Homemade French Fries with Five Dipping Sauces

Crispy, golden-brown French fries made from scratch using russet potatoes, double-fried to perfection and served with an array of delicious dipping sauces. Perfect for sharing as an appetizer or side dish.

6 servings
1 hr 50 min

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds russet (baking) potatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 to taste salt
  • accompaniments
  • to serve dipping sauces
  • equipment

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Peel potatoes, then cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick sticks, submerging in a large bowl of ice water. Rinse potatoes in several changes of cold water in bowl (more ice isn't necessary) until water is clear. Drain in a large colander.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Spread potatoes out in a single layer on several layers of kitchen towels to drain, then pat dry.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    While potatoes are being rinsed and dried, heat 2 inches oil slowly in a 5- to 6-quart pot over medium-low heat until thermometer registers 300°F.

    15 min

  4. 4.

    When oil is ready, increase heat to high and fry potatoes in four batches, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through but still white, about 3 minutes. (Adjust heat to keep oil as close to 300°F as possible and return oil to 300°F between batches.) Transfer fried potatoes with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet lined with dry towels to drain. When all potatoes are fried once, cool potatoes to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

    45 min

  5. 5.

    Reheat oil over medium-high heat until thermometer registers 375°F. Fry potatoes again in four batches, stirring, and adjusting heat to keep oil as close to 375°F as possible, until deep golden, 3 to 4 minutes. (Return oil to 375°F between batches.) Transfer with slotted spoon to dry towels to drain briefly, then season with salt and serve immediately, with sauce(s) for dipping.

    25 min

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