The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of French Fries: From Curly to Sweet Potato

From classic cuts to creative twists, this ultimate guide covers every crispy type and flavor of french fries to satisfy your cravings. Take a look at this list and enjoy!

Different types of french fries have become more than just a side dish, they’re a staple enjoyed worldwide, adding a satisfying crunch and flavor to countless meals. From classic straight-cut fries to curly, waffle, and sweet potato varieties, each type brings its own unique taste and texture to the table. 

But just how many types of fries are there, and which ones deserve a spot in the top ten? This guide dives into the most popular types of French fries and reveals the best dips and sauces for each, helping you make every bite as delicious as possible. 

Along the way, we’ll explore fun facts about where some of these beloved variations began and how they became so popular.

A brief history of french fries

The origins of French fries are a hotly debated topic, with both Belgium and France laying claim to the invention. According to Belgian lore, villagers in the Meuse Valley began frying potatoes as a substitute for fish during the winter months when rivers froze over, a tradition dating back to the late 17th century. 

Meanwhile, the French argue that fries first appeared in Parisian bistros in the late 18th century, where they became known as "pommes frites" and soon became popular with locals.

From these humble beginnings, French fries have traveled the globe, transforming into a beloved staple. In the U.S., fries found fame alongside burgers and milkshakes, while in the UK, "chips" are an essential part of classic fish and chips. 

Around the world, we now find countless variations, from Canada’s poutine to South Africa's “slap chips”, showcasing how fries have adapted to suit local tastes and become an international favorite.

The different types of french fries

Here’s a huge list of different types of french fries to explore, each with unique characteristics, cooking methods, and flavors. From the classic to the adventurous, there’s something for every fry lover here!

1. Classic straight-cut fries

The go-to french fry, straight-cut fries are typically sliced into even, medium-thickness sticks. They’re most commonly deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft, fluffy interior. These pair well with classic dips like ketchup, mustard, or ranch.

2. Curly fries

Curly fries stand out with their corkscrew shape and flavorful seasoning, often including paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Their distinctive spiral shape and spiced crust make them perfect for dipping in spicy sauces or creamy dressings.

3. Crinkle-cut fries

With their wave-like shape, crinkle-cut fries have more surface area to hold sauces, enhancing every bite. Their unique texture comes from being cut with a crinkle knife and deep-fried for a slightly crunchy exterior. These fries are great with classic ketchup or cheese dips.

4. Shoestring fries

As some of the thinnest fries, shoestrings cook up fast and super crispy, giving them a chip-like crunch. They’re perfect for people who prefer a crispier fry, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of sea salt and malt vinegar or paired with aioli.

5. Waffle fries

Waffle fries have a lattice design, made by slicing the potato in both directions with a special cutter. Their large surface area makes them ideal for scooping up hearty sauces or cheese, and they’re delicious with everything from spicy ketchup to buffalo ranch.

6. Steak fries

These thick, substantial fries have a soft, fluffy center and are often baked, giving them a less greasy taste than other fried types. With a chunky size and rich potato flavor, steak fries pair perfectly with hearty sauces like ketchup or BBQ sauce.

7. Sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweet taste that balances with savory or spicy sauces, like chipotle mayo or cinnamon-infused ketchup. Baked or fried, they’re a popular choice for their added nutritional benefits and delicious flavor.

8. Belgian fries

Belgian frites are traditionally double-fried, giving them a crispy outside and a soft, pillowy interior. They’re thicker than American fries and often served with mayonnaise, mustard, or a variety of unique sauces, from curry ketchup to Andalouse.

9. Garlic fries

These fries are coated in freshly minced garlic and herbs after frying, infusing them with a bold, savory flavor. Garlic fries are a popular appetizer, especially when paired with herb-infused aioli or even just plain for garlic lovers.

10. Truffle fries

Truffle fries bring a gourmet twist to the table. Drizzled with truffle oil and sprinkled with Parmesan, these fries have a rich, earthy flavor, perfect for upscale dining. Pair them with garlic aioli or enjoy on their own for a decadent treat.

11. Cottage fries

Cottage fries are round slices that are thicker and more robust, offering a different texture than traditional fries. Often baked or pan-fried, they’re great for scooping up toppings or sauces like sour cream and chive dip.

12. Tornado fries

Tornado fries are whole potatoes spiral-cut and skewered, creating a long, fun-to-eat shape. These are often seasoned heavily, perfect for holding onto dips and enjoyed at fairs or festivals with a side of hot sauce or melted cheese.

13. Poutine fries

A Canadian classic, poutine consists of fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy, creating a savory, comforting dish. The fries are thick-cut and slightly crisp to hold up under the toppings, which blend beautifully for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

14. Tater tots

While not a traditional fry, tater tots are grated potatoes formed into small, cylindrical shapes and fried to golden perfection. Known for their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, they’re often served as a side or topped with cheese and bacon.

