#gott's roadside

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National French Fry Day

What could be better than potato fried in oil? Visit your favorite fast food joint, restaurant, or try frying up your own French fries. Don’t forget ketchup!

Whether you call them ‘French Fries’, ‘Chips’, Finger Chips, or French-Fried Potatoes, this delicious treat is loved around the world, and French Fries day celebrates them.

Not to be confused with the American ‘Chips’, which are thinly sliced pieces of potato fried until crisp, French Fries are the delicious result of ‘batons’ of potato cut to various thicknesses and then fried in oil.

The outside of this staple companion food to hamburgers and other grease-ball favorites generally have a golden texture, varying from soft to crispy, and most often served with little more than a dusting of salt.

Learn About National French Fry Day

Of course, National French Fry Day was created in order to celebrate this amazing food dish! Whether you have French fries when you get McDonald’s or you often cook your own fries at home, there is no denying that the addition of this potato dish can take any sort of meal to the next level.

Therefore, it is only right that we have a National French Fry Day, so that we can indulge in as many French fries as we want and not feel guilty about it.

National French Fry Day used to be celebrated on July 13th every year but, as of 2023, now occurs on the second Friday in July.

How to Celebrate National French Fry Day

Sometimes it’s just ‘Oh my God, I love the taste of fried oysters on French bread with mayonnaise and an order of French fries.’ I’m not going to lie to you – I deal with that temptation every single day, many times.

With the popularity of French Fry, it’s not surprising that the world has come up with as many different varieties of this delicious food as you could imagine.

So one of the best ways to celebrate National French Fry Day is to host a party dedicated to celebrating the international menu the fried potato has created.

The simplest variation is simply to put chopped raw onions in some ketchup, and eat them up like they do in the Netherlands.

National French Fry Day is a special time of year when we all get to celebrate the humble french fry, one of the greatest foods known to man.

Try some French fry variations!

For the more adventurous, try some of the varieties below!

Canadian Poutine – This recipe is a classic way to have French Fries, originating in Canada. This dish is incredibly decadent, combining the crispy soft texture of the French Fries with rich beef gravy, and topped with cheese curds.

American Bacon Cheeseburger Classic – There is little Americans love more than to add cheese and bacon to just about anything. French fries are no exception, there is little that is as well-loved as a rich, greasy accompaniment to any meal.

To make this classic you start with a basic of fries, and layer on bacon, chopped onions, cheese, and ground hamburger before tossing them in the oven just long enough for everything to get melty. Then grab a handful and dig in!

Greek French Fries – The Mediterranean rarely fail at making an already delicious food rich and full of the smells of home. If you love the classic Greek flavors of parmigiano-reggiano or romano cheese, garlic, and oregano, then these fries are going to leave you smiling.

The key ingredients here are Extra Virgin Olive Oil to fry them in, after which you toss them in garlic salt, Greek Oregano, and your choice of cheese such as those mentioned ahead. To get the full impact you’re going to want to stick to the white crumbly cheese of the region, the truly adventurous might use Mazithra cheese.

These are a few dishes that can help enhance National French Fry Day, and really bring out the amazing versatility of this centuries old treat.So get out your deep frier, chop up some potatoes, and celebrate National French Fry Day by eating yourself into a starch filled stupor!

Of course, you don’t need to take inspiration from around the world in order to make your own French fry creation. One thing that we have really noticed as of late is the boom in the use of truffles and truffle oil when it comes to French fries.

Black Truffle and Parmesan Fries are super indulgent, offering a decadent way of enjoying this traditional treat.

After all, truffles are often called the diamond of the culinary world. They are a rare type of mushroom that has a very intense aroma and distinctive flavour. They are harvested with the aid of truffle dogs or female pigs, which can detect their strong smell.

There are many different kinds of this mushroom, but mainly those in the genus Tuber are delicacies. Two of the most popular types include the white truffle (Tuber magnatum) of Alba and the expensive French black truffle from the Perigord region.

Black Truffle and Parmesan Fries are crisp, salty and rich in distinct and delicious truffle flavour. The Parmesan complements the black truffle really well. When Black Truffle and Parmesan Fries are teamed with beef, you have a meal that is going to make everyone jealous!

In fact, you may not have heard of the name ‘steak frites’ before, but it is simply the fancy name for steak with a side of fries, and I am sure you have not only heard of this dish, but also enjoyed it yourself. Steak and fries is served all over the world.

