Red Rooster's 'wild' $6 new menu item causes a frenzy: 'Super light, crispy crunchy'

"Weird flavour" combinations are all the rage in the food world - from honey on pizza to bacon-flavoured ice cream. Not ones to be left behind Red Rooster has added an unusual new menu item and a taste tester has revealed the secret behind the dish that's making customers do a double take.

For a limited time only, the popular Australian fast food chain has launched cheesecake fries - and yes, you read that correctly. Described as “freshly fried crispy golden sticks of moreish goodness” that are “topped with a sticky sweet cream cheese glaze and a sprinkle of vanilla crumb”.

Cue baffled looks from those waiting in line for their traditional chicken fix.

“Cheesecake fries may sound like an unusual mix with our best-selling fried chicken burgers, but they're the result of months of flavour testing and new product development," Ashley Hughes, Red Rooster’s Director of Marketing and ‘Unofficial’ Chief Taste Tester, tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

"Believe it or not, Red Rooster’s cheesecake fries aren’t actually potato fries or chips. They are, in fact, crispy golden sticks of cake! Think crunchy golden brown cakey goodness, cooked to crispy perfection and served with a sticky sweet and gooey cream cheese glaze and a crunchy biscuity crumb.”

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The glaze won out in flavour tests with the cream cheese giving “a smooth savoury bite that pairs really well with the sweetness of the ‘fries’”, Hughes explains, adding that the crumb on top “adds an extra hit of flavour and texture”.

"I've tried the cheesecake fries (many times) myself and I must say they pair perfectly with Reds chicken and burgers,” she adds.

“You've got the umami flavour of the fried chicken paired with these little sticks of sweet, sweet goodness."

The dessert option will set customers back just $5.95.

Melbourne foodie Ange Eats, who had a chance to try the fries ahead of their official launch, also gave the menu item his seal of approval saying

"Yum! These are super light, crispy crunchy not too sweet," he says. "Cream cheese glaze and the vanilla crumb topped on top of the crispy fried golden sticks of cake. Great combination. These go well straight after burgers or even before."

Sweet and savoury combinations a win with foodies

Indeed, there’s no shortage of food fans who’ve embraced the sweet and savoury trend over the years, with reactions going viral on social media.

Sydney food blogger Marcella tells Yahoo Lifestyle that one of her “go-to” dishes is fried chicken with honey butter.

“The salty, crispy chicken paired with sweet, melty butter is addictive,” she says, before sharing her own verdict on Red Rooster’s new menu item.

“Cheesecake fries sound pretty wild, but could be a hit!” she adds. “I love the idea of something crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

“I can see it being a perfect way to finish a meal, or even as a side if you’re feeling adventurous. The sweet and crispy combo sounds super moreish.”

She also agreed that the cake ‘fries’ paired with a traditional burger could prove popular.

“Honestly, I think it could really work. There’s something about having a salty burger and then getting a sweet, crunchy bite in between - kind of like dipping fries in a thick shake or soft serve.

“The contrast keeps things interesting and balances out the heaviness of the burger,” she explains.

Brisbane blogger Shanice Kumeroa has also tried a variety of food combinations over the years.

She delighted TikTok fans by giving Oreo-flavoured Coca-Cola a go on one occasion. A sandwich made with watermelon and balsamic was on the menu another time.

Neither ended up being to Shanice’s taste but the food blogger does give the thumbs up to the sweet and savoury combination of maple syrup on fried chicken.

“It had that mix of rich umami, crispy texture, and a hint of sweetness that just worked,” she says.

Shanice tells Yahoo Lifestyle that Red Rooster’s new menu item is an “interesting concept” and could offer a “unique take on sweet and savoury”.

“I reckon the contrast of crunchy ‘fries’ with a creamy glaze could work really well, kind of like how people love dipping fries in a thick shake/ice cream. It’s got that balance of textures and flavours,” the foodie says.

“From my past experiences with sweet and savoury foods, I’d expect it to be a hit for people who like bold contrasts in their meals.”

Red Rooster’s cheesecake fries are available for a limited time only at Red Rooster restaurants nationally via drive thru, dine in, take away, click & collect and delivery.

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