Why McDonald's French Fries Are Among the Least Preferred in the Fast Food Industry

Are McDonald's fries truly one of the crown jewels of fast food cuisine, or are they really the bottom of the barrel?

Believe it or not, there is a widespread belief that McDonald's fries are among the worst in the fast food world. Critics argue that they taste and feel like old leather bootlaces, devoid of any potato-like qualities and swimming in excessive salt. These "fries" are more or less nothing but a side of salt with a questionable fried component, leading some even to suggest that FEMA should be involved in the process. Let's dive into the specifics and explore why this fast food giant might not be living up to its reputation.

The Controversial Reputation of McDonald's Fries

When it comes to discussing French fries, many critics are quick to use strong language to describe McDonald's offerings. In some cases, McDonald's fries are described as the quintessential antithesis of a good French fry. Idaho, the potato epicenter, might even consider saving their precious spuds, as some believe McDonald's couldn't even identify a potato if they were handed one.

While some fast food chains might offer better fries, the primary competition for McDonald's actually comes from other fast food chains and even some real restaurants. In Sweden, for example, McDonald's fries stand out as some of the worst. Traditional French fries, also known as pommes frites, are seen as a more authentic representation, and even they fall short in comparison to other options.

McDonald's Fries: Salt and Flavor Content

However, it’s not all doom and gloom for McDonald's fries. They do have some redeeming qualities. When they are fresh and hot, they are deemed decent. In terms of salt content, McDonald's fries stack up against those from other chains, such as Wendy's and BK, where the fries might have a higher salt content. Yet, they still lack the robust, flavorful experience that comes from making them at home, using simple ingredients like olive oil, flour, parmesan cheese, and black pepper.

Promoting Homemade French Fries

One of the reasons why McDonald's fries often fail to meet people's expectations is their inferior taste and texture. When compared to baked or fried homemade fries, they simply cannot compete. The grilling and baking process adds a texture and flavor that consumers often find lacking in the fast food version. Homemade fry enthusiasts also argue that it is surprisingly easy to replicate their beloved potato flavor. Plus, it’s not expensive to make them at home.

A Homemade French Fries Recipe from Scratch

Want to give homemade fries a try? Here is a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

6 large baking potatoes 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp salt A few cranks of ground fresh black pepper (to taste) 1/8 tsp garlic powder (optional) Pure olive oil spray (such as Bertolli)

Steps:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash the baking potatoes to remove any dirt or residue. Cut the potatoes into long wedges, ensuring the thickest part is about 1/2 inch thick. In a plastic bag, combine the flour (1/4 cup), grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup), salt (1/4 tsp), ground black pepper (a few cranks), and garlic powder (1/8 tsp if using). Shake the bag to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Lay out a rimmed baking sheet and cover it with Reynolds nonstick aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with olive oil. Rib some of the potato wedges into the bag with the flour mixture and shake to coat them evenly. Transfer the coated wedges onto the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, ideally not touching each other. Spray the tops of the potatoes with a pure olive oil spray. Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. Turn the potatoes over and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are brown to your desired level. Season with additional salt if needed, or serve as is.

By preparing your own fries, you can enjoy the rich, fresh flavor of potatoes in a way that simply cannot be replicated by fast food kitchens. Give it a try and see the difference a home-cooked meal makes!