People enjoy it in a variation of ways. Some people eat it as it is. Others enjoy it with a side of vegetables or a sauce, whether it is peppercorn, garlic, gravy or something else.

Béarnaise sauce is a popular accompaniment with this dish. This is made using egg yolks, clarified butter and herbs.

If you want to have friends or family around on National French Fry Day and you are looking for a way to impress, we would certainly recommend that you team your French Fries with steak. Do this and you can’t go wrong!

History of the French Fry

French Fries are one of many foods whose name is most misleading, as the origins of this fat fried food seem to be in Belgium.

The story of their creation can be found in a family manuscript dated 1781, which reveals that potatoes were originally cut into the shape of fish and served in lieu of the fish normally caught in a series of small villages in Belgium.

It seems the river had frozen over and the fish they normally caught and fried were unable to be caught.

Why they’re called French is often attributed to troops coming over during World War I who got their hands on Belgian Fries.

The official language of the Belgian army at that time was French, and as a result the men thought they were in France rather than Belgium.

Interestingly, in that region of the world, they are still called “Flemish Fries” to further complicate matters. Now, these treats are loved the world round, even becoming the ‘national snack’ of the Netherlands.

National French Fry Day FAQs

What’s the story behind the first French fry vending machine?

In the 1980s, Belgium unveiled a vending machine that dispensed fresh, hot fries. Customers could choose sauces, and the machine fried the potatoes on demand.

Today, similar machines exist worldwide, including Japan and the Netherlands.

Why are some French fries crinkled or curly?

Crinkled and curly fries are more than fun shapes. Crinkles hold sauces better, while curly fries have extra surface area for crispiness. Both designs add texture and flavor, enhancing the snacking experience.

Are there any superstitions related to French fries?

Some believe fries bring good luck when eaten on New Year’s Eve in Belgium. It’s thought that sharing a plate symbolizes prosperity. While this isn’t widely practiced, it’s a quirky cultural note.

What’s the connection between French fries and fast food?

French fries became fast-food staples thanks to McDonald’s. In the 1940s, the chain standardized their fry recipe, making it globally famous. This consistency boosted fries’ appeal across cultures.

How do different cultures pair sauces with fries?

In the Philippines, fries are dipped in banana ketchup. Swedes use béarnaise sauce, while South Africans enjoy “slap chips” with vinegar. These pairings show the diverse ways fries are enjoyed globally.

What’s the largest serving of French fries ever made?

In 2014, a team in Oregon cooked over 1,400 kilograms of fries. They used a custom fryer and shared the dish with attendees. This record highlighted fries’ universal appeal and community spirit.

Do French fries have any surprising uses in science?

Yes! Scientists have studied French fries to better understand oil absorption. This research improves frying techniques, making snacks less greasy while keeping their flavor intact.

Why are fries often served with burgers?

Pairing fries with burgers began in American diners during the 1920s. Fries were easy to prepare and complemented burgers’ rich flavor. The duo became iconic as fast food grew in popularity.

What’s the most expensive French fry dish ever made?

New York’s Serendipity 3 serves fries topped with truffle oil, edible gold, and rare cheeses. This luxurious plate costs over $200, proving fries can be indulgent.

Are there any unusual French fry-related events?

In Japan, students have hosted “French fry parties,” ordering massive amounts of fries to share. These gatherings have become a viral sensation, blending humor and love for fries.

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Korean American Day

The unique fusion of Korean and American cultures creates a rich tapestry of art, music, food, and language that's not to be missed!

Celebrating the achievements and contributions of Korean Americans to the United States, Korean American Day is observed annually on January 13th—the date of the first Korean immigrants’ arrival on U.S. soil. Korean American Day is recognized as a time for Korean Americans to reflect on their history, celebrate their culture, and honor the sacrifices of their ancestors who came to the United States seeking a better life.

History of Korean American Day

On January 13, 1903, a group of 102 immigrants, mostly young men, arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii on the RMS Gaelic. They were the first Korean immigrants to arrive in the United States, and sought a better life, hoping to find work in the sugarcane plantations.

The holiday was first celebrated in 2002 and is recognized by the United States government, but is not a federal holiday.

Korean American Day Timeline

January 13, 1903

Arrival of the RMS Gaelic

The first Korean immigrants arrive in the United States, landing in Honolulu, Hawaii.

