There are few foods that are as perfect as the french fry. And while there are some french fry purists out there who insist on eating these crispy snacks plain, most of us can agree that part of the reason why they're so great is because you can eat them with DIPPING SAUCES.
In honor of National French Fries Day today (July 13), which celebrates the most important vegetable, we’re bringing you 10 out-of-the-box — or should we say, bottle? — dipping options so you can take your side (or main) of fries to the next level.
1. Creamy avocado dressing
Instagram content
This avocado-based dressing is like having your guac and eating it too.
What you'll need:
- 1 medium avocado
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1/5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Check out Boundless Bites for how to make it.
2. Loaded Mexican sweet potato fries
Instagram content
OK, so this one isn't actually a dip, but more like a sweet potato fry version of nachos. Either way, DELICIOUS.
What you’ll need:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ¾ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 limes
- 2 ½ tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon Mexican hot sauce (Cholula)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 15-ounce can black beans
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup feta crumbles
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Check out A Couple Cooks for how to make it.
3. Pesto mayo
Instagram content
So simple. So savory. This perfectly nutty mix is sure to add a spring to your spuds. Recipe courtesy of Whole30. (Check out how to make it in the Instagram caption above!)
What you’ll need:
- 1/4 cup basil
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- A cup of healthier homemade mayo.
Blend the basil and pine nuts into the mayo.
4. Sweet onion cashew dip
Instagram content
Salty and faintly sweet, don’t knock it till you try it.
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for a few hours or up to overnight
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 teaspoons dehydrated onions
- 1 large clove of garlic, pressed
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Juice from 1 large lemon
- Minced chives, to top
Check out So, Let’s Hang Out for how to make it.
5. Clam chowder dip
Grandma’s chowder just made a new BFF (beautiful french fries).
What you’ll need:
- 1 can thick-style clam chowder — which you'll heat, pour on top of the fries, and eat immediately.
Check out Kirbie’s Cravings for more details on how to make it.
6. Chipotle lime dip
Instagram content
Two of the most vibrant, festive flavors merge into one dip. At this point, the sauce becomes the star.
What you’ll need:
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt
- 1½ tablespoons lime juice
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Combine, stir, and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Check out Tidy Mom for more details on how to make it.
7. Baked spinach artichoke dip
Instagram content
When you think of comforting dips that stick to the ribs, this one takes the cake. (Or sack of potatoes.)
What you’ll need:
- 1 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup white beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup unsweetened, unflavored almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Generous squeeze of lemon
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt, start with less and add to taste
Check out Clean Food, Dirty City for how to make it.
8. Cheddar horseradish spread
Instagram content
We call this cheesy mix a crowd-pleaser — that is, if you’re even willing to share.
What you’ll need:
- 3 cups grated cheddar
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons drained prepared horseradish
- ½ teaspoon hot paprika plus more for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Check out Bon Appetit for more info on how to make it.
9. Beet tahini dip
Instagram content
Rule of thumb: If it works on a chopped vegetable, it'll work even better on a french fry. Treat yo’self to this super pretty dip that’s loaded with vitamins.
What you'll need:
- 1 bunch of organic beets (or 3 small-ish ones)
- 1 clove garlic, sliced
- ¼ cup tahini, stirred well to blend
- 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
- Kosher salt
Check out Clean Food, Dirty City for how to make it.
10. Philly cheesy pizza dip
Instagram content
Think about it: a pizza base is starchy — so just replace the dough with fries! This is honestly kind of genius.
What you'll need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons each chopped red and green peppers
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Check out Kraft Recipes for how to make it.
Related: McDonald's Is Now Making Chocolate Covered French Fries
Check this out:
