National Julienne Fries Day, celebrated annually on August 12, honors the beloved shoestring fries, known for their thin, matchstick-like cut and irresistible crunch. This food holiday highlights the julienne cutting technique, a French culinary method that transforms potatoes into slender, crispy strips perfect for snacking or pairing with meals.
Unlike thicker fries, julienne fries offer a unique texture with a golden exterior and tender interior, making them a global favorite. In this article, I will share the history of julienne fries, creative ways to celebrate, cooking tips for perfect crispiness, and fun facts to deepen your appreciation for this delicious treat.
When is National Julienne Fries Day 2025?
National Julienne Fries Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, August 12. This annual celebration, held every August 12, spotlights the julienne cut, a precise French technique that creates thin, matchstick-shaped potato strips, often called shoestring fries.
Unlike National French Fry Day, observed on the second Friday in July, this holiday focuses specifically on the slender, crispy version of French fries. Julienne fries stand out for their uniform cut (typically 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch x 1–2 inches), which ensures a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness, making them a favorite in fast-food chains like McDonald’s and casual dining worldwide.
History of National Julienne Fries Day
The julienne cut, named after the French term for thin, matchstick-like strips, traces its roots to at least 1722, when Francois Massialot’s Le Cuisinier Royal et Bourgeois referenced it. Eneas Dallas, in his 1877 book Kettner’s Book of the Table, links the term to Julienne Soup, a dish requiring vegetables like potatoes and carrots to be cut into long, thin strips.
Some speculate the name derives from “Juliola,” a corruption of the French term for woodsorrel (La petite oseille), though this is debated. While the exact origin of National Julienne Fries Day remains unclear, it likely emerged in the late 20th century as food holidays gained popularity, celebrating the global love for crispy fries.
Julienne fries, a type of French fry, have a rich history tied to Belgium, where fried potatoes were documented in the 1600s. Often misattributed to France due to the term “French fries,” they gained traction in America after President Thomas Jefferson served them at an 1802 state dinner.
The julienne cut’s precision made it a fast-food staple, with chains like McDonald’s popularizing it in the 1950s. World War II further boosted their fame when U.S. soldiers encountered Belgian fries and brought the love for thin fries home. Today, National Julienne Fries Day celebrates this culinary tradition and its evolution into a beloved snack.
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How to Celebrate National Julienne Fries Day 2025?
Celebrating National Julienne Fries Day 2025 is all about enjoying crispy, thin-cut fries in fun and creative ways. Here are practical ideas to make the day special:
- Make Homemade Julienne Fries: Slice Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into matchstick strips using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Soak in ice water for 10–15 minutes to remove starch, pat dry, and fry at 350°F until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and season with salt, paprika, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Visit a Local Eatery: Head to a restaurant or food truck known for shoestring fries, like In-N-Out Burger or Belgian-style fritters. Try their signature dipping sauces, such as aioli or spicy ketchup, to elevate the experience.
- Host a Fry-Tasting Party: Invite friends to sample julienne fries with various toppings and sauces, like truffle oil, cheese curds, or sriracha mayo. Rate each combination for a fun, interactive event.
- Share on Social Media: Post photos of your fries on Instagram or X with #JulienneFriesDay. Share your recipe or favorite fry spot to inspire others and join the global celebration.
- Support Local Businesses: Order julienne fries from a nearby diner or food truck to boost small businesses. Many offer unique fry dishes, like loaded fries with bacon or international toppings.
For perfect fries, avoid overcrowding the fryer to prevent soggy results, and double-fry for extra crispiness (first at 325°F, then at 375°F). These activities not only satisfy your cravings but also celebrate the culinary art of the julienne cut.
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National Julienne Fries Day Activities
National Julienne Fries Day 2025 offers a range of activities to engage fry lovers of all ages. Here are some exciting ideas:
- Fry-Making Workshop: Organize a cooking class at home or a community center to teach the julienne cut. Use a mandoline slicer (with safety precautions) to create uniform strips. Demonstrate frying, baking, or air frying techniques to suit different preferences.
- Fry-Tasting Competition: Set up a tasting station with julienne fries prepared in various styles—classic, sweet potato, or seasoned with global spices like za’atar or gochujang. Provide dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or Belgian andalouse sauce, and let participants vote for their favorite.
