What Makes Fresh Burger’s Fries Belgian-Style? Here’s Our 5-Step Process

Burgers and fries are the ultimate duo, and both deserve the spotlight. At Fresh Burger, our Belgian-style fries are hand-cut, made with fresh Ontario potatoes, seasoned with salt, and cooked until beautifully golden. 

But what makes Belgian-style fries different from the standard fries you might find at other burger restaurants near you? At Fresh Burger, it starts with our focus on fresh, local ingredients and a straightforward prep process. Here’s a closer look at the five key steps behind Fresh Burger’s Belgian-style fries.

What Are Belgian-Style Fries?  

Belgian-style fries are cut thicker, double-fried, and have a golden outside with a fluffy inside. Not only do they look different from traditional thin-cut fast food fries, but you can taste the difference thanks to their satisfyingly crispy crust.

Here’s how we’ve perfected them at Fresh Burger: 

Step 1: We Start with Local Kennebec Potatoes

To have great fries, you need to start with great potatoes. At Fresh Burger, we use fresh Kennebec potatoes, which are specially grown on Ontario farms just for us. We peel the potatoes so that they’ll get a golden colour at the end, which is our secret to that crispy texture.

Step 2: We Hand Cut Every Fry

Our fries at Fresh Burger are hand cut, giving them that shape often associated with Belgian-style fries. This cutting method gives the fries a more traditional, rustic appearance that is much heartier than an ultra-thin fry typically found at fast food restaurants. 

Step 3: We Soak the Fries Overnight

After hand-cutting the potatoes, we soak them in water overnight. This is in line with the traditional Belgian-style process, as it removes excess surface starch and helps maximize crispiness. 

Step 4: We Cook Them at a Low Temperature

After being soaked overnight, the fries are cooked at a low temperature until they become tender in a process called blanching. This initial frying at a low heat activates the starch molecules within the potatoes, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture while also preparing the skin. 

Blanching the potatoes isn’t meant to achieve the final golden colour. Instead, it prepares the fries for their final cooking stage, which happens when you place an order.

Step 5: We Finish the Fries at High Heat When You Order

And now for the grand finale, which is where our fries really shine! At Fresh Burger, when you place your order, we finish cooking the fries at high heat for about two and a half minutes. This final cooking stage gives our Belgian-style fries their beautiful golden colour. We also top the fries with sea salt. 

Instead of letting the fries sit under heat lamps, we prioritize this last step only after you place your order so you always receive fresh, crispy fries with the satisfying texture and taste you want. 

Ways to Enjoy Fresh Burger Fries

Delicious on their own, next to our classic burgers, or paired with our Fresh Burger sauce, our Belgian-style fries also form the base of our poutine, which you can add premium toppings to, such as bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed jalapeños, and mushrooms. 

Stop by your local Fresh Burger for a fresh, made-to-order burger paired with our hand-cut Belgian-style sea salt fries, and taste the difference these extra steps make.