Add pulled pork or sautéed mushrooms for an extra twist.
- Disco Fries: Popular in New Jersey, disco fries are topped with cheese and gravy, making them perfect for pairing with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
- Chili Cheese Fries: Topped with chili and cheese, these Fried potatoes are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but they pair well with a crisp coleslaw or pickled jalapeños to cut through the heaviness.
15. Creative Garnishes and Toppings
To truly elevate your loaded fries, consider using creative garnishes and toppings that add flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Pickled Red Onions: The tangy acidity of pickled red onions cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon, adding brightness to each bite.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions add freshness and a pop of color.
- Crumbled Feta: For a Mediterranean twist, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over your loaded fries along with some diced tomatoes and olives.
- Truffle Oil: A drizzle of truffle oil can add an element of luxury to your Fried potatoes, enhancing their aroma and depth of flavor.
16. Gourmet Cheese Pairings
Cheese is a must-have topping for loaded fries, but why not take it up a notch with some gourmet cheese pairings?
- Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese adds a sharp, tangy bite to Fried potatoes, balancing out the creamy elements.
- Brie: Melted brie on top of Fried potatoes adds a luxurious, creamy texture that takes them to the next level.
- Goat Cheese: Goat cheese offers a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or honey drizzled on top of Fried potatoes.
17. Seafood Pairings
Seafood may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of loaded fries, but certain seafood dishes can be a surprisingly delightful combination.
- Shrimp Scampi: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter pairs exceptionally well with loaded fries, adding a coastal twist.
- Smoked Salmon: Fried potatoes topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers offer a unique twist reminiscent of a bagel with lox.
- Crab Dip: Creamy crab dip served alongside Fried potatoes provides a rich and indulgent pairing that seafood lovers will enjoy.
18. Healthy Pairings
If you’re looking to lighten up your loaded fries experience, there are healthy pairing options that can add nutritional value without compromising flavor.
- Grilled Veggie Platter: Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus provide a colorful, nutrient-rich side that contrasts with the richness of Fried potatoes.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette adds protein and freshness to the meal.
- Baked Tofu: Seasoned baked tofu offers a high-protein, plant-based option that pairs well with spicy or sweet toppings on loaded fries.
19. Specialty Meats
For a more adventurous approach, consider pairing your loaded fries with specialty meats to add a gourmet touch.
- Duck Confit: The richness of duck confit pairs well with Fried potatoes, especially when topped with a cherry or plum sauce to balance the flavors.
- Lamb Chops: Lamb chops seasoned with rosemary and garlic add a bold flavor that contrasts well with cheesy Fried potatoes.
- Pastrami: Thin slices of pastrami add a smoky, peppery flavor to loaded fries, creating a deli-inspired experience.
20. Themed Loaded Fries
You can also create themed Fried potatoes by incorporating flavors and toppings that follow a specific cuisine or concept.
- Mediterranean Loaded Fries: Topped with hummus, diced tomatoes, olives, feta, and tzatziki sauce, these fries offer a fresh and flavorful experience.
- Tex-Mex Fried potatoes: Add seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
- BBQ Fried potatoes: Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and crispy fried onions make for a Southern-inspired loaded fry dish.
FAQs: Answering Your Questions About Loaded Fries
What Goes Well with French Fries?
French fries go well with a wide range of dishes and sides. Burgers, grilled meats, and fresh salads are just a few examples of dishes that pair wonderfully with classic French fries. Dips like ketchup, aioli, and barbecue sauce are also popular accompaniments.
What Type of Fries Are Best for Fried potatoes?
The best type of chips for Savory Snack Pairings is thick-cut or steak chips. They provide a sturdy base for holding all the delicious toppings without getting soggy. Waffle fries are another excellent option, as their unique shape holds toppings well.
What Do People Eat French Fries For?
People enjoy French chips as a snack, side dish, or even a main meal when loaded with toppings. They’re versatile and can be served with anything from burgers to salads.
What Are the Best Toppings for French Fries?
The best toppings for French fries include cheese, bacon, jalapeños, sour cream, and green onions. For a more creative twist, consider adding buffalo chicken, guacamole, or even pulled pork.