August 15, 1948

Republic of Korea established

After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union divide the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel. The United States establishes the Republic of Korea in the southern half, while the Soviet Union establishes the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the north.

June 25, 1950

Korean War begins

The Korean War breaks out when the North Korean People’s Army invades South Korea. The United States comes to the aid of South Korea and leads a coalition of United Nations forces in the war. The conflict ultimately ends in 1953 with an armistice, but no official peace treaty is signed.

October 3, 1965

Immigration and Nationality Act is passed

This act abolishes the national origins quota system that had been in place since the 1920s, allowing for a more diverse range of immigrants to come to the United States. As a result, the number of Korean immigrants to the United States increases significantly.

2005

Korean American Day established

After its first proclamation by President George W. Bush in 2003, Korean American Day is officially founded as a holiday by the U.S. House and Senate.

How to Celebrate Korean American Day

Korean American Day is celebrated by Korean American communities and organizations, and also those who are interested in Korean American culture. There are several ways to celebrate this day. One can learn about the history and culture of Korean Americans, participate in community events or festivals, visit a Korean American-owned business, or try some Korean American cuisine.

Here are some suggestions for celebrating Korean American Day:

Attend a Korean American Day festival or event

Many Korean American communities and organizations host festivals or events to celebrate Korean American Day. These events often include cultural performances, food, and other activities that allow attendees to learn more about Korean American culture.

Learn about Korean history

A great way to celebrate Korean American Day is to learn about the history of Korean Americans in the United States. This can be done by reading books, watching documentaries, or visiting museums or historical sites.

Try Korean American food

Korean American cuisine is a unique blend of Korean and American flavors, and is a great way to celebrate. Some popular dishes to try include Korean BBQ, kimchi, and bibimbap.

Support Korean American businesses

Korean American businesses contribute greatly to the economy and culture of the United States. Consider supporting a Korean American-owned business by shopping there or spreading the word about their products or services.

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National Stewart’s Root Beer Day

June 17 beckons you to celebrate the National Stewart’s Root Beer Day. Picture this: It’s a hot summer day with the sun beating down without mercy, but you have nothing to worry about as you have a cold pack of Stewart’s root beer to freshen you up. The frothy root beer, which the company sells in different flavors ranging from black cherry to orange and cream, is an old American favorite due to the nostalgia and the great taste attached to it. Stewart’s Fountain Classic also has a chain of restaurants in America.

History of National Stewart’s Root Beer Day

The National Stewart’s Root Beer Day pays homage to Stewart’s Fountain Classics. The company was started in 1924 as a small business by the American teacher and entrepreneur, Frank Stewart. Stewart wanted an extra source of income for his household, and this prompted him to start selling root beers from a drive-thru. The company started by selling only the original flavor of root beer, but as the business expanded and became popular, more flavors were added to the cart. Today, you can enjoy a birch root beer, or cream and soda, or if you are in the mood for something fruity, you can treat yourself to a grape or a black cherry root beer. At the core of it, Stewart’s Fountain Classics are the material for old-fashioned American nostalgia.

Root beer’s origins lie with the indigenous tribes of America. Indigenous people created the beverage using the root bark obtained from sassafras trees. The tribes used root beer for medicinal purposes and general drinking. It was after the arrival of Europeans on American soil that root beer started being sold as a commercial drink. The fermented creamy drink was sold as a dry mix by the American pharmacist, Charles Elmer Hires. The dry mix would have to be mixed with sugar, yeast, and water before being left to ferment and froth for a fixed period. Hires’ friend Russell Conwell, suggested that Hires create a liquid formulation for the beverage as that would lead to a better marketing strategy. Conwell proved to be right because root beer sales increased drastically after Hires introduced the new liquid formula in the market. With the influence of many cultures and cuisines, root beer has garnered a host of versions. You can make your own root beer too with the basic ingredients and a combination of your favorite spices, sweets, and herbs.

National Stewart’s Root Beer Day timeline

1860sRoot Beer Sold at Confectionaries

A version of root beer, inspired by the sassafras root beer versions, is being sold at confectionery stores.

1876Root Beer’s Commercial Introduction at Philadelphia

Charles Elmer Hires introduces his commercial liquid formulation for root beer at Philadelphia Centennial Exposition.

1924Stewart’s Fountain Classics’ Inception

American teacher Frank Stewart sets up his root beer company to increase his income sources.

