My Fry Experience
Being born and raised in Canada, when I was 10 the first time, I experienced a type of loaded fry was when my mother bought me a poutine from Burger King. From that moment, I knew that there was nothing better than having something saucy and cheesy with my fries. It truly opened the doors to loaded fries. From there, I started looking out for more varieties with some being the loaded tater tots from Taco Time, and then discovering the wonder that is New York Fries. Now, being a loaded fry connoisseur, I've explored making different variations myself to serve at parties and get togethers. Honestly, I don’t think I could ever go back to the plain fry.
The best gaming food
Any gamer would say an ideal snack to munch on would be something that would keep your hands clean and clear. Some would like to eat chips or some gummy candies. But even using chop sticks to get your chips just isn’t time efficient. Plus getting grease and oil all over your keyboard and mouse, or controller is not my optimal experience. The hinderance can change the game, and even make you lose. So, by having fries topped with tomatoes, onions, salsa, meats, and cheese, not only does it add more nutritional value to your gaming meal, but it also forces you to use a fork. Loaded fries are a delicious and simple companion to sideline your game time.
The original ultimate fry combo
With all the known variations of topped fries, it’s easy to question, “What were the toppings to begin it all?” If we travel to Missouri some may mention Austin Ruse as the first to invent the chili fries at Wendy’s. With the rise of “spray on” Cheez Whiz it just made sense to put it on fries, with chili later being the next logical addition after. But if you go to Texas the creator was a 16-year-old who made a chili cheese fry concoction at Dairy Queen. But now loaded fries can be considered the umbrella term to incorporate all other topped fries. In today’s growing world if there’s a topping on a fry, be it the cheese, sauces, or meats, to nice and simple garlic and parmesan, it can be considered “loaded”.
A Topping's Best (Potato) Weapon
Potatoes are an empty field for a creative gamer and with all the different varieties of fried potato out there, what is the best fry that can hold its own against different toppings? Well, honestly, it’s down to preference. Some like to think crinkle cut, I like tater tots, however there is one major factor for the perfect fry: Crunch.
After examining all the types of toppings that are commonly put on fries, it’s safe to say that they’re all moist and saucy. Hence, the importance of combining it with a satisfying crunch. Be it Tator-Tots, to New York style, and the Costco favourite, the Cavendish, all of these are optimal potatoes for the best loaded fry experience. Just make sure to avoid skinnier fries, like shoe strings, because they might not be able to bear the weight of all those toppings.
Customization: Make it Yours
Growing up, I was never a fan of “the simple fry”, except for when they were freshly made from the fryer with that crispy outside and soft inside. Other than the lack of different flavours, it felt too starchy and tough when they got cold. Making it the only instance I can eat them plain. But just like I don't like having a default character in a video game, I like when games let me make a character my own. Thus, loaded fries come in. Bringing the flexibility of customization to my fry game, made every instance more enjoyable to eat and every bite a different experience. Plus, with the added flexibility, loaded fries can accommodate many dietary restrictions making it accessible to everyone.
An Unspoken Vegan and Vegetarian option!
Despite fries constantly being partnered with burgers, or steaks its easy to forget that they are still a vegetable. I know in my mind, I can find myself mistaking it for a carb when it's really just a starch. They also just have a bad reputation as being a "junk food" but a baked potato isn't. However, by taking the conscious efforts to find healthier alternatives, such as changing the way they're fried can make this a perfect diet-sensitive meal. So, with a healthier option to prepare them, there are a lot of vegan/vegetarian substitutes for cheese, or sour cream to use as toppings. Also, if you're still missing the taste of meat, the market of vegan meats has definitely improved, so you're bound to be able to recreate a vegetarian version of your favourite fry.