- Visit a Fry Festival: If you’re near a food festival, like Belgium’s fry-centric events or Canada’s poutine festivals, attend to sample julienne fries with regional twists. For example, try poutine with cheese curds and gravy or fries with curry sauce.
- Family Cooking Activity: Get kids involved by teaching them to cut potatoes (with adult supervision) or season fries with fun toppings like parmesan or chili powder. Create a “fry bar” where everyone customizes their plate.
- Virtual Cooking Challenge: Join an online cooking class focused on fries or host a virtual fry-off with friends via Zoom. Share recipes and tips, then post results on social media with #JulienneFriesDay.
These activities make the day memorable while highlighting the versatility of julienne fries, from home kitchens to global food scenes.
National Julienne Fries Day Recipes
Here are three recipes to elevate your National Julienne Fries Day 2025 celebration, including classic, healthier, and global variations:
- Classic Julienne Fries (Fried)
- Ingredients: 4 Russet potatoes, 2 quarts vegetable oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp paprika (optional).
- Steps:
- Peel potatoes and cut into 1/8-inch matchstick strips using a mandoline or knife.
- Soak in ice water for 15 minutes to remove starch, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Heat oil to 325°F in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry potatoes in small batches for 3–4 minutes until soft but not browned.
- Remove and drain. Increase the oil to 375°F and fry again for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels, season with salt and paprika, and serve immediately.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Julienne Fries (Healthier Option)
- Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt.
- Steps:
- Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1/8-inch strips.
- Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Place fries in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crispy.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.
- Korean-Style Kimchi Julienne Fries
- Ingredients: 3 Russet potatoes, 2 quarts peanut oil, 1/2 cup chopped kimchi, 1 tbsp gochujang paste, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp sesame seeds.
- Steps:
- Follow classic fry steps to prepare julienne fries.
- Mix gochujang paste with mayonnaise to create a spicy dipping sauce.
- Top hot fries with chopped kimchi and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve with gochujang mayo on the side for dipping.
These recipes cater to different tastes and dietary needs, offering both traditional and innovative ways to enjoy julienne fries.
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National Julienne Fries Day Fun Facts
Here are seven engaging facts about julienne fries to share on National Julienne Fries Day 2025:
- The julienne cut, used for shoestring fries, measures 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch x 1–2 inches, ensuring a crispy texture due to its thin, uniform shape.
- Julienne fries earned the nickname “shoestring fries” in America because their slender shape resembles thin shoelaces, a term popularized in diners during the 20th century.
- Americans consume nearly 30 pounds of French fries per person annually, with julienne fries being a top choice for their quick cooking and crispiness, according to National Geographic.
- In the 1960s, julienne fries starred in Veg-O-Matic infomercials, with the phrase “It makes julienne fries!” becoming a cultural catchphrase to showcase precision cutting tools.
- McDonald’s, a major player in popularizing julienne fries, purchases over 3.4 billion pounds of U.S. potatoes yearly, many cut into thin strips for their iconic fries.
- Globally, julienne fries are topped with unique flavors, like kimchi in Korea, mayonnaise in Belgium, or wasabi mayo in Japan, reflecting diverse culinary traditions.
- The thin cut of julienne fries maximizes surface area, allowing for even frying and a crunchy exterior, especially when using high-starch Russet potatoes.
These facts highlight the cultural and culinary significance of julienne fries, making them a fun topic for conversation on August 12.
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National Julienne Fries Day Cooking Tips
To achieve perfect julienne fries on National Julienne Fries Day 2025, follow these detailed tips:
- Choose the Right Potato: Use high-starch Russet potatoes for maximum crispiness due to their low moisture content. Yukon Gold potatoes work well for a creamier interior with slightly less crunch.
- Master the Julienne Cut: Cut potatoes into 1/8-inch matchstick strips using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Chill potatoes in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting to firm them up for easier slicing.
- Remove Starch: Soak cut fries in ice water for 15–30 minutes to remove excess starch, which prevents soggy fries and promotes crispiness. Pat completely dry with paper towels before cooking.
- Double Fry for Crispiness: Fry in small batches at 325°F for 3–4 minutes to cook the interior, then drain. Fry again at 375°F for 1–2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: For healthier options, bake at 475°F on a parchment-lined tray for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 390°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket for even cooking.
- Prevent Oil Splatter: Ensure fries are dry before frying to avoid splattering. Use a deep pot or fryer and avoid overcrowding, which lowers oil temperature and causes uneven cooking.
