Why You’ll Love This Recipe
BBQ Fries are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. You can go simple with dry BBQ seasoning or take it to the next level by loading the fries with melty cheese, BBQ sauce, and your favorite toppings. They’re customizable, hearty, and always a hit with a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Russet potatoes or frozen French fries
- Vegetable oil (for frying or baking)
- Salt
- BBQ seasoning or dry rub (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: BBQ sauce
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon bits, pulled pork or BBQ chicken, green onions, jalapeños
Directions
- Prepare the fries:
- If using fresh potatoes: Wash, peel (optional), and cut into fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and pat dry.
- Fry twice (first at 300°F for 4–5 minutes, then at 375°F for 2–3 minutes), or bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.
- If using frozen fries: Cook according to package instructions until crisp.
- Season the fries:
- While fries are still hot, toss with BBQ seasoning or dry rub to coat evenly.
- Optional toppings:
- For loaded BBQ fries, transfer the seasoned fries to a baking sheet.
- Add toppings like shredded cheese, pulled pork or chicken, bacon, and drizzle with BBQ sauce.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and toppings are hot.
- Serve immediately:
- Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, or extra BBQ sauce as desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus optional soaking time)
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes
Variations
- BBQ Cheese Fries: Add a layer of shredded cheddar or pepper jack and broil until melted.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Fries: Top with pulled pork and drizzle with BBQ sauce for a full meal.
- Spicy BBQ Fries: Use a spicy BBQ rub or add hot sauce and sliced jalapeños.
- Sweet BBQ Fries: Use sweet potato fries and a brown sugar-based BBQ rub for a sweet-savory combo.
- Vegan BBQ Fries: Use plant-based BBQ crumbles and vegan cheese with your favorite vegan BBQ sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy. If reheating loaded fries, cover with foil to retain moisture, then uncover for the last few minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought BBQ seasoning?
Yes, it’s convenient and flavorful. You can also make your own with paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for these fries?
Any variety works—smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy. Choose one that matches your flavor preference.
Can I make BBQ fries in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through. Then toss with seasoning or toppings.
Do I need to use fresh potatoes?
No. Frozen fries are perfectly acceptable and save time. Just season or top them after cooking.
Are BBQ fries spicy?
They can be, depending on the seasoning or sauce used. Use a mild BBQ rub for less heat, or add hot sauce for extra spice.
What cheese works best for loaded BBQ fries?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and pair nicely with BBQ flavors.
Can I make BBQ fries ahead of time?
You can prep the fries and toppings separately, then assemble and broil just before serving.
What protein goes best with BBQ fries?
Pulled pork, shredded BBQ chicken, or even brisket are great choices for loaded versions.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Baked fries at 425°F get crispy and work well with seasoning or toppings.
What dips pair well with BBQ fries?
Ranch, chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or extra BBQ sauce all make great accompaniments.
Conclusion
BBQ Fries are a mouthwatering, smoky-sweet take on a classic side dish. Whether you keep them simple with seasoning or go all-in with toppings and sauce, they deliver big flavor and hearty satisfaction. Perfect for any gathering or just treating yourself, these fries bring bold BBQ taste to every crispy bite.
PrintBBQ Fries
BBQ Fries are crispy French fries seasoned with smoky BBQ spices or topped with barbecue sauce and savory extras like cheese, bacon, or pulled pork. They’re a bold, satisfying twist perfect for parties, snacks, or comfort food cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes or 1 bag frozen French fries
- Vegetable oil (for frying or baking)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons BBQ seasoning or dry rub
- Optional: 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- Optional toppings: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons cooked bacon bits, 1/2 cup pulled pork or BBQ chicken, 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Wash and peel (optional) the potatoes. Cut into fries and soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
- Fry at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 minutes, then rest. Increase oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. If using frozen fries, cook per package directions until crisp.
- While fries are still hot, place in a large bowl and toss with BBQ seasoning until evenly coated.
- For loaded fries, transfer to a baking sheet and top with cheese, pulled pork or chicken, bacon, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce. Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, or extra BBQ sauce as desired.
- Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade BBQ seasoning for convenience and flexibility.
- Customize with your favorite toppings for loaded BBQ fries.
- Sweet potato fries work well for a sweet-savory variation.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain texture and crispiness.
- Vegan versions can be made using plant-based protein and cheese alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg