On July 12, the world celebrates French Fry Day. There’s something incredibly satisfying about diving into a tray of crispy French fries. Whether you prefer them plain salted, peri peri spiced, cheese-coated, meat-loaded, or garlic-seasoned, everyone has their go-to fry order. The origin of French fries is debated, with some attributing it to France and others to Belgium, but these delightful bites have won hearts worldwide. This French Fry Day, celebrate one of the most beloved appetizers with fry-shaped snacks that pair perfectly with French fries.
Chicken tenders are a classic companion to crispy fries, creating a popular combo at fast food restaurants. While there are countless recipes online, the basics are often the best. Try this recipe from Once Upon a Chef, which balances spice with buttermilk for the juiciest chicken tenders.
Ingredients:
- Chicken tenderloins: 1 kg
- Marinade:
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Salt: 1 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/4 tsp
- Paprika: 1/4 tsp
- Breading:
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 3/4 tsp
- Garlic powder: 3/4 tsp
- Paprika: 3/4 tsp
- Buttermilk: 3 tbsp
- Cooking oil for frying: 3 to 4 cups
Method: Mix all marinade ingredients and let the chicken tenderloins marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours. When ready, mix all breading ingredients and whisk in the buttermilk. Coat the chicken tenders and fry on medium-high heat until golden brown, a few minutes per side.
Mozzarella sticks are another great fry-shaped snack. While the easiest method is to buy frozen mozzarella sticks and fry them, making them from scratch can be rewarding. Try this recipe from Sugar Spun Run.
Ingredients:
- Panko breadcrumbs/breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Mixed herbs: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Eggs: 2
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Whole milk mozzarella block
- Oil for frying
Method: Crush the panko breadcrumbs by placing them in a Ziploc bag and flattening with a rolling pin. Beat the eggs and set aside. Mix the dry ingredients except the flour. Cut the mozzarella block into 15 pieces. Dredge these in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Fry on medium heat two at a time for a minute per batch. Keep the sticks firm in the refrigerator before frying to maintain structure. Serve with marinara sauce or any preferred condiment.
Jalapeno poppers are a top choice after fries or nachos. Their tangy taste and diverse stuffings make them an elite appetizer. Here’s a recipe from Love and Lemons.
Ingredients:
- Jalapenos: 12
- Greek yogurt or hung curd: 1 cup
- Grated cheese: 1/4 cup
- Chopped spring onions: 3 tbsp
- Grated garlic cloves: 2
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: a pinch
- Panko breadcrumbs/breadcrumbs: 6 tbsp
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Salt to taste
Method: Preheat the oven to 204°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Halve the jalapenos and remove seeds. Mix the remaining ingredients except the olive oil and stuff into the jalapeno halves. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. For a salty, meaty kick, wrap each popper in bacon and secure with toothpicks, removing them before eating.