- Season Immediately: Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, or herbs like rosemary right after cooking to ensure seasonings stick to the hot fries.
These tips ensure restaurant-quality julienne fries at home, addressing common pitfalls like sogginess or uneven cooking.
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National Julienne Fries Day Global Variations
Julienne fries are enjoyed worldwide with unique regional twists, showcasing their versatility:
- Belgium: Known as the birthplace of French fries, Belgian friteries serve julienne fries with creamy mayonnaise or andalouse sauce (a tangy mix of mayo, tomato, and peppers). Visit the Frietmuseum in Bruges to learn about fry culture.
- Canada: Poutine, a beloved dish, features julienne fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy. Quebec’s poutine festivals celebrate this comfort food with creative variations.
- Japan: Fries are often seasoned with nori flakes and served with wasabi mayo for an umami-packed experience. Some Tokyo eateries pair them with teriyaki sauce.
- Korea: Julienne fries are topped with spicy kimchi or bulgogi (marinated beef) and drizzled with gochujang mayo, offering a bold, spicy flavor profile.
- Netherlands: Patatje oorlog combines julienne fries with peanut sauce, mayonnaise, and chopped onions, a popular street food at Dutch fry stands.
- United Kingdom: Thin “chips” are often served with fish or sprinkled with malt vinegar, a nod to the UK’s fry tradition since the 1920s.
These global variations highlight how julienne fries adapt to local tastes, making them a universal favorite celebrated on August 12.
National Julienne Fries Day Dates 2026–2030
National Julienne Fries Day is celebrated annually on August 12. Below are the dates for the next five years:
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2026 | August 12 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | August 12 | Thursday |
| 2028 | August 12 | Saturday |
| 2029 | August 12 | Sunday |
| 2030 | August 12 | Monday |
These fixed dates make it easy to plan your fry celebrations, whether you’re frying at home or visiting a local eatery.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As interest in unique family dynamics grows, National Julienne Fries Day 2025 continues to spark curiosity and conversation. Whether you’re a middle child yourself, a parent looking to celebrate, or simply intrigued by the idea, you might have questions about the origins, significance, and ways to observe this day.
What is a julienne fry, and how does it differ from other fries?
A julienne fry is a thin, matchstick-shaped French fry, typically 1/8 inch thick, known for its crispy texture. Unlike thicker fries (e.g., steak fries), julienne fries cook faster and have a higher surface area, resulting in a crunchier texture.
Why are julienne fries called shoestring fries?
The term “shoestring fries” originates from their thin, lace-like appearance, which resembles shoelaces. It became popular in American diners to describe these slender fries.
How can I make julienne fries healthier?
Bake or air fry julienne fries instead of deep frying. Use minimal olive oil and high-starch potatoes like Russets to maintain crispiness while reducing oil absorption.
What are the best potatoes for julienne fries?
Russet potatoes are ideal for their high starch content, which ensures crispiness. Yukon Gold offers a creamier texture but slightly less crunch.
Are julienne fries the same as French fries?
Julienne fries are a type of French fry, distinguished by their thin, uniform cut. All julienne fries are French fries, but not all French fries are julienne.
What are unique dipping sauces for julienne fries?
Try truffle aioli, gochujang mayo, Belgian andalouse sauce, or sriracha mayo for bold flavors. Classic ketchup or garlic aioli also pairs well.
How did fried julienne fries become popular in fast food?
Their thin cut allows quick frying, making them ideal for fast-food chains like McDonald’s, which popularized them in the 1950s for their speed and crunch.
Are there festivals dedicated to julienne fries?
Belgium hosts fry-centric events at friteries, and Canada’s poutine festivals feature julienne fries. Local food festivals may also highlight fries with unique toppings.
Conclusion
National Julienne Fries Day, celebrated on August 12, is a delightful tribute to the crispy, matchstick-shaped shoestring fries loved worldwide. From their French culinary roots to their global variations, like Belgium’s mayo-dipped fries or Canada’s poutine, julienne fries bring people together through food.
Whether you fry them at home, experiment with recipes like kimchi-topped fries, or visit a local eatery, this holiday offers endless ways to enjoy this comfort food. Share your creations with #JulienneFriesDay on August 12, 2025, and celebrate the art of the julienne cut with friends and family.
