Loaded fries are one of the ultimate comfort foods. Whether they’re topped with melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, or guacamole, these fries can easily stand alone as a satisfying snack or meal. But, what if you want to create a full meal experience or serve them as part of a spread? In this guide, we’ll explore the perfect dishes, sides, and drinks that go with this fries. We’ll also discuss healthy options and desserts to balance out their richness. Let’s dive into the delicious world of pairing loaded fries with other foods.
Main Dishes that Go Well with Loaded Fries
While this fries can be enjoyed on their own, they also make an excellent side dish to various main courses. Here are some of the best meals that pair perfectly with this fries.
1. Burgers and Sandwiches
Loaded fries are commonly paired with burgers and sandwiches. Their rich, savory flavors complement the juicy, meaty texture of these dishes, making them the ideal side for a hearty meal.
- Classic cheeseburgers: A juicy cheeseburger with melted cheese and fresh toppings goes perfectly with cheesy fries.
- Pulled pork sandwiches: The smoky and sweet flavors of pulled pork blend well with the salty and crispy elements of fries.
- Grilled chicken sandwiches: For a lighter option, grilled chicken sandwiches pair beautifully with fries topped with bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing.
2. Grilled or Barbecued Meats
Barbecued meats and grilled steaks are natural companions for loaded fries. The smoky, charred flavors of meats cooked on a grill contrast wonderfully with the richness of the fries.
- BBQ ribs: Tangy BBQ ribs, topped with a thick, sticky sauce, create a flavor explosion when combined with this fries.
- Grilled chicken or steak: A well-seasoned grilled steak or chicken adds protein to the meal, making it a filling dish perfect for summer barbecues.
3. Tex-Mex Dishes
If you enjoy bold flavors, Tex-Mex dishes like tacos, burritos, and fajitas go hand in hand with loaded fries. Toppings like salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños mirror the flavors often found in Tex-Mex cuisine.
- Tacos and burritos: The spiced ground beef or shredded chicken in tacos pairs well with fries loaded with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.
- Nachos-inspired fries: You can transform your fries into a Tex-Mex-inspired dish by adding beans, salsa, and guacamole.
Appetizers and Small Bites to Serve with Loaded Fries
Looking to create a full spread of appetizers for a party or game night? Here are some small bites that go well with loaded fries.
1. Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are a classic appetizer, and they pair perfectly with this fries. The crispy skin and juicy interior of wings offer a satisfying contrast to the soft, cheesy fries.
- Buffalo wings: The heat from buffalo wings is tempered by the rich, creamy toppings on fries, making the combination irresistible.
- BBQ wings: Smoky BBQ wings add an extra layer of flavor, especially when served with fries topped with melted cheddar and bacon.
2. Mozzarella Sticks and Onion Rings
For those who love cheese, mozzarella sticks are a natural companion for this fries. They both offer that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Mozzarella sticks: Dipped in marinara sauce, mozzarella sticks complement fries that are loaded with cheese and bacon.
- Onion rings: Onion rings, with their crispy, golden-brown coating, add a satisfying crunch that pairs well with soft, cheesy fries.
3. Sliders
Mini sliders are fun, bite-sized alternatives to full-sized burgers and are perfect for parties. They allow you to serve both loaded fries and a variety of mini sandwiches, so your guests can enjoy different flavors in one meal.
- Beef sliders: Classic beef sliders with melted cheese, served alongside fries, make for a hearty and satisfying appetizer.
- Pulled pork sliders: The sweetness of pulled pork combined with fries loaded with BBQ sauce, cheddar, and bacon is a flavor match made in heaven.
Healthy Side Dishes to Balance Loaded Fries
Fries are rich and indulgent, so balancing them with lighter, healthier sides can make for a more balanced meal. Here are some fresh and healthy side dishes that go well with loaded fries.
1. Fresh Salads
A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of fries.
- Caesar salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese balance the heaviness of the fries.
- Greek salad: A Mediterranean-inspired Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives offers a lighter, refreshing side dish.
- Spinach and bacon salad: If you still crave something savory, a spinach and bacon salad provides greens with a touch of indulgence from the bacon.
2. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables add a healthy dose of flavor and nutrition to your meal. The natural sweetness that comes from roasting complements the salty, savory taste of loaded fries.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Brussels sprouts, seasoned with olive oil and roasted to perfection, are a great addition to a meal with fries.
- Carrots and asparagus: These roasted veggies are light and flavorful, helping balance out the heavier fries.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a summer favorite and pairs beautifully with fries, especially those with BBQ flavors.
- Grilled corn: Brush the corn with butter, sprinkle it with chili powder, and squeeze fresh lime juice for an amazing accompaniment to BBQ-loaded fries.
