These Garlic and Parmesan Fries are a tasty twist on classic French fries! Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are tossed with garlic and melted cheese for a deliciously savory treat.
Perfect for munching during movie night, or as a side to your favorite burger! I love how quick they come together; just bake, toss, and enjoy! Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are your best choice for fries due to their high starch content, which leads to a fluffy interior. If russets are unavailable, try Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor or sweet potatoes for a healthier twist.
Olive Oil: Essential for crisping the fries, you can substitute with canola or vegetable oil. However, extra virgin olive oil gives a lovely flavor. I prefer it for that extra richness!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that pungent kick. In a pinch, garlic powder will work, but you’ll miss out on that fresh zing. I love to use roasted garlic when I have it for a sweeter taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan elevates the dish with a salty note. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without cheese. Pecorino Romano can also be a great substitute for more tanginess.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Fries?
The secret to crispy fries lies in proper soaking and drying the potatoes. Soaking removes excess starch, which helps fries get crispy. Don’t skip this step! After soaking, make sure to dry them thoroughly; moisture is not your friend here!
- Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
- After soaking, drain them and use a clean towel to pat them dry completely.
- Spread them in a single layer on your baking sheet; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping!
Baking at a high temperature ensures they crisp up nicely. Give them a good toss halfway through for even cooking. Trust me, following these tips will lead to deliciously crispy fries every time!
How to Make Garlic and Parmesan Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and about 30 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to make these delicious Garlic and Parmesan Fries from scratch. It’s a quick and satisfying dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Potatoes:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s warming up, wash and peel the russet potatoes. Cut them into uniform fries, aiming for about 1/3 inch thick so they’ll cook evenly. This step is important for achieving that perfect crispy texture!
2. Soak and Dry the Potatoes:
Now, take those cut potatoes and soak them in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch, making them crispy when baked. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry completely with a clean kitchen towel. You want to get rid of any moisture!
3. Season the Fries:
In a large bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Make sure each fry gets its fair share of oil and seasoning so they all turn out tasty.
4. Bake the Fries:
Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or on a wired rack placed over a baking sheet. This helps with crisping! Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning the fries once halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done!
5. Prepare the Garlic and Parsley Mixture:
While the fries are baking, take a small bowl and combine the minced garlic and chopped parsley. This will give the fries a fresh, flavorful kick when you toss them out of the oven.
6. Toss with Parmesan:
As soon as the fries are out of the oven, immediately toss them with the garlic-parsley mixture and the grated Parmesan cheese while they are still hot. This helps the cheese melt slightly and the garlic flavor infuses into the fries. Yum!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve your Garlic and Parmesan Fries hot, either as a delightful side dish or a tasty snack. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Fries Instead of Fresh Potatoes?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen fries, you can skip the soaking and cutting steps. Just toss the frozen fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake according to the package instructions, adding the garlic and Parmesan in the last few minutes of baking.
What To Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No worries! You can substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. Just sprinkle it over the fries right before they go into the oven and toss to ensure even distribution.
Can I Store Leftover Fries?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain some of that crispiness.
How Can I Make My Fries Extra Crispy?
To achieve super crispy fries, make sure to soak them longer (up to an hour) and dry them thoroughly. Also, spreading them out on a lined baking sheet helps prevent steaming, which keeps them crispy. A light dusting of cornstarch before baking can also enhance the crispiness!