1990Bottling Rights Acquired by Cable Car Beverage

The bottling rights for Stewart’s Fountain Classics are given to Cable Car Beverage Corporation.

How To Celebrate National Stewart’s Root Beer Day

Drink a Stewart’s classic

Customize your root beer

Make a root beer cake

Take a trip down memory lane by drinking Stewart’s root beer. You can try an old favorite, but you should also give other flavors a chance. You never know,  you might just discover a new favorite.

One great feature of root beer is how versatile it is. Try mixing spices and herbs like cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and dandelion root. If you like sweets, you can try root beer with vanilla ice cream and/or licorice.

If there’s anything we love more than cake and beer, it is a root beer cake. You can order one from your local bakery, or you can make one at home. Whatever you choose to do, it’s going to be a win-win situation because you’ll be getting the best of both worlds.

5 Facts About Root Beer That Will Blow Your Mind

Carcinogenic roots banned by the U.S.A.

Root beer nicknames akin to cows

Not popular in other continents

Franklin’s root beer breakfast

Root beer for water in Europe

The U.S. FDA banned the sassafras root, which is used to make root beer after it was discovered that the ingredient is carcinogenic.

Root beer floats are also known as brown and black cows.

Root beer has enjoyed exclusive popularity in North America, but it has failed to woo the masses on other continents.

Benjamin Franklin used to enjoy drinking root beer at breakfast.

When Europeans weren’t aware of proper sanitation, small beers like root beer and teas were consumed in place of water.

Why We Love National Stewart’s Root Beer Day

It’s a celebration of Stewart’s Fountain Classics, Nostalgia, root beer treats

It’s a celebration of nostalgia

It’s a celebration of root beer treats

Stewart’s Fountain Classics is a story of determination and willpower. From a small business in the 1920s, it has grown into a magnificent business empire today. It was also voted as the best company for root beers in 2006 during the World Cup of Root Beer.

Warm summer days call for a cold foamy and creamy glass of root beer. Millions of Americans associate their best times with Stewart’s root beer as the company has been around for almost a century now.

Whether you like sweets or you bend towards the savory more, root beer has got you covered. Enjoy it in the form of cakes or pies, or go ahead and try it by adding it as an ingredient to a savory dish like pasta or steak. The options are endless here, and we are pumped for it.

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Gott's Roadside, St. Helena

Gott's Roadside is a Northern California restaurant group with seven locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a family-owned diner concept restaurant with influence from California cuisine.

The family-owned company's niche is fast food made with ingredients from local purveyors cooked to-order, including hamburgers and Ahi burgers, salads, French fries, and milkshakes, plus seasonal specials like the “Seoul” pork burger with kimchi and the B.L.T. with heirloom tomatoes. On July 25, 2017, Gott's started serving the vegan Impossible burger. Food & Wine magazine has labeled it as an “idealized version of the American roadside stand”.

When the owners of a burger shack in St. Helena—Taylor's Refresher—decided to lease out their 50-year-old property, brothers Joel and Duncan Gott capitalized the opportunity to run their own restaurant. The restaurant became Taylor's Automatic Refresher when the first location re-opened in St. Helena in 1999, and (in the aftermath of a trademark dispute, and over the protests of the Taylor family) was renamed in 2010 as Gott's Roadside.

The restaurants embrace a California-casual cooking style, featuring microbrewed beer and wines alongside chili cheese dogs and mini corn dogs. In 2004, a second Gott's opened in the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco, and in 2007, a third opened in the Oxbow Public Market of Napa. The St. Helena spot is a drive-in, with seating at red picnic tables on the lawn, while the other two locations are built in an urban, retro diner-style. In 2013, a fourth location opened in Palo Alto. The newest Gott's Roadside location is now open in Greenbrae in Marin County. The company remains privately owned.

Source: Wikipedia

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Benches/Chairs (No. 33)

Freemark Abbey Winery, St Helena (three pics)

Gott's Roadside, St Helena (three pics)

Domaine Carneros, Napa (four pics)

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Charles Elmer Hires sold his first Root Beer during the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia on June 9, 1869.  

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National French Fries Day

French fries are a staple of fast food restaurants and diners, often being paired with hamburgers and cheeseburgers. A simple food consisting of potatoes—and maybe some salt—they are one of the most popular side dishes in the world. They are celebrated today by being made at home or eaten at restaurants.

