Fries can be a crouton too

Buzz

Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Fries can be a crouton, that's my stance. While some might argue that croutons are simply cubes of bread tossed in oil, seasoned, and baked or fried until crispy, I believe the definition can be more flexible. If something adds crunch to a salad of fresh vegetables, it's a crouton in my book. Cheese? A crouton. Tater tots? A crouton. Pizza? Yep, you guessed it, a crouton. And, as the people of Pittsburgh will tell you, French fries? Definitely a crouton.

This idea had been in my mind for years, though I never put it into words until now. Many years ago, my ex-husband (or my 'wasband,' as I like to call him) went on a business trip to Pittsburgh. He came back with stories of French fries being added to everything, including salads, an innovation I immediately supported.

Just like the iconic Primanti Bros’ sandwich, putting fries directly on the dish instead of serving them as a side turns it into a heartier and more filling meal. It's ideal for someone who works physically, burning calories more quickly than someone with a desk job, and who might want a meal that's easy to eat without needing utensils or plates. (I've heard Pittsburgh is full of such hard-working folks.)

This is a concept I felt certain I’d already written about, but it turns out I hadn’t. Years ago, my then-husband (my 'wasband') went to Pittsburgh for a business trip and came back with tales of the city’s love for putting French fries on everything, especially salads. I was immediately on board with this idea.

Whether you're looking to boost your calorie intake or simply enjoy the delightful contrast of textures, adding French fries to your salad is a great idea. Typically found in salads that feature meat, such as a steak or grilled chicken salad, the neutral flavor of fried potatoes allows them to complement nearly any salad without overwhelming the taste.

I believe fries would pair especially well with a salad that has a tangy, acidic dressing like a Greek salad, or with dishes that include cheese or bacon, such as a wedge salad, since those ingredients naturally go well with fries. Ranch dressing is a classic match, too, and it definitely deserves a mention.

When it comes to choosing the right type of fry, it’s really up to you, but I personally think a crisp, fast-food style fry is ideal. That said, I wouldn’t turn down curly fries, shoestring fries, or even waffle fries. And if you want to take things up a notch, I highly recommend frying them in duck fat—something I’ll always stand by.

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