Get ready for these heavenly bites of freshly Baked Fries.
Fries are a delicious treat all by themselves and one of my favorite side dishes. And I’m not the only one who feels this way. Americans consume around 4.5 billion pounds of fries every year. This is a simple, no-fuss fry recipe I love that is not only easy to make but tantalizingly delicious. It’s a good thing you can make them in large batches, too, because your dinner guests will not be able to get enough of these little handheld delights. They are a hit at any event, from that backyard barbecue to lunch with friends, I have seen it happen. They can also be enjoyed as the perfect late-night snack.
No matter what you decide to pair these baked fries with, they are always a welcome addition, crispy and golden brown on the outside yet fluffy and tender on the inside. This exceptional method for making fries is far tastier and much healthier than their oil-fried counterparts and the best part? They are homemade.
Baked, Not Fried
Baking fries, as opposed to frying them in oil, produces that same amazingly crispy texture and flavor, but in a much healthier form. With only a touch of oil, this recipe contains much less saturated fat. Plus, there is none of that hot oil mess to clean up nor that hot oil smell lingering in your kitchen for hours.
Potatoes themselves are an excellent source of fiber, great for helping you feel full for longer, as well as carbs, which provides you with energy. Potatoes also contain vital vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and iron.
FAQs & Tips
How do I prep and store these fries?
To make these delicious baked fries ahead of time, simply follow the recipe as directed. After they have finished cooking, cool down the fries then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to five days. Alternatively you can store them in the freezer for up to three months once they have cooled.
What is the best way to reheat my fries?
Reheating these golden gems is a snap. Spread the baked fries out evenly on a baking sheet then place them in an oven preheated to 425°F. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until the fries are hot and crispy again. If you are reheating frozen fries, no need to thaw them out first. Just increase the reheating time to 10-15 minutes.
Can I use a different potato?
Although I find russets work the best, you can use another starchy potato like a Yukon gold. Avoid using waxy potatoes though, like reds or the small yellow potatoes.
Do I need to soak my fries before I cook them?
Yes, soaking your fries before cooking removes the excess starch from the potatoes and makes for an extra crispy and golden brown fry when cooked.
Serving Suggestions
On their own, these baked fries are a crispy garlicky treat waiting to be eaten by the handful. They pair perfectly with almost any dish you can imagine or are fantastic just by themselves. I love how simple this recipe is and how easily you can change up the flavor profile. For a Cajun-style fry, sprinkle on some Old Bay seasoning. Or, for a more decadent fry, add Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of truffle oil.
Toppings aren’t the only way to kick up the flavor, either; dipping sauces are a great way to build on the existing flavors. You can go simple and just use ketchup and mustard but personally, I love a homemade aioli. Start with your favorite mayo and add in a bit of hot sauce for a spicy aioli, or add in a bunch of fresh herbs for a bright punch of flavor.
We have a lovely Green Goddess Dressing and an easy Homemade Ranch Dressing that can be made right in your own kitchen at a fraction of the price of store-bought but with twice the flavor. No matter what you choose to dip these golden beauties in, your taste buds will be more than happy and so will your guests. If you are trying to curb that after-dinner sweet tooth then I suggest giving our Brownie Cookies a try, they are a mix of two of my favorite desserts.
Baked Fries
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into sticks about 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long.
- Soak the potato sticks in a bowl of hot water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, sea salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching for even cooking.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or condiment.
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