French fries were most likely invented in Belgium, not France, but potatoes are native to South America. In 1537, Spanish explorer Jiménez de Quesada found them in a village in Colombia. They were soon brought to Spain, and became known as “truffles.” They were small and bitter at the time, but better versions were soon cultivated. There was some resistance to potatoes in Europe, but they eventually caught on.

By most accounts, French fries were created in Belgium in the late seventeenth century, in the valley of the Meuse River, between Dinant and Liège. It was here that small fried fish were often eaten. When the weather was especially harsh, the river froze to a thickness that made it difficult to catch fish. It was then that potatoes began being cut in long strips similar to fish and were fried in their place. This story is aided in that Spain controlled some of Belgium at the time, and it was Spain who had introduced potatoes to the continent. Some believe that French fries weren’t created in Belgium until the eighteenth century.

Another theory posits that French fries were indeed created in France, but most believe this was after the Belgians had already invented them. Antoine-Augustin Parmentier was taken captive during the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) and had been given potatoes while in prison in Prussia. Although potatoes had long been used as hog feed in France and had been thought to cause disease, even being banned in 1748 because of a belief that they caused leprosy, Parmentier found them to be an enjoyable and healthy food.

After getting out of prison, Parmentier advocated for their culinary use. They were legalized in France in 1772, but Parmentier still faced resistance when he promoted them. He began hosting dinner parties with dignitaries such as Benjamin Franklin, King Louis XVI, and Queen Marie Antoinette and served them potatoes. Finally, after a famine in 1785, potatoes became more popular throughout France. Fries, or “frites,” soon were being made. They were particularly popular in Paris, where they were sold by pushcart vendors. This was about a century after fries are thought to have been invented in Belgium, and it is unknown if France came up with the idea on its own, or got the idea from Belgium.

It is believed that it was from France that French fries made their way to the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1802, Thomas Jefferson had the White House chef, Frenchman Honoré Julien, make “potatoes served in the French manner.” He described them as “potatoes deep-fried while raw, in small cuttings.“ This is an early instance of them being referred to as “French.” According to the Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink, “French” does not refer to the country, but instead to a method of cutting called “frenching,” where potatoes are cut into narrow strips. In America, fries were usually called “French fried potatoes” until the 1930s, when they started being called “French fries.” It was through American fast food restaurants that French fries were introduced to the non-European world. In France they are known as “pommes frites,” in Spain they are “patatas fritas,” and in the United Kingdom they are known as “chips.”

There are many variations of French fries, such as curly, waffle, crinkle-cut, and steak fries. They can be made Cajun-style, be covered with chili and cheese, or be used to make poutine. Fries are usually fried in lard or vegetable oil, but they can be baked in the oven as well. Commercial fries usually come frozen, precut, and partially cooked. French fries are often eaten with condiments. Ketchup is preferred in America, while mayonnaise is popular in parts of Europe, and malt vinegar is commonly used in Britain.

How to Observe

Celebrate the day by eating French fries! You could make some at home, or grab some at a restaurant. You could have them at a fast food restaurant such as McDonald’s, or eat them at one of the best places to have french fries in the country.

Source

French fries are a staple of fast food restaurants and diners, often being paired with hamburgers and cheeseburgers. A simple food consisting of potatoes—and maybe some salt—they are one of the most popular side dishes in the world. They are celebrated today by being made at home or eaten at restaurants.

French fries were most likely invented in Belgium, not France, but potatoes are native to South America. In 1537, Spanish explorer Jiménez de Quesada found them in a village in Colombia. They were soon brought to Spain, and became known as “truffles.” They were small and bitter at the time, but better versions were soon cultivated. There was some resistance to potatoes in Europe, but they eventually caught on.

By most accounts, French fries were created in Belgium in the late seventeenth century, in the valley of the Meuse River, between Dinant and Liège. It was here that small fried fish were often eaten. When the weather was especially harsh, the river froze to a thickness that made it difficult to catch fish. It was then that potatoes began being cut in long strips similar to fish and were fried in their place. This story is aided in that Spain controlled some of Belgium at the time, and it was Spain who had introduced potatoes to the continent. Some believe that French fries weren’t created in Belgium until the eighteenth century.

Another theory posits that French fries were indeed created in France, but most believe this was after the Belgians had already invented them. Antoine-Augustin Parmentier was taken captive during the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) and had been given potatoes while in prison in Prussia. Although potatoes had long been used as hog feed in France and had been thought to cause disease, even being banned in 1748 because of a belief that they caused leprosy, Parmentier found them to be an enjoyable and healthy food.

