
Crispy golden fries smothered with silky mushroom sauce and crowned with a perfectly runny egg have become my ultimate comfort food for brunches and cozy nights in. Every bite brings together the earthiness of mushrooms, the crispiness of potatoes, and the rich velvet of egg yolk, making this dish crave-worthy and surprisingly easy. It started as a midnight experiment during a fridge cleanout and has since turned into a legendary weekend treat among my friends and family.
The very first time I made this it was for a rambling Sunday brunch with friends and now they beg me for it every holiday. The moment the yolk flows over everything sparks instant happiness in the room.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: Large russets guarantee the crispest fries so pick heavy, firm ones and skip any with green patches
- Olive oil: Essential for golden fries and savory flavor opt for a good-quality extra virgin if you can
- Garlic powder: Gives a punchy savory note and a nostalgic takeout feel use fresh for mushroom sauce
- Paprika: Smoked paprika deepens the flavor and adds gentle heat regular sweet paprika is a fine alternative
- Salt and black pepper: Classic fry seasoning taste as you go to avoid overdoing it
- Frozen fries: These are a speedy option for busy cooks choose your favorite brand for texture you love
- Mushrooms: Any sturdy mushroom will do shiitake and cremini add the most depth and meaty character choose those without dark spots and avoid any sliminess
- Butter: Makes the mushroom sauce extra silky real butter brings the best results
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings boldness to the sauce mince well for even flavor
- Shallot or onion: Shallots bring gentler sweetness use dense dry-skinned onions if needed
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and gives perfect coating for fries regular all-purpose is ideal
- Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth forms the backbone low-sodium versions help you control seasoning
- Marsala or dry wine: Adds subtle sweetness and acidity for the sauce choose one you enjoy sipping but nothing too sugary
- Heavy cream or half and half: Produces extra creamy results full-fat is best for flavor avoid thin milk
- Fresh thyme or dried: Brightens and earths the dish fresh or quality dried is welcome
- Red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat you can skip if you want mild
- Eggs: Use the freshest eggs you can find for golden yolks and tender whites
- Parsley: Adds bright color and freshness choose lively green bunches
- Green onions: For a crisp bite and zingy contrast with the sauce
- Parmesan cheese: Shaved fresh over the top gives a nutty finish buy block cheese for best flavor
- Hot sauce: Brings zing and tang a Louisiana-style hot sauce is wonderful but use your favorite
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Scrub your russet potatoes very well and cut them into uniform fry shapes roughly half an inch thick. Pat the cut fries dry with a clean towel so there is no surface moisture. This step is key to extra crisp fries in the oven.
- Season and Roast:
- Toss the fries in a large bowl with olive oil garlic powder paprika salt and black pepper until every piece is well coated. Spread out on a parchment-lined sheet pan in a single layer. Bake at four hundred fifty degrees flipping halfway through until golden and crisp on the outside and fluffy inside this usually takes twenty five to thirty five minutes.
- Make the Mushroom Sauce:
- While the fries roast clean your mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel and slice thin. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium. Add the mushrooms and let them cook untouched for five minutes so they caramelize. Stir often and continue to cook for three more minutes until all the liquid is gone and edges are golden. Add minced garlic and diced shallot and cook for another one to two minutes stirring so nothing burns.
- Build the Gravy:
- Sprinkle flour over the cooked mushroom mixture and stir to coat everything. Keep stirring for one minute. Slowly whisk in broth and wine scraping up all the brown bits from the bottom. Lower the heat and cook gently for about five minutes stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon. Add heavy cream thyme salt pepper and red pepper flakes. Taste to adjust seasoning as needed. Keep the sauce warm off heat.
- Fry the Eggs:
- In a nonstick skillet heat a small amount of butter or olive oil on medium. Crack in your eggs one at a time and cook until whites are opaque but yolks remain runny usually two to four minutes. If you like them more set cover the pan briefly to steam.
- Assemble and Finish:
- Arrange hot crisp fries on plates. Spoon over plenty of mushroom sauce so it drapes between the fries. Set eggs on top. Sprinkle over freshly chopped parsley green onion generous amounts of grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Eat immediately while everything is piping hot and gooey.

Mushrooms take center stage here and I always try to use a mix of cremini and shiitake because they bring that deep flavor my whole family associates with our holiday meals. When I smell garlic and wine hitting the pan it still reminds me of cooking with my sisters on lazy weekends and brings everyone to the table.
Storage Tips
Store leftover mushroom sauce and fries in separate containers to keep fries as crisp as possible. Fried eggs should always be cooked fresh when serving again for the best result. The mushroom sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop with a bit of broth or cream to loosen it. Re-crisp fries in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes before topping.
Ingredient Swaps
Sweet potatoes make a fantastic sweet and savory alternative to regular fries. If you have extra onions or no mushrooms use deeply caramelized onions or some sautéed spinach for a whole new flavor. For a dairy-free version olive oil and plant-based cream substitutes work well and for gluten-free cornstarch can thicken the sauce instead of flour.

Serving Suggestions
Share this as a massive party platter for a wow brunch let everyone build their own plate. If you want to go fancier sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon or finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for restaurant flair. Pair with simple dishes like fruit salad or leafy greens if you are feeding a group for balance. It pairs beautifully with mimosas or a spicy Bloody Mary.
Recipe Roots
Inspired by classic comfort foods like poutine and diner skillets this dish was honestly born from using up leftover fries and mushrooms. The more I made it the more I realized every family has their own take and that is what makes it truly comforting. It is a celebration of making something special from humble ingredients.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use frozen fries instead of homemade?
Yes, frozen fries work well and save time. Bake or fry until crisp before topping with mushroom sauce and eggs.
- → Which mushrooms are best for the sauce?
Cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms all work. Mixing varieties adds depth and texture to the sauce.
- → How do I get a perfectly runny egg yolk?
Fry eggs over medium heat just until whites set, about 2-3 minutes. Serve while yolks are still soft for extra creaminess.
- → Can I make the mushroom sauce ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the sauce. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream before serving.
- → What garnishes add more flavor?
Finish with fresh parsley, green onion, shaved parmesan, and a drizzle of hot sauce for brightness and zing.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
It can be! Use vegetable broth and skip meat-based additions to make it fully vegetarian-friendly.