Sometimes choosing a side dish for a meal feels like the toughest challenge of the day. I know I know, it’s a hard life. Sometimes I can’t seem to think beyond, “should I have rice, potatoes or pasta”. That’s why when I see a new product like this, I go starry eyed.
This product from Birds Eye promises an intriguing option – a new type of fry – and possibly a healthier one at that. This ranch fry is a mix of cauliflower and potatoes, with a general ranch seasoning throughout.
There’s roughly enough in the bag for a two or three person serving, so much so we didn’t bother noting if the bag was resealable – we cooked the whole lot up in one go. The fries cook up in the oven (or air fryer if you want to get creative) simply enough.
The final result is a slightly crisp exterior and a very soft, almost mushy interior. Surprisingly I found the flavor more onion forward than anything else, certainly not ranch per se. Indeed, as I munched away, I was reminded more than anything of a processed onion ring.
Overall, not too bad, but nothing exceptional, I’d happily buy them again and for sure they add something a little different on the side to any dish. They’re good as a side to burgers and brats or maybe get a little inventive – loaded fries for example.
Birds Eye Cauliflower & Ranch Fries nutrition and cooking
Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC – Utah’s biggest and oldest online food magazine; I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV shows.
I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have covered the Utah dining scene for the better part of fifteen years. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. I started Shop Smart to catalogue my adventures in the grocery store and kitchen. Follow along on Instagram too!