Crispy fries loaded with bold, zesty flavor are always a win—and these Cuban fries deliver restaurant-style taste with minimal effort.
Inspired by a local Cuban café where they’re often called Cuban green fries, this craveable dish turns simple French fries into something unforgettable. Crispy fries are tossed with fresh chimichurri, finished with a tangy mustard aioli, crunchy dill pickles, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a salty, savory bite.
They’re bold without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and perfect for sharing. Whether you serve them for game day, taco night, or as a fun appetizer, these zesty Cuban fries disappear fast.
Why These Cuban Fries Work
- Crispy fries hold up well to bold toppings
- Fresh chimichurri adds brightness and herb flavor
- Mustard aioli brings creaminess and tang
- Pickles add crunch and acidity
- Parmesan finishes everything with savory depth
This recipe balances rich, fresh, and tangy flavors in every bite—no fancy techniques required.
Ingredients for Cuban Fries
Each component works together harmoniously to create a balanced and flavorful dish, with layers of taste and texture that complement each other.
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
- French Fries: The base of the dish, provides a crispy and starchy foundation for the toppings.
- Yellow Mustard Aioli (Mayonnaise, Yellow Mustard, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Salt, and Pepper):
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the aioli.
- Yellow Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the savory fries.
- Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle kick.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the aioli with acidity, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning and flavor profile.
- Chimichurri Sauce (Fresh Parsley, Fresh Cilantro, Garlic, Red Wine Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper):
- Fresh Parsley and Cilantro: Provide freshness and herbaceous flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic element.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Offers acidity and tanginess, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a smooth texture and rich flavor base for the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the sauce and enhance its overall taste.
- Garnishes (Dill Pickles, Green Onions, Parmesan Cheese):
- Dill Pickles: Add a crunchy texture and tangy flavor contrast to the dish.
- Green Onions: Provide a fresh and mild onion flavor, as well as a pop of color.
- Parmesan Cheese: Offers a savory and nutty element, enhancing the overall umami profile of the dish.
How to Make Cuban Fries
These loaded fries come together quickly and are easy to customize.
** You can find the full recipe ingredients and instructions on the printable recipe card below.
Prepare the French Fries
Cook the fries until hot and crispy using your preferred method.
Make the Yellow Mustard Aioli
Stir together mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
Mix parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble and Serve
Top hot fries with chimichurri, drizzle with aioli, then finish with pickles, green onions, and Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Why this Recipe Works
- The combination of spices adds an authentic Cuban flavor.
- Baking or Air Frying the fries ensures a crispy texture without excessive oil.
- The addition of Cuban Chimichurri enhances the taste and brings a refreshing twist.
- The recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible to all.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or side to Adobo Pernil.
Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks
- Soak fresh-cut fries in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch
- Don’t overload the fries—layer toppings lightly so they stay crisp
- Adjust mustard or garlic in the aioli to taste
- Serve immediately for best texture
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cuban fries:
- In a Latin-style bowl with beans, corn, and avocado
- Alongside grilled pork, chicken, or steak
- As a shareable appetizer with extra dipping sauces
- As part of a Cuban-inspired platter with mojo sauce
Cuban Fries Variations
- Yuca Fries: Swap potatoes for yuca for a more traditional Cuban twist
- Cheesy Cuban Fries: Add extra Parmesan and bake until melted
- Loaded Cuban Fries: Top with black beans, avocado, and salsa
- Plantain Fries: Use green plantains instead of potatoes
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Storing:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing:
Freezing assembled Cuban fries is not recommended.
Reheating:
Reheat on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Cuban fries?
Cuban fries are crispy fries topped with bold, Cuban-inspired flavors like chimichurri, garlic, mustard, and tangy garnishes.
How are Cuban fries different from regular fries?
They go beyond salt, using herbs, sauces, and acidity to create a layered flavor profile.
Can I deep-fry the fries instead?
Yes. Deep frying will create extra-crispy fries. Adjust cook time as needed.
Wine & Cocktail Pairings
Wine Pairings:
- Malbec: The fruity and robust flavors of Malbec pair well with the rich and savory notes of Cuban French fries. The wine’s medium to full body and dark fruit notes complement the spices, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp and refreshing nature of Sauvignon Blanc makes it a delightful pairing for Cuban French fries. The wine’s citrusy and herbal flavors provide a nice contrast to the spices, offering a balanced and vibrant combination.
- Sparkling Rosé: The effervescence and fruit-forward profile of a sparkling rosé make it an excellent choice for pairing with Cuban French fries. The wine’s lively bubbles and fruity notes help cleanse the palate and enhance the flavors of the fries.
Cocktail Pairings:
- Mojito: The classic Cuban cocktail, the Mojito, is a fantastic match for Cuban French fries. The combination of muddled mint, lime juice, rum, and soda water provides a refreshing and citrusy contrast that complements the flavors of the fries.
- Piña Colada: The tropical flavors of a Piña Colada make it a fun and delicious companion for Cuban French fries. The blend of rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream creates a creamy and fruity cocktail that adds a touch of vacation vibes to the meal.
- Margarita: A zesty Margarita is another great option to pair with Cuban French fries. The tangy combination of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec offers a refreshing and citrus-forward taste that harmonizes with the spices and adds a festive element to the dining experience.
Cuban Fries [Cuban French Fries]
Ingredients
- 12 oz French Fries
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Yellow Mustard Aioli:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 clove garlic , minced
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley , finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro , finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/8 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
- 3 tbsp Dill pickles chopped
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the French Fries:
- If using store-bought French fries, follow the instructions on the package to bake or fry them until crispy. If making homemade fries, peel and cut potatoes into sticks, fry them until golden brown, then drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.
Make the Yellow Mustard Aioli:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed. Set aside.
Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:
- In another bowl, combine chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Set aside.
Assemble and Serve:
- Arrange the cooked French fries on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Drizzle the Yellow Mustard Aioli over the fries.
- Spoon the Chimichurri Sauce generously on top of the aioli.
- Sprinkle chopped dill pickles, green onions, and Parmesan cheese as garnishes.
- Serve immediately while the fries are hot and enjoy this flavorful dish!
Notes
Nutrition
