From steak salad and fish and chips to cheesy tater bakes and breakfast casseroles, these easy recipes with frozen french fries make mealtime extra fun.
1/19
Short Rib Poutine
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish combines the hearty, spicy flavors of my beloved slow-cooker short ribs with my all-time favorite comfort food: fries and gravy. With a little prep in the morning, it's just about ready when I come home from work. (Plus, the kitchen smells amazing!) If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of Sriracha chili sauce. —Erin DeWitt, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 560 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1453mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
2/19
Green Chile Adobado Poutine
From the Recipe Creator:
This Canadian comfort-food classic is even better when served southwestern-style as either an appetizer or an entree. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 434 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1065mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
If you like loaded fries, you can also try making In-N-Out’s animal style fries.
3/19
Cheeseburger Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
Cheeseburger nachos are the perfect game-day graze. Load them up with all the toppings or let everyone claim part of the platter that they can top with their faves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 407 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
4/19
Reuben Waffle Potato Appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Reubens, so I turned the classic sandwich into a fun appetizer with corned beef and sauerkraut on waffle fries. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 62 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 168mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
5/19
Steak and Fries Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very popular dish at restaurants in central Pennsylvania. Prepared sweet-and-sour dressing is good on this salad too. —Nancy Collins, Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 513 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
6/19
Waffle Fry Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and two grown sons really enjoy these fun nachos—they can devour a platter of them in no time. They're also fun to make when friends come over. —Debra Morgan, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 15g protein.
7/19
Baked Chops and Cottage Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
Convenience items like frozen vegetables, cottage fries and a jar of cheese sauce make it a snap to assemble this comforting pork chop supper. It's a simple one-dish meal. —Gregg Voss, Emerson, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 533 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1208mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
8/19
Texas Chili Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
The delicious chili goes together in minutes and then cooks while you run errands. The only way to make it even better is to pour it over crisp french fries and sprinkle on cheese. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 374 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 824mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 19g protein.
9/19
Crispy Fish & Chips
From the Recipe Creator:
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with a white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup fries: 416 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
10/19
Nacho Tots
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful too. Top the Tots with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
11/19
Ultimate Pastrami Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
This peerless pastrami sandwich was adapted from a menu favorite at Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh. The marketing office graciously shared the basic ingredients: grilled cold cuts, cheese, fried potatoes and tomatoes—all stacked between slices of chewy Italian bread. From there, we created the spot-on copy, which includes our version of the secret coleslaw topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 586 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 1655mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 6g fiber), 36g protein.
12/19
Loaded Waffle Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
Make any dinner fun with these loaded waffle fries, topped with a savory blend of cheese, scallions and bacon. I copied this family-favorite recipe from a local restaurant, and it's great with hot dogs and burgers or by itself. —Jeffrey Viccone, Decatur, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 261 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
13/19
Ham ‘n’ Tater Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Get ready for a gourmet loaded baked potato in casserole form. This is so good, I can’t resist making it several times a month. It’s a quick and easy dish for company too. My sister gave me the recipe, and I’m always happy to pass it along. —Peggy Grieme, Pinehurst, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 375 calories, 23g fat (8g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
14/19
Cheese Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe after my daughter had cheese fries at a restaurant and couldn't stop talking about them. She loves that I can fix them so quickly at home. Plus, the frozen fry packets can be refrigerated and reheated. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 129 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 255mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
15/19
Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
I keep frozen spuds on hand for meals like this Tater Tot breakfast casserole. It’s a super brunch, breakfast or side dish for kids of all ages. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 443 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 243mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
16/19
Barbecue Chicken Waffle Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of those dishes that sounds so wrong but tastes so right! Trust me—barbecue chicken leftovers are fantastic with fries. We like it with lettuce, tomato and pickle, but you can add almost any toppings you like. —Janet Telleen, Russell, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 243 calories, 11 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 29 mg cholesterol, 476 mg sodium, 28 g carbohydrate (6 g sugars, 2 g fiber), 10 g protein.
17/19
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
Roll your burgers, cheese and taters all into one. It's the perfect dish to use to bribe your kids; homework, chores, piano practice—consider them done when this is the reward! —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 479 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
18/19
Broccoli Beef Supper
From the Recipe Creator:
Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables, so I'm constantly on the lookout for new ways of preparing it. This casserole is a hearty oven entree. —Connie Bolton, San Antonio, Texas.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 420 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.
19/19
Cheesy Chili Fries
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is all about chili fries, but restaurant versions pile on the calories. For a healthier approach, bake the fries and serve them with green onions and avocado. —Beverly Nowling, Bristol, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 435 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 1001mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
Recipes with French Fries FAQ
What are creative ways to use frozen french fries?
Creative recipes for frozen french fries go beyond the usual side dish. Use frozen fries as a base for loaded nachos, breakfast bakes or skillet meals. For a southern twist, you can fold them into taco-inspired casseroles or layer them with pulled pork and coleslaw dressing. For brunch, try topping fries with a fried egg and hollandaise. Fries also work well in fusion dishes—pair seasoned fries with curry sauce, kimchi, or Mediterranean toppings like tzatziki and grilled lamb.
How do I make crispy frozen french fries at home?
To make crispy frozen french fries at home, spread them in a single layer on a preheated baking sheet and bake at 425°F to 450°F for maximum crunch. Avoid overcrowding the pan—steam makes fries soggy. For extra crispiness, toss them with some oil and seasoning before baking. You can make air-fryer french fries to achieve golden, crunchy results with less oil and a faster cook time. For extra browning, finish them under the broiler for a couple of minutes.
What toppings work well on loaded frozen fries?
Loaded frozen fries pair well with toppings that balance richness and contrast. Go classic with melted cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream and scallions. Or, make them heartier with pulled pork, Buffalo chicken or seasoned ground beef. To add contrast, layer on tangy elements like pickled jalapeño rings, banana peppers, or a drizzle of ranch or chipotle mayo. You can also go global with toppings like kimchi and gochujang, shawarma-spiced lamb with yogurt sauce, or even black beans, corn and avocado for a Tex-Mex twist.
