12 French Fry Styles You Definitely Need To Try

French fries might seem simple, but there’s a whole world of crispy potato goodness beyond the basic fast-food version.
From loaded toppings to unique cooking methods, creative chefs have transformed this humble side dish into culinary masterpieces.
Join me on a mouth-watering journey through the most delicious French fry variations you absolutely must try.
1. Classic Belgian Frites

Twice-fried to perfection, these golden beauties are the gold standard of French fries. The Belgians don’t mess around when it comes to frites!
I still remember standing in a Brussels square, clutching a paper cone filled with these crispy-outside, fluffy-inside treasures, topped with nothing but salt and a dollop of mayonnaise.
The secret? They’re fried once at a lower temperature, then again at a higher heat.
2. Poutine

Canada’s gift to the French fry world combines crispy fries with squeaky cheese curds and rich brown gravy. The hot gravy slightly melts the cheese, creating an irresistible gooey texture that contrasts perfectly with the crunchy potatoes.
Originally from Quebec, this comfort food has spread across North America. The best versions use fresh cheese curds that actually squeak against your teeth – a true sign of authenticity!
3. Truffle Fries

Fancy meets casual in this luxurious upgrade. Thin-cut fries tossed with truffle oil, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs create an aromatic experience that’s hard to forget.
During my first date with my now-husband, we shared a bowl of these at a gastro pub. The earthy, musky scent of truffle immediately elevates ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary.
While real shaved truffles are the ultimate topping, even truffle oil delivers that distinctive flavor punch.
4. Curry Chips

Beloved across Ireland and the UK, curry chips are thick-cut fries doused in a sweet-spicy curry sauce. The vibrant yellow sauce provides the perfect flavor kick to complement the starchy potatoes.
This late-night favorite saves many a night out! The sauce typically blends curry powder with onions, garlic, and sometimes apple for sweetness.
Each chip shop has their own secret recipe, making the hunt for the perfect curry chips a delicious adventure.
5. Sweet Potato Fries

Orange-hued and naturally sweeter than their traditional cousins, sweet potato fries offer a delightful twist on the classic. Their slightly caramelized exterior gives way to a tender, sweet interior that pairs wonderfully with spicy dips.
The trick to great sweet potato fries is cooking them at the right temperature. Too hot and they burn; too cool and they get soggy.
A light dusting of cornstarch before frying helps achieve that coveted crispiness that’s often elusive with sweet potatoes.
6. Waffle Fries

Lattice-cut potatoes create the perfect architecture for maximum crispiness and dip-catching ability. Those little squares aren’t just for show – they’re flavor pockets!
I became obsessed with these during my college years. The waffle pattern creates more surface area for browning, resulting in an exceptionally crunchy exterior.
Their unique shape also makes them sturdier than regular fries, perfect for loading with toppings or dunking in thick dips without breaking.
7. Chili Cheese Fries

Hearty and indulgent, these loaded fries turn a side dish into a main event. Crispy fries buried under spicy beef chili, melted cheddar, and often topped with sour cream and green onions create a fork-required feast.
The key to preventing soggy sadness is starting with extra-crispy fries. The chili should be thick rather than watery, and the cheese must be fully melted to achieve that stretchy, gooey pull with every bite.
Not diet food by any means, but worth every calorie!
8. Shoestring Fries

Ultra-thin and incredibly crispy, shoestring fries deliver maximum crunch in every bite. These skinny spuds cook quickly and develop a satisfying snap that thicker cuts can’t match.
During a road trip through California, I discovered a burger joint that served these matchstick-thin fries by the heaping handful. Their high surface-area-to-potato ratio means they crisp up beautifully.
The best versions are so thin they resemble delicate potato threads, creating an almost nest-like appearance on the plate.
9. Garlic Parmesan Fries

Vampire-repelling and utterly addictive, these aromatic fries combine two flavor powerhouses. Fresh garlic, either roasted or quickly fried, joins forces with nutty parmesan cheese to create an umami explosion.
The garlic should be added after frying to prevent burning, which would create bitterness. A touch of parsley brightens the flavor and adds visual appeal.
These fries will leave your taste buds dancing and your breath… well, let’s just say they’re not first-date food unless you both indulge!
10. Steak Fries

Chunky wedges of potato with crisp exteriors and pillowy interiors make steak fries the heavyweight champions of the fry world. Their substantial size stands up to hearty meals and robust dipping sauces.
These thick-cut beauties require longer cooking times but reward patience with a perfect contrast of textures. Often seasoned with just salt and pepper, they let the natural potato flavor shine.
The name comes from their traditional pairing with steakhouse meals, where they hold their own alongside premium cuts.
11. Disco Fries

New Jersey’s answer to poutine bathes crispy fries in savory brown gravy and blankets them with melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. The name supposedly comes from their popularity as a late-night snack after disco dancing!
My first encounter with these gravy-soaked delights came at a 24-hour diner at 2 AM. Unlike poutine’s cheese curds, disco fries feature melted cheese that creates satisfying cheese pulls with every fork.
They’re the ultimate comfort food after a night out or whenever you need a soul-warming indulgence.
12. Animal Style Fries

Made famous by In-N-Out Burger’s secret menu, these legendary fries come topped with a special sauce, grilled onions, and melted cheese. The combination creates a sweet-savory symphony that inspires cult-like devotion.
The caramelized onions provide sweetness, while the special sauce (similar to Thousand Island dressing) adds tanginess. Though originally from California, food bloggers have spread their gospel worldwide.
Eating these without making a mess is impossible, but that’s part of their messy charm!