Crispy Omelet Roll-Ups Are A Cheesy Way To Revive Leftover Fries

We've all been there before: hunger satisfied, but still with a considerable amount of fries leftover. It really doesn't matter if it's a fast food joint or a high-end establishment, leftover fries are never fun to bid adieu to. You take them to go, but what are you supposed to do with them when you get them home? 

You, of course, can reheat them in the oven or in an air-fryer, but you can also take them up a notch by incorporating them into another dish. Few places are leftover fries more welcome than in the confines of a crispy omelet roll-up.

Potatoes and eggs are a match made in heaven. Hash browns, home fries, and latkes are all classic breakfast staples that form a starchy balance to the richness of eggs. Leftover fries, while not a classic breakfast staple, are a welcome addition to the plate, especially when they are returned to they're crisped back up and enrobed in well-seasoned, ever-so-slightly firm eggs and melted cheese. Keep in mind, what we're discussing here isn't a monolithic dish with a set recipe, but rather a delicious palate on which you can showcase your own flair.

Any kind of fries will do for a crispy omelet roll-up, whether you have leftover seasoned curly fries, thin and crispy shoestrings, texturally-delightful crinkle-cuts, or even beefy steak fries. You could even swap out sweet potato fries, waffle fries, or tater tots. 

It's crucial, though, to reheat them as a this dish comes together quickly in the pan and adding them cold will result in a tepid final product. Reheating the fries is also integral to returning them to their former glory. We recommend busting out the air fryer for this step, as this countertop version of a convection oven allows for consistent heat from all directions.

For the eggs, use what you have on hand. Any egg will make a fine crispy omelet roll-up, from store-bought to farm-fresh. Prefer egg whites? Like the ease of liquid egg mix? If that's your thing, have at it. The same holds true for the cheese, almost. Plenty of cheese will work, but aim for something that melts well, like American, cheddar, or gouda. Crumbly cheese, like feta, has its place, but a sticky melted cheese layer helps hold this all together.

Two-to-three eggs per roll-up makes for a nicely sized dish, without it being too gargantuan. Any desired herbs and spices can be thrown in too, like fresh chopped chives or garlic powder. Simply pour the eggs into the pan, and once they set in a solid layer (but are not quite done on top), add the cheese. Once it is beginning to melt, add the reheated leftover fries and fold the sides around the filling. The crispy omelet roll-up is decadent and delicious on its own, but a dab of ketchup, mayonnaise, or hot sauce on the side may just take it to the next level. 

The roll-up works so well because it is a tight harmony of textures and flavors. The succulent eggs, gooey cheese, and starchy, crispy reconstituted fries check off so many boxes. It is never not satisfying to use up leftovers, especially fries. That said, there is no reason that a crispy omelet roll-up can't be taken to even further heights with a few additional ingredients. 

Additional cheese, such as a sharp blue paired with a creamy Havarti, layers on complexity. Spinach, tomatoes, and beans or chickpeas bring a vegetal crunch, nutrients, and fiber. Meaty plus-ups abound, such as bacon or sausage, can add protein and an umami note. Simply put, a crispy omelet roll-up is an easy breakfast — or anytime — dish that moves leftover fries beyond cold and limp.