Simple Homemade Upgrades For A Gourmet Touch
Are you looking to elevate some fast food classics this Super Bowl Sunday? With a few simple upgrades, those everyday favorites can feel like something straight out of a fancy restaurant. It’s all about small changes that make a big impact—no extra effort required! So let's look at 20 fast food staples you can instantly make fancy just in time for the big game.
1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Swap that plain white bread for a thick-cut sourdough or brioche, then level up the cheese game with a mix of gruyère, sharp cheddar, and a little smoked gouda. Suddenly, that humble sandwich feels like it belongs on a high-end bistro menu. Plus, April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Day, so if you ever needed an excuse to get fancy with your sandwich, there you go!
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2. Chicken Nuggets
Invented in the 1950s by food scientist Robert C. Baker (aka the "father of chicken nuggets"), these bite-sized wonders have a perfect balance of crunchy and juicy. Want to make them fancy? Instead of the usual dipping sauces, go for something upscale—think garlic aioli, honey sriracha glaze, or a tangy Dijon mustard dip. You can even toss them in a parmesan-truffle dusting.
3. Mac And Cheese
Thomas Jefferson is credited with popularizing mac and cheese in America after bringing back a pasta machine from France. However, if you want to transform it into a dish worthy of a five-star menu, ditch the boxed version and go for a rich, creamy blend of cheeses like gruyère, smoked gouda, and aged cheddar. Lastly, toss in crispy pancetta or some lobster for a serious upgrade.
4. French Fries
Take those humble French fries and turn them into pomme frites—because everything sounds fancier in French. The trick? Toss in a little rosemary, and your fries have an élevé flavor profile worthy of a high-end bistro. For a higher upgrade, serve them with a side of garlic aioli or a rich béarnaise sauce instead of ketchup.
5. Cheeseburger
Start with a brioche bun—it has a higher butter content than standard buns, giving it a slightly sweet flavor and a soft yet sturdy texture. Instead of American cheese, use aged cheddar, Gruyère, or Camembert. Enhance the condiments with roasted garlic aioli or a homemade balsamic onion jam. These small tweaks turn a basic cheeseburger into a gourmet indulgence.
6. Hot Dogs
The most expensive hot dog was sold in Seattle for $169! It featured butter-grilled Maine lobster, wagyu beef sausage, black truffles, and caviar. While that might be over-the-top, a little gourmet touch can make your everyday hot dog feel just as special. The secret is in the ingredients—a pretzel bun adds richness while all-beef franks with natural casing deliver that satisfying snap.
7. Pizza
Pizza has been around since ancient Rome, but yours doesn't have to taste like it. Start with a stone-baked crust, skip the usual pepperoni, and go for prosciutto, arugula, or roasted figs. A drizzle of aged balsamic right before serving? That's the key to turning your takeout-style pie into something worthy of an Italian trattoria.
8. Ramen Noodles
What started as a quick dorm-room meal actually has roots in 19th-century China before Japan perfected it. To give instant ramen a gourmet glow-up, toss the seasoning packet and build a real broth—miso, soy sauce, or bone broth to add depth in minutes. Plus, a soft-boiled egg (ajitama) with a jammy center instantly makes it restaurant-worthy.
9. Tacos
Ditch fast-food shells and opt for handmade tortillas. Fill them with slow-braised short ribs, pickled onions, and queso fresco. Instead of plain lettuce and shredded cheese, go for pickled onions, crumbled cotija, or fire-roasted poblanos. A drizzle of lime-infused crema or smoky salsa macha takes it up another level. One bite and fast-food tacos are history.
10. Corn Dogs
A high-quality sausage makes all the difference—a smoky andouille or a juicy bratwurst adds depth beyond the standard fare. The batter, rich with buttermilk and a touch of honey, fries into a crisp, golden shell that's both crunchy and slightly sweet. With the right upgrades, corn dogs can become a conversation-worthy appetizer.
11. Sloppy Joes
A loose-meat sandwich doesn’t have to feel like a school cafeteria throwback. Using ground brisket or short rib instead of standard beef creates a richer, more luxurious bite. The sauce—slow-simmered with fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika, and a splash of bourbon—brings depth that ketchup alone can’t match.
12. Chicken And Waffles
Crispy buttermilk-fried chicken and fluffy waffles meet spicy hot honey in this upgraded Southern classic. First appearing in Harlem in the 1930s, chicken and waffles shine with bourbon maple syrup, smoked paprika seasoning, and a crispy cornbread-based waffle. A dash of cayenne makes every bite unforgettable.
13. Mozzarella Sticks
The secret to next-level mozzarella sticks lies in the cheese—fresh mozzarella or burrata offers a creamier, more decadent bite than the standard variety. A double coating of panko and grated Parmesan creates an ultra-crispy crust that stays golden and crunchy. Fry them to perfection, then pair them with an elevated dipping sauce.
14. Onion Rings
Onion rings are like French fries’ sophisticated cousin—the one who studied abroad and developed a taste for the finer things in life. To take them from drive-thru basic to upscale bistro chic, use panko bread crumbs and Parmesan for extra crispiness, or use a beer batter with dark stout or buttermilk for depth. Forget ketchup—whip up a truffle aioli or smoky chipotle crema for dipping.
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15. Crispy Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders may scream "kid’s menu," but with the right touches, they can be the star of a gourmet feast. Start by upgrading the breading, then try air-frying or pan-searing in brown butter with fresh herbs for a golden, aromatic crust. Now, for the sauce—ditch the standard honey mustard and go bold with a black truffle ranch or garlic-infused maple syrup.
16. Breakfast Burrito
Who says you have to eat breakfast in the morning? Take this grab-and-go classic to gourmet levels with creamy, soft scrambled eggs, applewood-smoked bacon, and roasted salsa. Swap cheddar for queso fresco, add avocado for richness, and wrap it all in a warm, buttery tortilla. First appearing on a 1975 New Mexico menu, this breakfast staple deserves a crisp finish on the skillet.
17. Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels date back to 610 AD, originally made by monks as a symbol of arms crossed in prayer! They are comfort food at its finest, but they can easily go from casual snacks to gourmet delight. Brush with unsalted butter, sprinkle sea salt, and serve with a rich beer cheese dip or sweet honey mustard. For an extra touch, try adding caramelized onions.
18. Meatball Subs
Did you know that the meatball sub, despite being an American favorite, traces its origins to Italian immigrants in the early 20th century? It was their way of making use of leftover meatballs and creating a hearty meal with whatever bread they had on hand. To turn it fancy, kick things up a notch with gourmet meatballs—think veal or turkey with a blend of fresh herbs.
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19. Loaded Baked Potatoes
The loaded baked potato first became popular in the 1970s as a casual side dish in steakhouses, but over the years, it's evolved into a star on its own. Want to take it from everyday to extraordinary? Begin by baking those potatoes to perfection, then cut a cross on top and fluff up the insides with a fork. Now for the fun part—ditch the basic sour cream and cheddar combo.
20. Nachos
Invented in 1943 by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya for hungry U.S. military wives, nachos have come a long way. Take them to the next level with homemade tortilla chips, a velvety cheese blend, and succulent slow-cooked short ribs. Ditch the sour cream for truffle-infused crema, pile on smoky fire-roasted pico de gallo, and finish with crumbled cotija cheese and a fresh squeeze of lime.
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