These Garlic and Parmesan Fries are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor! Tossed with fragrant garlic and sprinkled with tasty Parmesan cheese, they’re the perfect side dish or snack.
I love how easy they are to make, and they always impress my friends. Plus, who can resist those cheesy, garlicky aromas filling the kitchen? It’s like a party in a fry! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: They’re perfect for fries because they’re starchy and turn crispy when baked. If you’re out of russets, Yukon Golds are a great alternative, offering a slightly buttery flavor.
Olive Oil: It adds flavor and helps achieve crispiness. Feel free to substitute with vegetable oil or even melted coconut oil if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the oil’s flavor may change slightly.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works too, but use less – about 1 teaspoon should do.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful umami flavor. If you want to stay dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese. Pecorino Romano is another tasty substitute.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a nice color and fresh taste. You can swap it for any fresh herb you like, such as basil or oregano.
How Do You Make Crispy Oven-Baked Fries?
Making crispy fries in the oven relies on a few important steps. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfectly crunchy every time:
- Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which is key to making them crispier.
- Make sure to dry the fries well after soaking. Any moisture left on the surface will create steam, which prevents crispiness.
- Spread the fries out on a baking sheet in a single layer. If they are too crowded, they won’t crisp up properly.
- Turn the fries halfway through baking. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that golden color all around.
- Always toss them in the garlic and cheese while they’re hot out of the oven. This allows the cheese to melt slightly, sticking beautifully to the fries.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have deliciously crispy Garlic and Parmesan Fries that everyone will love!
How to Make Garlic and Parmesan Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Flavor:
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
For Serving:
- Optional: ketchup or aioli for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to bake, plus soaking time for the fries. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour for everything! It’s mostly hands-off time while the fries get nice and crispy in the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for getting those fries crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly. You can choose to peel them if you prefer, but the skin adds extra crunch and flavor! Cut them into thin, even fries. For best results, soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, letting the fries crisp up beautifully.
3. Season the Fries:
After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry with paper towels to make sure they’re not wet. In a big mixing bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well coated.
4. Bake the Fries:
Next, spread the fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure all sides get golden and crispy.
5. Sauté the Garlic:
While the fries are baking, heat a small pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic just until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, around 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic isn’t very tasty!
6. Toss and Season:
When the fries are done baking and are lovely and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately toss the hot fries with the sautéed garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. The heat will help the cheese melt slightly and stick to the fries!
7. Final Adjustments:
Give the fries a taste and adjust seasoning with a little extra salt and pepper if you’d like.
8. Serve:
Serve your delicious Garlic and Parmesan Fries hot, with your favorite dipping sauce like ketchup or aioli, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Happy cooking! 😄
Can I Use Frozen Fries Instead of Fresh Potatoes?
Yes, you can certainly use frozen fries for a quicker option! Just toss them with garlic and Parmesan as soon as they come out of the oven, following the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Garlic and Parmesan Fries?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Can I Make These Garlic and Parmesan Fries Ahead of Time?
You can prep the fries ahead! After cutting them, store the soaked and dried fries in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just toss them with oil and seasonings right before baking.
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your fries! You can add chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat, or experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or feta for varied flavors.
