By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on February 17, 2024 | Last Updated on February 17, 2024
Have you ever wished your regular fries could bring a smile to your face? Well, look no further!
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you an exciting and creative recipe for Smiley Face Fries.
These adorable and scrumptious treats are sure to bring joy to anyone’s day. So, grab your chef hat and let’s get started!
What is Smiley Face Fries?
Smiley Face Fries are a delightful twist to the classic french fries that we all know and love. Instead of the traditional straight cut fries, this recipe transforms them into adorable smiley face shapes.
These fries not only taste amazing but are also eye-catching, perfect for both kids and adults alike. The combination of the crispy exterior and fluffy interior makes them an absolute treat to savor.
Why does this recipe work?
The secret behind the success of these Smiley Face Fries lies in the combination of ingredients and the cooking technique.
The mixture of mashed potatoes, flour, bread crumbs, and cornstarch creates a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
The addition of seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper enhances the overall taste, making these fries utterly irresistible.
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What You’ll Need to Make This Dish?
To whip up a batch of Smiley Face Fries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Canola oil for frying
- Optional: Ketchup, mustard, and ranch dressing for dipping
How to Make Smiley Face Fries?
Let me walk you through the process of creating these delightful smiley face fries:
Step1: Mix the Ingredients:
- In a big bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, onion powder, dry bread crumbs, and garlic powder. Stir until it becomes a smooth mixture.
Step 2: Roll Out the Mixture:
- Sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface.
- Take the potato mixture and roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 3: Cut Out the Shapes:
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the rolled-out mixture.
- If you have any leftover scraps, you can re-roll them and cut out more circles.
Step 4: Create the Faces:
- Use a drinking straw to make two small circles for eyes on each round.
- Use a spoon to shape a smile or mouth on each round.
Step 5: Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, pour enough canola oil so it’s about 1/2 inch deep.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: Fry the Faces:
- Carefully place a few rounds into the hot oil at a time.
- Fry them until both sides are golden brown, which should take about 1-2 minutes for each side.
Step 7: Drain and Season:
- Take the fried Smiley Face Fries out of the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle them with a bit more salt to taste.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Smiley Face Fries while they’re warm.
- You can dip them in ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, or your favorite sauce!
Tips:
– For an extra crispy texture, refrigerate the shaped smiley face fries for at least 30 minutes before frying.
– Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the fries to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
– Experiment with different seasonings like paprika or chili powder to add a kick of flavor to your smiley face fries.
– If you’re short on time, you can use frozen mashed potatoes but make sure they have minimal additives for the best taste.
– Serve your smiley face fries immediately after frying for the ultimate crispy experience.
How to Store Leftovers?
If, by some miracle, you have any leftover smiley face fries, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.
However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to enjoy them fresh and piping hot.
Nutrition Information:
A serving of Smiley Face Fries (approximately 5 pieces) contains approximately:
– Calories: 247– Total Fat: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Protein: 3g
– Fiber: 1g
How Would I Recommend Serving Smiley Face Fries?
1. Fun Snack for Parties:
Prepare a platter of smiley face fries as a fun and unique snack option for your next party. Serve them alongside an array of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, and ranch dressing.
Your guests will not only be impressed by the presentation but also enjoy the crispy and delicious fries.
2. Kids’ Birthday Parties:
For kids’ birthday parties, create a smiley face fries station where children can customize their own happy faces.
Offer a variety of toppings such as grated cheese, bacon bits, and green onions for them to sprinkle over their fries.
This interactive activity will keep the little ones engaged and excited while enjoying a tasty treat.
3. Family Movie Night:
Level up your family movie night by serving these smiley face fries as a side dish to your favorite films. Pair them with mini burgers or hotdogs for a complete meal that will surely put a smile on everyone’s face.
4. Picnic Delight:
Pack a container of smiley face fries for a picnic with family or friends. The convenient individual shapes make them easy to pack and enjoy on the go. Serve them alongside sandwiches or wraps for a satisfying and playful outdoor meal.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?
