Crab fries are an iconic snack that originated in Philadelphia and have become beloved by sports fans and foodies alike. But what exactly are crab fries, and how did they become so popular? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history and background of crab fries.
A Brief History of Crab Fries
Crab fries were invented in 1977 by Pete Ciarrocchi, founder of the popular Philadelphia-area restaurant Chickie’s & Pete’s Originally, Chickie’s & Pete’s only served crabs during the summer months To make use of leftover crab seasonings once summer ended, Pete started experimenting by seasoning french fries with different blends of spices.
He would serve these trial fries to regular customers at the bar and ask for their feedback – “How’d you like the seasoning today?” Customers would give their opinions – “too salty” “needs more kick” etc. After two years of tweaking, in 1979 Pete finally perfected his crab spice blend for fries.
The crinkle-cut shape helps the fries hold more seasoning. Once finalized, Pete began selling “Crabfries” at festivals and events throughout Philadelphia. Their popularity led Chickie’s & Pete’s to trademark the name in the 1980s.
What Makes Them Special
So what sets crab fries apart from typical french fries? There are two key components:
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Crab Seasoning – The exact blend is a secret recipe, but it contains Old Bay seasoning and other spices inspired by crab boils. It provides tangy, zesty flavors.
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Creamy Cheese Sauce – The fries are served with a white, creamy cheese sauce for dipping. It provides a rich, indulgent contrast to the seasoning.
This combination of crispy, crinkle-cut fries generously seasoned with crab spices and paired with a creamy dipping sauce is what has made crab fries an iconic Philadelphia specialty.
Growing Popularity and Availability
After becoming popular at Chickie’s & Pete’s original location on Robbins Ave, crab fries began to spread to sports stadiums and other locations around Philadelphia in the 1990s and 2000s.
Some key milestones:
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In 1998, Chickie’s & Pete’s brought crab fries to Veterans Stadium where the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies played.
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In 2008, Chickie’s & Pete’s served their 5 millionth order of crab fries.
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Today, you can find crab fries sold at sporting events, boardwalks, and amusement parks around the Philadelphia metro area.
As Chickie’s & Pete’s has expanded to more locations in recent years, including out-of-state spots like Kansas City, crab fries have been introduced to new legions of fans nationwide.
How to Make Your Own at Home
Want to get a crab fries fix at home without a trip to a restaurant or stadium? Here are some tips for making your own authentic-tasting crab fries:
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Use crinkle-cut frozen fries for the signature shape to hold seasoning. Cook them according to package instructions.
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Toss the cooked fries liberally in Old Bay seasoning to replicate the crab spice flavor.
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Make the creamy cheese sauce by warming milk and melting in diced white American cheese. Stir until smooth.
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Serve the seasoned fries immediately with the cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
I tried this recipe at home and my family loved my take on the Chickie’s & Pete’s classic! The crispy fries and zesty seasoning paired with the creamy cheese sauce made us feel like we were at a Phillies game. Definitely recommend giving it a try.
Why Crab Fries are an Iconic Food
So what is it that has made crab fries so beloved not just in Philadelphia, but around the country? Here are some of the key reasons these fries have achieved iconic status:
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Local Roots – Created in Philly and synonymous with Philadelphia sports culture. Locals take pride in them.
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Addictive Flavor – The crab seasoning and cheese sauce combination is hard for fans to resist.
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Stadium Classic – Enjoyed by sports fans as a gameday treat and tradition.
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Nostalgia – Eating them brings back fond memories for Philadelphians.
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Creativity – Transforming fries into a unique new dish with the crab spice blend.
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Cultural Reach – Now recognized far beyond just Philadelphia as the brand has expanded.
Crab fries have earned a reputation as a quintessential Philadelphia food thanks to their delicious flavors and connection to local culture. It’s no wonder they’ve developed an almost cult-like following.
Crab Fries By the Numbers
Just how popular are crab fries? Here are some fun facts and figures that show the magnitude of people’s crab fries cravings:
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Chickie’s & Pete’s sells over 7 million orders per year
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In 2021, they sold their 100 millionth order of crab fries
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Their largest single order ever was 26,000 pounds of crab fries
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Over 2.5 million orders are sold at sporting events each year
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Crab fries account for 30% of sales at Chickie’s & Pete’s restaurants
These astonishing numbers speak to America’s incredible appetite for crab fries!
The Verdict on Crab Fries
So what’s the final verdict on crab fries after taking a deep dive into their history, popularity, and craveworthy flavors? In my opinion, they fully live up to the hype. The unique seasoning combo makes them far more craveable than typical fries, and the creamy cheese sauce pairing puts them over the top. No wonder Chickie’s & Pete’s has sold millions upon millions.
Crab fries offer the perfect balance of crispy, salty, spicy, creamy, and savory flavors that keep you reaching for more. If you find yourself in Philadelphia, do as the locals do and get an order of crab fries – you won’t regret it! And if you crave them elsewhere, now you have the inside scoop on how to recreate them at home. So embrace your crab fries cravings and enjoy this iconic Philly specialty wherever you are.
Crab FriesHomemade fries topped with a cheese sauce and lump crab meat.
- 4 Russett potatoes
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
Crab Cheese Sauce
- 1 4 oz can lump crab meat
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup yellow cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Old Bay
- Wash the russet potatoes with the skin on.
- Cut into wedges and then into thin strips.
- For at least an hour, soak the potato strips in water.
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet.
- Remove and dry the potatoes. Make sure they are completely dry.
- Put the fries in the pan when the oil is hot.
- Cook 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add the cooked fries to a baking sheet.
- Season with garlic salt, paprika and cajun seasoning.
Crab Cheese Sauce
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in a pan.
- Add 2 tbsp flour and whisk.
- Add 1 1/2 cup milk and stir.
- Add 1 cup of white cheddar cheese.
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the crab meat.
- Stir and season with Old Bay.
- Pour the cheese sauce on top of the fries.
- Top with the yellow cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and top with green onions.
- Serve and ENJOY!
Hi there, I’m Shauntra! My blog is full of recipes made with simple ingredients for delicious food. Read more about me.
Crab Fries
What are crab fries?
Crab Fries were created by Chickie’s and Pete’s in Philadelphia when crab was not in season, as another way to use their Crab Seasoning. For Day 4 of “Baseball Week” I’m sharing my version of the Philadelphia Phillies stadium staple! Slice the potatoes into wedges, then place in a large bowl and drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes.
What are Philly crab fries?
Philly Crab Fries are a Phillies baseball stadium favorite, this version of the dish is tossed with olive oil, old bay seasoning & baked in the oven. While perusing around the world wide web for baseball stadium recipe inspiration, I came across “Crab Fries”. If you’re not a seafood fan, don’t worry, there’s no actual crab in this recipe.
How do you make Philly crab fries?
Philly Crab Fries are a Phillies baseball stadium favorite, this version of the dish is tossed with olive oil, old bay seasoning & baked in the oven. Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the potatoes into wedges, then place them in a large bowl and drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes.
What makes Chickie & Pete’s crab fries special?
The secret ingredient that adds a unique and zesty flavor to Chickie and Pete’s crab fries is the Old Bay Seasoning. This iconic spice blend is a staple in Maryland cuisine and pairs perfectly with the sweet and delicate flavor of crab meat. The Old Bay Seasoning is what sets these fries apart from any other variation you may find.