Matchstick Fries – Crispy, Golden, and Irresistible

Difficulty:

1/5

Matchstick Fries

These Matchstick Fries are the ultimate crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned fries that elevate a classic snack to restaurant-quality perfection at home. Featured on Everyday Excellent, this recipe transforms humble Russett potatoes into delicate, ultra-crispy fries with a tender interior and a satisfying crunch.

What makes these fries distinctive is the careful matchstick julienne cut, which ensures each fry cooks evenly and becomes irresistibly crisp. Paired with a flavorful Secret Sauce (from the Smash Burgers recipe), these fries go from simple side to a star dish, ideal for entertaining or indulging in a comforting snack.

The Inspiration

Fries are a universal comfort food, loved by all ages and cultures, but achieving perfectly thin, crispy fries at home can be tricky. This recipe draws inspiration from both classic French fry techniques and modern burger house precision, emphasizing cut, starch removal, and temperature control to achieve a professional finish.

Vanessa Gianfrancesco’s approach combines classic frying techniques with a few expert tips that make home fries taste like they came from a gourmet kitchen. By leaving the skins on the potatoes, the fries gain extra texture and flavor, while rinsing the cut potatoes removes excess starch to ensure they crisp up perfectly.

Ingredients

3 medium Russett potatoes (or Yukon Gold for a slightly creamier interior)
Nice coarse salt, for seasoning
Neutral oil for frying, such as canola or peanut oil (enough to fill a heavy-bottomed pot halfway)
Secret Sauce for dipping (from Smash Burgers recipe; see note for alternatives)

Methods

Rinse and scrub potatoes thoroughly; do not peel. Pat dry.
Cut potatoes into fine matchsticks (about 1/8 inch thick). Consistent sizing ensures even cooking.
Rinse the cut potatoes under cold running water to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry with a kitchen towel.
Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot halfway with neutral oil. Preheat to 325°F (163°C).
Working in two batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add potato matchsticks to the hot oil. Move them gently to prevent sticking.
Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes depending on batch size.
Remove fries with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined tray.
Season immediately with coarse salt while fries are still hot to allow the seasoning to adhere.
Serve hot with Secret Sauce for dipping, or your favorite condiments.

Serving Suggestions

Matchstick Fries are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. They make an ideal snack or appetizer for casual gatherings, game nights, or movie nights, offering a crispy, golden bite that everyone will love.

These fries also pair perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, or wraps, adding a satisfying crunch that elevates any meal. For dipping, the classic Secret Sauce from the Smash Burgers recipe is a standout, but ketchup, garlic aioli, or a spicy mayonnaise all complement the fries beautifully.

For a restaurant-style presentation, serve the fries in a small basket or on a parchment-lined tray, and consider sprinkling them with smoked paprika, parmesan, or fresh herbs for added flavor and visual appeal. Whether served as a casual snack or a side dish for entertaining, these matchstick fries are sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

These Matchstick Fries are a celebration of comfort food with precision technique, combining crispy textures, clean flavors, and visual appeal. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and irresistibly golden, they are perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.

Whether served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer for entertaining, these fries prove that simple ingredients, handled with care, can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Find more recipes from Everyday Excellent here!