7 Best Loaded Fast Food French Fries And 6 You Should Skip

Although it's a bit of a mystery how exactly french fries came to be, nowadays they are practically an American tradition. These salty treats are served alongside burgers, fried chicken, fried fish, steak, and just about any type of cuisine imaginable in any kind of style imaginable. Although many different types of restaurants sell french fries, many times, fast food chains do them the best. As many chain fast food places have their equipment and techniques down to a science, there's no denying that some of the most delicious french fries in the country are served through drive-through windows.

Although it's not difficult to make fries in your home kitchen, there's nothing quite like a fast food fry. Plain fries have been around forever, but lately, there has been a burst of creativity, with restaurants cooking up loaded fries in a variety of styles and flavors. Loaded fries can be packed with various types of meat (like this loaded pork fries recipe), cheese, veggies, sauces, and other toppings. Whether you prefer your fries slathered in bacon grease or want a vegetarian-friendly loaded fry, there's a fry out there for just about everyone. With so many places creating their own loaded fries, this is your guide to the best and the worst among fast food joints.

Although Burger King is undeniably popular the world over (it's actually the second largest fast food hamburger chain), in comparison to the other incredibly cravable fast food fries in existence, its cheesy loaded fries do not make the cut. Burger King isn't afraid to experiment with its menu and it has introduced fry variations with much fanfare, including its chicken fries and funnel cake fries. In 2013, the chain re-developed its french fries to contain fewer calories. Today, its classic french fries are cut shoestring style and cooked to a golden brown.

There are plenty of passionate opinions on all sides about Burger King fries. They've been called superior by one writer at Slate while this Redditor wrote a scathing review. Although you could describe the plain fries as a little bland, they are made better by adding melted cheese and bacon. While they are an upgrade that these fries desperately need, these extra toppings are still not enough to compete with the In-N-Out and Wienerschnitzel restaurants of the world. Still, Burger King doesn't shy away from experimentation and constant improvement, meaning there could be a future where these loaded fries (or another creative version) make the "try" list.

Harold and Kumar may have gone on an adventure to eat White Castle sliders but they may not have made the trek if they had first tried White Castle loaded fries. Although the crinkle-cut french fries are generally tasty on their own, they don't hold up when topped with a generous amount of bacon, ranch dressing, and melted cheese. Perhaps because of the hefty amount of bacon, or because the fries don't come as crispy as other fast food restaurants, this menu item tends to fall into mediocrity. Additionally, the ranch dressing adds a tangy element that, in theory, should be a great flavor boost. In practice, however, it ends up smothering the flavor of the fries themselves.

Previously a secret menu item, White Castle introduced the item on the menu officially back in 2011. While you'll find plenty of social media and food blogger raves for the other loaded fries on this list, White Castle's sit firmly in the "meh" category. Harold and Kumar fans, stick with the sliders.

French fries on their own are almost always delicious and Wendy's knows how to make a good golden-hued french fry. However, the fast food restaurant's loaded version, Baconator fries, are a bit of a mess. The restaurant's skin-on natural-cut fries are topped with sea salt, cheese sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and a generous amount of chopped smoked bacon.

While some reviewers have described the fries as being pleasant, one reviewer from Reddit paints a grimmer picture: "The potato noodle with a bacony cheese tumor is somehow both insipid and disturbingly pungent". Another reviewer calls the fries "limp and soggy" (via The Impulsive Buy). In the end, there are better options for loaded fries from Wendy's, including its similar but better pub fries which feature beer cheese. In the end, if you're craving a bacon-covered, cheese-smothered potato creation at Wendy's, you might want to opt for the famous bacon cheese baked potato or the chili cheese fries, which we are about to discuss.

Look, any twist on a classic loaded fry is appreciated, and the Cajun Southern spin on the classic cheese fries available at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a great idea in theory. In execution, however, the Cajun cheese fries, made with Popeyes' salty Cajun seasoning and melted cheddar cheese, fuse too many flavor combinations. Although the Cajun fries can be great on their own, with the cheese added on top of the overwhelming, smoky-tasting Cajun seasoning, the flavors get muddled 

The fries also tend to go soggy quickly, creating a lackluster texture. Although there is a tinge of spicy and smoke that adds to the flavor, the combination of Southern spices doesn't necessarily make sense alongside very salty fries and creamy cheese.

When it comes to ordering a side dish at Popeyes, it's better to opt for the plain Cajun fries, made with the fast food joint's special seasoning. The classic fry preserves the hot and crispy aspects you want in french fries.

The true definition of loaded fries can vary, but for the beloved Southern-style fried chicken fast food chain Church's Chicken to stretch the definition when it labels its Blazin' Ranch fries as "loaded" is nearing blasphemy. A loaded fry should, first and foremost, feel loaded with toppings, whether that's vegetables, meats, cheeses, seasonings, or sauces. Although the crinkle-cut Blazin' Ranch fries, which are topped with a drizzle of Texas Pete hot sauce and Hidden Valley Ranch dressing, are plenty saucy, they are missing some of the most essential elements to create a true loaded fry. Without any sort of meat, cheese, sour cream, or even vegetable element to the french fries, they feel less like a loaded fry and more like a regular fry with a dipping sauce that comes on top.

Church's Chicken has a strong following and plenty of great menu items, including its spicy chicken sandwich and Southern sweet tea. With so many great options on the menu, it's difficult to recommend trying these less-than-exciting fries.

Del Taco's menu is massive. The beloved California-born fast food taco joint offers more than just Mexican food. With cheeseburgers, donut holes, and breakfast wraps on the menu, it's no wonder it also offers a variety of loaded fries, including a style that incorporates queso blanco and one with guacamole and carne asada. While Del Taco is generally on point with its taco and burrito options, its loaded fries miss the mark on texture.

Crinkle-cut style fries already tend to be on the less crispy side, but when smothered in a variety of ingredients, including a strongly-flavored beefy chili and melted cheddar cheese, they turn soggy very quickly. With an exterior that's not as crispy as other styles of fries, the somewhat starchy flavor and soft potato inside create a texture that's not a great vehicle for the toppings. Although there's not much fanfare online regarding these fries, reviewers have weighed in that they are less impressive than other items on the menu (via Insider).