What is the hold time for fries once cooked?

The correct answer is 10 minutes, which reflects the food safety guidelines to ensure that fries maintain quality and safety after cooking. Proper hold times are crucial in food service to prevent food from becoming stale or unsafe to eat.

For fries, a hold time of 10 minutes strikes a balance between ensuring each order remains fresh and hot while also allowing for efficient service without excessive waste. Holding them for too long can result in a loss of texture and flavor, which is particularly important in a fast-casual dining environment. After 10 minutes, fries can begin to lose their desirable characteristics, making it essential to adhere to this guideline to maintain customer satisfaction and food standards.

Other options suggest longer hold times, which would not only degrade the quality of the fries but could also lead to safety concerns. Shorter times than 10 minutes might not be feasible for busy periods, leading to unnecessary food preparation. Hence, the 10-minute hold time represents an established best practice in the industry for maintaining food quality.