1. Substitute for Mashed Potatoes:
If you don’t have mashed potatoes on hand, you can use instant mashed potato flakes mixed with water according to the package instructions. Alternatively, you can also use sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a unique twist on these smiley face fries.
2. Flour Substitute:
For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. This substitution will ensure that everyone, including those with dietary restrictions, can enjoy these delightful fries.
3. Bread Crumbs Alternative:
In case you run out of bread crumbs, crushed cornflakes or panko bread crumbs can be used as a suitable replacement. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and enhance the crunchiness of the fries.
4. Seasoning Swap:
Feel free to modify the seasonings based on your preference or what you have available in your pantry. Experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add a touch of smokiness with smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile.
Smiley Face Fries Recipe
Equipment
- pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Canola oil for frying
- Optional: Ketchup mustard, and ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
Step1: Mix The Ingredients:
- In a big bowl, mix together mashed potatoes, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, onion powder, dry bread crumbs, and garlic powder. Stir until it becomes a smooth mixture.
Step 2: Roll Out The Mixture:
- Sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface.
- Take the potato mixture and roll it out with a rolling pin until it’s about 1/4-inch thick.
Step 3: Cut Out The Shapes:
- Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out circles from the rolled-out mixture.
- If you have any leftover scraps, you can re-roll them and cut out more circles.
Step 4: Create The Faces:
- Use a drinking straw to make two small circles for eyes on each round.
- Use a spoon to shape a smile or mouth on each round.
Step 5: Heat The Oil:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, pour enough canola oil so it’s about 1/2 inch deep.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
Step 6: Fry The Faces:
- Carefully place a few rounds into the hot oil at a time.
- Fry them until both sides are golden brown, which should take about 1-2 minutes for each side.
Step 7: Drain And Season:
- Take the fried Smiley Face Fries out of the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle them with a bit more salt to taste.
Step 8: Serve And Enjoy:
- Serve your Smiley Face Fries while they’re warm.
- You can dip them in ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, or your favorite sauce!
Notes
- – For an extra crispy texture, refrigerate the shaped smiley face fries for at least 30 minutes before frying.
- – Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the fries to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- – Experiment with different seasonings like paprika or chili powder to add a kick of flavor to your smiley face fries.
- – If you’re short on time, you can use frozen mashed potatoes but make sure they have minimal additives for the best taste.
- – Serve your smiley face fries immediately after frying for the ultimate crispy experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can I freeze the smiley face fries before frying them?
A1. Yes, you can freeze the shaped smiley face fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer them into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to fry them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and follow the frying instructions as usual.
Q2. Can I use a different shape for the fries instead of smiley faces?
A2. Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and shape your fries into any design that brings you joy. Hearts, stars, or even basic cut fries will also taste delicious with this recipe.
Q3. Can I bake the smiley face fries instead of frying them?
A3. While the traditional method involves frying, you can bake the smiley face fries if you prefer a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the coated smiley face fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Q4. Are smiley face fries suitable for a vegetarian diet?
A4. Yes, smiley face fries are suitable for vegetarians as they are made with vegetarian-friendly ingredients. Just ensure that the breadcrumbs and seasonings you use are free from any animal-derived ingredients if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Q5. Can I make smiley face fries with sweet potatoes?
A5. Yes, you can certainly make these smiley face fries using sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes will add a delicious twist to the dish. Substitute equal amounts of mashed sweet potatoes in place of regular mashed potatoes.
Q6. Can I make the smiley face fries ahead of time and reheat them?
A6. Although freshly fried smiley face fries provide the best texture and taste, you can make them ahead of time and reheat them. However, note that they may lose a bit of their crispiness when reheated. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Conclusion:
Smiley Face Fries elevate the classic side dish to a whole new level of fun and tastiness. With their adorable shapes and crispy texture, these fries are a hit at parties, family gatherings, and even casual movie nights.
By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you’ll be able to create a batch of smiley face fries that will brighten any occasion.
Experiment with different shapes and seasonings to add your personal touch to this delightful dish. Make sure to serve them fresh and hot for maximum enjoyment.
So, go ahead and surprise your taste buds with these delightful smiley face fries today – they will surely put a smile on your face!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