Dips and Sauces to Enhance Loaded Fries
Loaded fries are great on their own, but adding dips and sauces can take them to the next level. Here are some dips and sauces that enhance the flavor of fries.
1. Creamy Dips
- Ranch dressing: A cool, creamy ranch dip adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of cheese and bacon-topped fries.
- Sour cream: Perfect for fries with Tex-Mex toppings like guacamole, salsa, and cheese.
- Cheese dips: For the ultimate cheesy experience, serve your fries with extra cheese dip on the side.
2. Spicy Sauces
- Buffalo sauce: A spicy buffalo sauce adds heat to your fries, especially when paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Sriracha: For a touch of heat, drizzle sriracha over your loaded fries or serve it as a dipping sauce.
3. Barbecue and Specialty Sauces
- BBQ sauce: Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce is ideal for fries topped with pulled pork or grilled meats.
- Aioli: Garlic aioli adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements fries topped with bacon and cheese.
Beverage Pairings with Loaded Fries
To round out your meal, you’ll want to pair loaded fries with the right beverage. Here are some drink options that go well with this comfort food.
1. Beer
Beer is a classic pairing with fries, especially for casual settings like game day or barbecues.
- Lager or IPA: The light and crisp flavors of lagers or the hoppy bitterness of IPAs balance the richness of cheesy fries.
- Stout: For a more indulgent experience, try pairing fries with a rich stout.
2. Sodas and Lemonades
For a non-alcoholic option, sodas and lemonades provide a refreshing contrast to the salty fries.
- Cola or root beer: The sweetness of cola or root beer balances the savory flavors of fries.
- Lemonade: A tart lemonade cuts through the richness of fries topped with bacon, cheese, and ranch.
3. Milkshakes
If you’re looking for a truly indulgent pairing, milkshakes are a fun and unexpected option.
- Chocolate milkshake: The creamy sweetness of a chocolate milkshake pairs wonderfully with salty, cheesy fries.
- Vanilla milkshake: Vanilla provides a more subtle flavor that complements a variety of toppings on loaded fries.
Loaded Fries for Special Occasions and Gatherings
Loaded fries aren’t just for casual meals; they can be the star of any special occasion. Here are some ideas for serving fries at gatherings and parties.
1. Game Day Parties
Loaded fries are the ultimate party food, especially for game days. Create a fries platter with a variety of toppings so your guests can customize their fries.
- Fries bar: Set up a self-serve fries bar with different toppings like cheese, bacon, jalapeños, sour cream, and BBQ sauce.
2. Barbecue Cookouts
When hosting a barbecue, fries can be a perfect addition to the menu.
- BBQ-loaded fries: Serve fries with BBQ sauce, pulled pork, and cheddar as part of your cookout spread.
3. Holiday Events and Celebrations
For holiday parties, get creative with seasonal toppings.
- Thanksgiving fries: Add cranberry sauce and stuffing as toppings for a festive twist on loaded fries.
- Christmas fries: Use red and green toppings like salsa and guacamole for a holiday-themed dish.
Desserts that Pair with Loaded Fries
After enjoying a plate of fries, end your meal with a sweet treat. Here are some desserts that go well with fries.
1. Ice Cream Sundaes
The cold creaminess of an ice cream sundae pairs perfectly with the warmth and saltiness of fries.
- Chocolate sundae: A chocolate sundae with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry on top is a great complement to savory fries.
2. Milkshakes
A milkshake not only pairs well with the main dish but also serves as a dessert.
- Oreo or chocolate milkshake: Creamy, indulgent, and a great contrast to salty fries.
3. Brownies or Cookies
Rich, chocolaty brownies or chewy cookies are a satisfying end to any meal featuring loaded fries.
- Fudge brownies: Serve warm brownies with vanilla ice cream after a plate of fries for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About What Goes with Loaded Fries
1. What do loaded fries contain?
Loaded fries typically consist of crispy fries topped with melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, and other toppings like guacamole or BBQ sauce.
2. What are the most popular loaded fries?
Some of the most popular loaded fries include bacon and cheese fries, pulled pork fries, and carne asada fries.
3. Why are they called dirty fries?
The term “dirty fries” refers to fries loaded with toppings, making them “messy” but incredibly indulgent and flavorful.
Conclusion: Perfect Pairings for Loaded Fries
Whether you’re enjoying a classic cheeseburger or digging into a platter of loaded fries with BBQ ribs, there are endless combinations that pair well with this comfort food favorite. From appetizers like chicken wings and mozzarella sticks to desserts like milkshakes and brownies, the possibilities are limitless. So, the next time you’re planning a meal or gathering, consider serving fries alongside these perfect pairings for a fun, indulgent experience.