After getting out of prison, Parmentier advocated for their culinary use. They were legalized in France in 1772, but Parmentier still faced resistance when he promoted them. He began hosting dinner parties with dignitaries such as Benjamin Franklin, King Louis XVI, and Queen Marie Antoinette and served them potatoes. Finally, after a famine in 1785, potatoes became more popular throughout France. Fries, or “frites,” soon were being made. They were particularly popular in Paris, where they were sold by pushcart vendors. This was about a century after fries are thought to have been invented in Belgium, and it is unknown if France came up with the idea on its own, or got the idea from Belgium.

It is believed that it was from France that French fries made their way to the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1802, Thomas Jefferson had the White House chef, Frenchman Honoré Julien, make “potatoes served in the French manner.” He described them as “potatoes deep-fried while raw, in small cuttings.“ This is an early instance of them being referred to as “French.” According to the Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink, “French” does not refer to the country, but instead to a method of cutting called “frenching,” where potatoes are cut into narrow strips. In America, fries were usually called “French fried potatoes” until the 1930s, when they started being called “French fries.” It was through American fast food restaurants that French fries were introduced to the non-European world. In France they are known as “pommes frites,” in Spain they are “patatas fritas,” and in the United Kingdom they are known as “chips.”

There are many variations of French fries, such as curly, waffle, crinkle-cut, and steak fries. They can be made Cajun-style, be covered with chili and cheese, or be used to make poutine. Fries are usually fried in lard or vegetable oil, but they can be baked in the oven as well. Commercial fries usually come frozen, precut, and partially cooked. French fries are often eaten with condiments. Ketchup is preferred in America, while mayonnaise is popular in parts of Europe, and malt vinegar is commonly used in Britain.

How to Observe

Celebrate the day by eating French fries! You could make some at home, or grab some at a restaurant. You could have them at a fast food restaurant such as McDonald’s, or eat them at one of the best places to have french fries in the country.

Source

[rabbitcruiser]

National Cheddar Fries Day 

Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside - cheddar fries are a savory sensation! Whether dipped in ketchup or smothered in cheese sauce, these fries are a satisfying snack.

There’s something so incredibly delicious and deeply American about a big huge pile of french fries that is smothered in cheddar cheese sauce and piled high! Whether eaten as an appetizer or as a whole meal, cheddar fries have the power to bring quite a bit of delight to any table of friends or family members.

Now, Cheddar Fries Day is here to pay honor and respect to this simple and appetizing bit of American cuisine.

History of National Cheddar Fries Day

National Cheddar Fries Day got its official start in 2016 by a restaurant called Snuffer’s in the state of Texas. Though no one is quite sure when this dish got its start, it was certainly created somewhere in the United States. Putting cheese on french fried potatoes to make cheddar fries, or cheese fries, may have originated around the time that the American company, Kraft, released a product called Cheez Whiz in 1953. This was a processed cheese food that made it possible to have a saucier kind of melted cheese in a jar or can.

Chili cheese fries, which are basically cheddar fries that incorporate chili as well, have a story of having been invented at a Dairy Queen restaurant in Missouri by a man named Austin Ruse. But it is known that chili cheese fries could be sourced in the frozen food section of grocery stores as early as 1975.

In today’s world, cheddar fries are served at all sorts of different locally owned restaurants as well as national chains, from fast food to diner-style to casual family dining restaurants. They might come with just cheese or chili and cheese. Or they might be “loaded” up with bacon bits, green onions and sour cream. Some of the well-known places that serve a version of cheddar fries might include Steak ‘n Shake, Wendy’s, Arby’s, Shake Shack and many others.

National Cheddar Fries Day Timeline

1600s French Fries get their start

Deceivingly, the first fries were made in the country of Belgium, where the French language is spoken. 

1934 Steak ‘n Shake is first opened

Founded in Normal, Illinois, Steak ‘n Shake will eventually become an American icon for fries, specializing in cheddar cheese fries.

1953 Cheez Whiz is introduced

This canned, whipped cheese by Kraft makes it easier to put cheese on just about anything! 

1978 Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar serves Cheddar Fries

This Dallas diner adds cheddar fries to its menu and will eventually found National Cheddar Fries Day decades later. 

