9 Ideas for Fries and Dips

Ruby Crescent fingerling fries: Halve lengthwise (thick fingerlings may take a little longer to crisp up).

Purple potato wedges: Cut peeled potatoes into ½-in.-thick wedges.

Yukon Gold chips: Using a mandoline, cut 1 lb. potatoes into paper-thin slices. Stir often while frying.

Russet frites: Cut potatoes into ¼-in.-thick matchsticks.

The best potato-frying technique we tried was this one, by the famous French chef Joël Robuchon. The low-heat method takes a little time, but will give you very crunchy fries.

Recipe: Russet frites

Cut orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often mislabeled “yams”) into ½-in.-thick sticks and boil in water until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Heat 2 to 3 in. vegetable oil in a large saucepan until oil registers 350° on a deep-fry thermometer. Fry in batches until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes.

Peel yuca (also known as cassava or manioc) and boil in water until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain, pat dry, trim fibrous inner core (you’ll see it), and cut into ½-in.-thick sticks about 3 in. long. Fry the same way as the sweet potato fries.

Whisk together 4 tbsp. hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp. chili garlic sauce, and 2 tbsp. honey.

Pair with: Yuca sticks

Whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise with 5 tsp. ají amarillo paste (find in Latino markets).

Pair with: Purple potato wedges

Whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 4 tsp. malt vinegar, and ½ tsp. pepper.

Pair with: Yukon Gold chips

Whirl ¼ cup ketchup, ½ cup jarred roasted piquillo peppers*, 1 tbsp. almond oil, and ½ tsp. each kosher salt and pepper in a food processor until smooth.

Pair with: Russet frites

*Piquillos are small, mildly spicy red Spanish peppers; find in well-stocked grocery stores.

In a small bowl, toss together ¼ cup each shredded asiago, gouda, and sharp yellow cheddar cheeses. Put cheese in a small saucepan with 3 tbsp. heavy cream and cook over low heat, stirring often, until cheese has melted and is smooth. Stir in 1 tbsp. finely chopped chives (optional).

Pair with: Fingerling fries

Whisk together 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro, ½ cup mayonnaise, zest of 1 lime, and 3 tsp. lime juice.

Pair with: Sweet-potato fries