15. Smiley fries

Smiley fries, made from mashed potatoes formed into smiley faces, are often baked or fried to a light crisp. They’re especially popular with kids but make for a fun addition to any meal with a side of ketchup or honey mustard.

16. Home fries

Home fries are diced potatoes typically pan-fried with onions, sometimes peppers, and seasoned to perfection. While often served at breakfast, their hearty flavor makes them a great side dish for any meal.

17. Disco fries

A classic on the East Coast of the U.S., disco fries are similar to poutine but topped with melted cheese and brown gravy, often made with American cheese. The combination is warm, gooey, and delicious—a favorite for late-night snacking.

18. British chips

Thicker than typical fries, British chips are softer inside and have a more rustic, hearty feel. Often served with malt vinegar or salt, they’re an essential component of “fish and chips,” enjoyed with a side of tartar sauce.

19. Chili cheese fries

Chili cheese fries are a meal in themselves, featuring fries loaded with seasoned chili and melted cheese, often topped with green onions or jalapeños. This is a hearty, indulgent option, perfect for game days or sharing.

20. Parmesan fries

Parmesan fries are typically tossed in freshly grated Parmesan and sometimes sprinkled with herbs like rosemary. The cheese adds a savory layer to the fries, often served with garlic aioli or marinara sauce for a flavorful pairing.

The top 10 french fries ranked

Ranking the top 10 fast-food French fries involves evaluating taste, texture, and popularity. Based on insights from sources like Tasting Table and The daily meal, here's a curated list:

1. McDonald's fries: Renowned for their consistent crispness and balanced saltiness, McDonald's fries are a global favorite. Their thin, golden appearance and unique flavor have made them a staple in fast-food dining;
2. Arby's curly fries: arby's offers seasoned curly fries with a distinctive spiral shape, providing a flavorful and crispy experience. The seasoning blend adds a unique taste that sets them apart;
3. Chick-fil-A waffle fries: known for their waffle shape, these fries have a substantial surface area, making them perfect for dipping. Their soft interior and crispy exterior offer a satisfying texture;
4. Five Guys fries: Five Guys serves hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil, resulting in a rich, natural potato flavor. Customers can choose between the classic style or a Cajun-spiced version for added zest;
5. Shake Shack crinkle-cut fries: Shake Shack's crinkle-cut fries are praised for their crispy texture and nostalgic appeal. Their unique shape enhances the eating experience, making them a popular choice. 
6. Wendy's Natural-Cut fries: Wendy's offers natural-cut fries with the skin on, providing a more rustic taste. They are seasoned with sea salt, offering a balance between crispness and a hearty potato flavor;
7. Del Taco crinkle-cut fries: Del Taco's crinkle-cut fries have been recognized for their quality and taste, even earning the top spot in USA Today's 10Best awards. Their unique texture and flavor make them a standout choice;
8. In-N-Out fries: In-N-Out prepares fries fresh from whole potatoes, offering a natural taste. While opinions vary, many appreciate their straightforward, unadulterated flavor;
9. Popeyes Cajun fries: Popeyes adds a Cajun seasoning to their fries, providing a spicy kick that complements their fried chicken offerings. The seasoning adds a unique flavor profile to the traditional fry;
10. Burger King fries: Burger King's thick-cut fries offer a substantial bite with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. They are lightly salted, allowing the potato flavor to shine through. 

These rankings reflect a combination of traditional favorites and innovative variations, each offering a unique taste and texture experience.

Pairing french fries with sauces and dips

Pairing french fries with sauces can elevate each bite. Classic fries pair well with ketchup or ranch, while curly fries are perfect with spicy mayo or sriracha aioli. Crinkle-cut fries hold cheese sauce or honey mustard, while waffle fries shine with buffalo or blue cheese dressing. 

Steak fries match well with BBQ or chipotle mayo, and sweet potato fries are delicious with maple dip or cinnamon honey butter. Belgian fries, often double-fried, pair nicely with Belgian mayo or curry ketchup. 

Garlic and truffle fries go best with garlic aioli or pesto aioli for a gourmet twist. Lastly, smiley fries keep it fun with ketchup or honey mustard, making every fry unique in flavor and texture.

Satisfy your fry cravings with Picnic’s delicious options!

Satisfy your fry cravings with Picnic’s delicious options and discover a world of flavors beyond the classic fries! From crispy curly fries with a spicy kick to sweet potato fries with a hint of sweetness, trying different types of fries adds a fun, flavorful twist to your meal. 

Each variety has its unique texture and taste, perfect for pairing with your favorite sauces. Ready to explore? Visit Picnic to order and make every fry moment memorable.