2016 First National Cheddar Fries Day is celebrated

Getting its start at Snuffer’s restaurant in Texas, the first National Cheddar Fries Day takes place.

How to Celebrate National Cheddar Fries Day

Get on board with all sorts of fun ways to celebrate and enjoy National Cheddar Fries Day when you participate in some these delicious and delightful activities:

Head Out for Some Cheddar Fries

Take the opportunity to celebrate National Cheddar Fries Day by ordering some up at a restaurant. Those who are near the Dallas, Texas, area might want to try out Snuffer’s Restaurant & Bar, the original restaurant where National Cheddar Fries Day was founded. In fact, Snuffer’s also claims to be one of the creators of the original “cheddar fries” and their recipe includes cheddar cheese, with the option of adding bacon, chives and jalapenos for an even more scrumptious experience.

Get Creative with Cheddar Fries

Making a version of cheddar fries or cheese fries at home is an amazing way to get creative with those culinary skills in the kitchen. Start out with some basic french fried potatoes, whether starting from frozen or fresh. Then fry them in oil or bake them in the oven.

The most important factor for cheddar fries is, obviously, the cheese, but beyond that it’s easy to make things interesting and unique in honor of Cheddar Fries Day. Try out some of these creative ideas for making cheddar fries at home:

Mexican Cheese Fries. In addition to cheese sauce, pile french fries with beef taco meat, black beans, zesty jalapenos, and a delicious lime yogurt sauce.

Texas Cheese Fries. This copycat recipe comes from Chili’s restaurant and starts with a big batch of chili in the crockpot. Pile it on top of fries with cheese sauce, bacon, pickled jalapenos and topped off with ranch dressing.

Kimchi and Chorizo Fries. Tasty with a healthy kick, these loaded fries have cheese sauce, spicy chorizo, fermented kimchi and green onions.

Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Cheddar Fries. Make things a bit more interesting when you use sweet potato fries instead of regular fries, and then add Sloppy Joe meat, cheddar cheese and chives. A super tasty twist on an American classic.

Learn Some Fun Facts About Cheddar and Fries

In honor of National Cheddar Fries Day, it might be fun to raise awareness and pique the interest of family members and friends by learning and sharing some unique and interesting fun facts about the elements of this dish. Have a go with some of these bits of trivia:

Cheddar cheese comes in a few different interesting varieties. The most common are mild, medium, sharp and extra sharp. But there is also white cheddar, New York style, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar, and even “red cheddar”, which is really more of a Red Leicester cheese.

French fries don’t seem to have actually originated in France but in Belgium. It is believed they were called French fries because American soldiers first discovered them among the French speaking Belgians.

Cheddar cheese originated in a village in Somerset, England, by the name of Cheddar.

When the restaurant started the price of a portion of McDonald’s French Fries was only ten cents.

Host a Cheddar Cheese Fries Day Party

It’s fun to get people together to celebrate this tasty and delicious treat on National Cheddar Fries Day. Perhaps host a cheddar cheese fries buffet at home as a fun way to enjoy the day. Or, celebrate the day in the breakroom at work by having coworkers bring in different fixings or other items to put on top of the cheddar fries. It’s a cool way to have lunch at work and build camaraderie as well.

Hold a National Cheddar Fries Competition

For those who want to get a bit more competitive, perhaps it would be fun to turn Cheddar Fries Day into a competition. Allow different competitors to bring their favorite recipes for cheddar fries, chili cheddar fries or loaded cheddar fries, and then host a cookoff. Let other participants be judges and declare the winner as the person whose cheddar fries get the most votes. They could win a simple prize, a certificate or just general bragging rights. Of course, since everyone gets to eat cheddar fries on National Cheddar Fries Day, it turns out that everyone wins!

National Cheddar Fries Day FAQs

Are cheddar fries gluten free?

Yes, as long as the cheese sauce doesn’t contain gluten, cheddar fries should be gluten free.

Will cheddar cheese melt?

Cheddar cheese melts especially well when it is shredded.

Are cheese fries healthy?

Cheese fries can have a lot of carbs and fat, but they can be made in ways that are healthier.

Are cheese fries good?

Sure! Cheese fries are popular and liked by many, with variations including bacon, jalapeno slices, green onions and more. 

How to make cheddar cheese fries?

Making cheddar cheese fries is easy by piling cheese sauce on top of cooked french fries.

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