The 5 Best Fast Food Cheese Fries You Must Try, Ranked

deleciousfood | August 22, 2024 | Fast Food | No Comments

In-N-Out Burger with Animal Fries (MarieKaz/Shutterstock)

For many, devouring a stack of fast food fries is the ultimate comfort food experience. But when you top those crispy fries with melted cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sauces, and fresh veggies, the experience takes on a whole new dimension. While the origins of cheese fries remain a mystery, does it matter? Not to us. Today’s fast food fries go way beyond just cheese, offering an irresistible blend of ingredients that are hard to resist. So, which fast food chains serve up the most satisfying fries? We’ve sifted through expert reviews from six major websites to bring you the ultimate list of the best fast food fries. Think we missed your favorite? Leave a comment below and let us know!

StudyFinds compiles lists of consensus picks from credible review sites. Our goal is to bring you the best consumer research findings by bringing expert rankings to one place.

5 Must-Eat Cheese Fries You Won’t Be Able to Resist

1. Wendy’s

Choosing between Wendy’s Baconator fries and Pub fries can be tricky because they’re similar. The main difference? Pub fries come with a rich beer cheese sauce, while Baconator fries come with a creamy cheese sauce. The upside? The two options are nearly identical in terms of calories, fat, and sodium. However, Eat This, Not That advises avoiding the chain’s Chili Cheese fries.

On the other hand, Mashed raves about Wendy’s Chili Cheese Fries, recommending them over the Baconator Fries. These skin-on, sea salt-topped fries are loaded with hearty chili and tangy cheese sauce. While they’re high in calories and sodium, they’re a treat that’s hard to resist.

Business Insider agrees that the chili cheese fries pack a lot more flavor than the bacon fries. While they’re a little soggy, they’re a little mushy, but the tomato-based chili simmer adds a necessary acidic note that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese, and the ground beef adds a satisfying kick.

2. Inside-outside

In-N-Out’s Animal-Style Fries are a cult favorite. These fries are technically part of the chain’s “secret menu,” but cashiers won’t bat an eye when you order them because they’re that popular. By preparing them the way animals do, simple sunflower oil-fried potatoes are transformed into a loaded masterpiece. With melted cheese, special sauce and grilled onions, these fries have roots that date back to a surfer’s request in the 1960s. According to Mashed, they illustrate how the right toppings can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

UPROXX agrees, noting that the animal-like treatment elevates every bite, making them a real treat. While they may not be everyone’s first choice, they definitely elevate regular fries, especially for those who aren’t fans of the classic version.

You can’t go wrong with fresh-cut fries dipped in tangy Thousand Island, caramelized onions, and thick, melty cheese. Ranker describes them as a “bite of bliss” that clings to your taste buds, and maybe your arteries. But let’s be honest, life just isn’t the same without them.

4. Shake Shack

Mashed hails this fast food joint’s iconic crinkle fries as a must-try, thanks to their perfectly cooked bacon and gooey melted cheese sauce. The cheese clings to every curve of the fries, making every bite irresistible. If you’re craving comfort food done right, these fries are the perfect treat.

According to The Daily Meal, Shake Shack’s cheese fries are a fan favorite, with one Tripadvisor reviewer declaring them the best item on the menu. Timmy’s Takeout raves about the perfect balance of crispy bacon and creamy cheese sauce, concluding that Shake Shack has the best fries in the world.

With these bad boys, it’s all or nothing. UPROXX thinks it’s the bacon that makes these fries filling. Without it, the reviewer admits the fries are bland. So, make sure to go all out when you order.

5. Sonic

Sonic is known for its great sides, from crispy potato croquettes to melty mozzarella sticks and golden onion rings. But even with all these tasty options, Mashed insists it’s their Chili Cheese Fries that stand out. Made with salty, skin-on Russet fries, they’re loaded with melted cheddar and hot chili, creating a savory treat that’s hard to beat.

So skip the classic cheese fries and opt for the chili cheese version instead. Eat This, Not That promises you won’t regret it. Loaded with shredded cheddar, diced onions, jalapeños, and hearty chili, these fries are a flavorful treat. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, add a slice of American cheese on top for the ultimate treat.

You can also get cheese croquettes! Ranker likes the chili cheese croquettes because they are delicious and the portion size is perfect. After all, you can’t just eat one!

Note: This article is not paid for or sponsored. StudyFinds is not affiliated with or partnered with any of the brands mentioned and does not receive compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.