Homemade French Fries will put anything you can get from a fast food restaurant to shame. If you've never had them, now is the time to find out what you've been missing.
When I was growing up, homemade french fries were a staple at our house. Mama would cook them in an iron skillet naturally. My brother and I would hover over her as she took the first pan full out to drain on paper towels.
As soon as they were salted and cool enough to eat, we were shoveling them down. She knew better than to think that first pan would make it to the supper table.
Mama always said that french fries would only brown properly if there was a spoonful of bacon grease added to the vegetable oil. Being a southern cook, I usually have a little bacon grease around and I add it to the oil when cooking fries, but I do know that you can get good, browned fries without the bacon grease (sorry, Mama).
Jump to:
- What size is best for homemade french fries?
- Peel the potatoes for homemade fries or not?
- Homemade french fries aren't as unhealthy as you might think
- Creole Aioli makes a fun dipping sauce for homemade french fries
- Tips for Making Homemade French Fries
- 📖 Recipe
- Looking for main dishes to serve with homemade french fries?
What size is best for homemade french fries?
It's really a matter of taste, but I personally like the potatoes cut into about ¼ inch size pieces. In fact, I have a mandoline that has a ¼ inch julienne blade. If you have one, this is a great opportunity to use it. If you don't, just try to keep your potato pieces as close as possible to equal size so they'll all get done at the same time.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read our full disclosure policy
A mandoline is a handy tool to have around the kitchen. Click here to order one, or at the bottom of the post is another link if you're interested.
Peel the potatoes for homemade fries or not?
I like the peel left on, but I will tell you this. If you are using a mandoline, a peeled potato goes through much more easily. When I cooked the potatoes for this post I left about half of them unpeeled. Again, it's really a matter of personal taste.
Homemade french fries aren't as unhealthy as you might think
Now, I'm not trying to tell you that this is health food. It's really just a simple dish - a throwback to my childhood for me. For some people, it will take you back to a trip to Europe where "frites" are a common dish.
But, truthfully, if cooked properly, they aren't greasy at all. I poured the oil back into a measuring cup when I had finished frying four small skillets of fries. I had only one ounce less than when I started.
To lighten it up as much as possible, be sure to thoroughly drain your fries. Also, the aioli can be made with non-fat yogurt and light mayonnaise and it's just as delicious.
Creole Aioli makes a fun dipping sauce for homemade french fries
That's kind of a thing in restaurants in our area these days. Whatever little finger food snack being served is dressed up with an aioli or other type of sauce for dipping.
Of course, if you want to go old school you can stick with traditional ketchup, but we think it's fun to update an old classic and this is a great way to do it. The aioli comes together in just a few minutes.
You can kick it up with a little hot sauce, but if heat isn't your thing just leave that out. It's still way flavorful. Some alternative dipping sauces include Remoulade Sauce and Dill Pickle Ranch.
If you love Cajun spices as much as we do check out Gouda Grits with Cajun Spice - just one of several recipes on Biscuits and Burlap using this flavorful blend.
If you're looking for a simple main dish to go with these fries, this Gourmet Grilled Cheese pairs beautifully with them!
Are you getting our weekly updates? Sign up here. We promise to treat you like family!
Tips for Making Homemade French Fries
- Cut the potatoes into pieces as equal in size as possible (use a mandolin if you have one)
- Oil amounts will vary according to the size of your skillet, but you want to have the potatoes covered with oil
- Heat the oil to medium heat before adding the potatoes - if a small piece of potato sizzles when you add it, the oil is at the right temperature
- Add the potatoes a few at the time to prevent the oil from cooling
- Stir a few times while the potatoes fry to promote even cooking
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or other absorbent paper
- Salt while still hot and toss slightly to distribute the salt
- Every stove and pan are going to cook differently, so cooking times and temperatures are approximate, but the short video below shows what the fries will look like when they are browned to perfection
📖 Recipe

Homemade French Fries with Creole Aioli
Ingredients
For the French Fries
- 3 large potatoes, cut into ¼ inch strips
- 1-¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease optional
- 1 teaspoon salt, coarsely ground
For the Creole Aioli
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Creole mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon hot sauce, optional
Instructions
For the French Fries
- Heat oil and bacon grease (if used) in 10-11 inch skillet over medium heat.
- Test heat by adding one french fry. If it gives a good sizzle, the heat is right.
- Add potatoes slowly to prevent oil from cooling.
- Gently stir a few times to promote even cooking.
- Cook 8-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Remove with slotted spoon to absorbent paper to drain.
- Salt potatoes while still hot and toss lightly.
For the Creole Aioli
- Brown garlic in olive oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Stir remaining ingredients together.
- Add garlic and olive oil and stir until well blended.
- Garnish with an extra shake of Creole seasoning, if desired.
Notes
If you make any of our recipes we'd love for you to leave us a comment and star rating. If you're into sharing your creations, snap a photo and tag us when you post it to Facebook or Instagram.

Looking for main dishes to serve with homemade french fries?







Nichole says
I love the way these french fries look! That Creole Aioli sounds like something my family will devour, we can't wait to try it!
Pam says
Thanks, Nichole! Yeah, pretty much anything is good dipped in the Creole Aioli.
Lisa|Garlic & Zest says
I rarely make homemade french fries because they make my whole house smell like fried food, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy them.. Next time you're frying -- call me up!
Pam says
Thanks, Lisa! It's still been warm enough here to open the porch doors so I haven't noticed that. We don't have them often, but it's french fry love when we do.
Savita says
I totally dig a spicy dip! The creole seasoning dip is brilliant idea. Saving this recipe to try! Thanks for sharing.
Pam says
Us, too, Savita! Hope you enjoy.
Jessica says
It's been too long since I've made french fries! My family would love these!
Pam says
Sometimes we just need a reminder of good old classics.
Martha says
They look sooooo good. Maybe tonight is FF nite.