Extend your menu with versatile dips and dustings
SUMMARY: Get quick, low‑lift inspiration that helps operators elevate familiar ingredients, enhance menu appeal and create dishes guests crave.
Create extra menu appeal with dips and dustings
Using fewer ingredients in more ways is key to an efficient, profitable kitchen. By using on-hand ingredients to create simple, signature dips and dustings, you can make more with less. Start with hard-working, versatile products like fries and breaded onions, then add sauces and seasonings to create specialty dishes worthy of an upcharge.
Consider this:
Twenty‑eight states agreed straight‑and‑seasoned fries were top tier.1
Nearly two in three diners (63%) say fries can be a main dish—not just a side.1
They shine as mains in dishes like loaded fries (66%), chili fries (36%) and fries topped with various seasonings (36%).1
Ingredient trends show that sauces are the second‑most-frequently mentioned item on menus.2
Dips and dressings
Dips and dressings are an easy way to multiply the application options of your fries and appetizers. Create dip flights for sampling multiple sauces at once. Or upcharge for pairing specialty dips with premium sides.
Here are some of our favorite flavorful add-ons to inspire your menu:
CURRY AIOLI WITH CUMIN
Yield: 1 quart
4 tablespoons curry powder, toasted
2 tablespoons paprika
3 cups mayonnaise
4 tablespoons cumin
2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
Preparation:
Combine ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
5 PEPPERCORN MAYO
Yield: 1 quart
3 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup of water
5 tablespoons peppercorn blend, crushed
Preparation:
Place all ingredients into food processor. Blend until smooth.
SRIRACHA THOUSAND ISLAND
Yield: 1 quart
8 tablespoons Sriracha
4 cups of Thousand Island
Preparation:
Combine ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
HONEY SESAME SEED GLAZE
Yield: 1 quart
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons ginger, minced
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
2 cups honey
2 cups sesame oil
Preparation:
1. Put sesame oil, ginger and garlic into a small pot.
2. Heat over medium to gently cook garlic.
3. Add the honey and sesame seeds, then simmer until thickened.
GRILLED ONION HORSERADISH SAUCE
Yield: 1 quart
3 cups Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons horseradish sauce, prepared
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 medium onion grilled and chopped
Preparation:
Combine ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
ALABAMA WHITE BARBECUE SAUCE
Yield: 1 quart
3 cups mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
6 ounces corn syrup
2 teaspoons cayenne
2 teaspoons horseradish sauce, prepared
2 teaspoons lemon juice, fresh squeezed
Preparation:
Place all ingredients into food processor. Blend until smooth.
APRICOT-BACON DIP
Yield: 1 quart
2 cups cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups apricot preserves
8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
2 scallions, chopped
Preparation:
Combine ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
CILANTRO-COCONUT MILK
Yield: 1 quart
2 cups cilantro, chopped
2 cups coconut milk
4 teaspoons sriracha
1 tablespoon ginger, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
Preparation:
Place ingredients into a blender and process until smooth.
GREEN GODDESS DRESSING
Yield: 1 quart
2 cups mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup parsley, chopped
8 scallions, chopped
2 tablespoons Worcestershire
Preparation:
Place ingredients into a blender and process until smooth.
KALE PECAN PESTO
Yield: 1 quart
2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1 medium-sized green bell pepper
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons garlic
2 teaspoons sugar
Preparation:
Place the kale, pecans, bell pepper, garlic and sugar into a blender and set to low. Gradually add the olive oil and blend until smooth.
Dusting Ideas
Turn fries from filler to profit. Make a side of premium fries with unique blends of seasonings. Here are some ideas:
Celery Salt, Dill and Cumin Powder
Kosher Salt, Rosemary Powder and Black Pepper
Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder and Dried Thyme
Five Spice Powder
Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Coriander and Brown Sugar
Finishes and add‑ons let operators unlock fresh flavors, add premium touches and get more value from ingredients already in the kitchen. With a few simple upgrades, everyday sides become standout moments that elevate the entire menu.
SOURCES
1Talker Research; Which State Loves French Fries the Most?
2Nation’s Restaurant News; Sauces Add Variety, Excitement to Menus.
