Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries

Name: Crispy Oven Baked Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large russet potatoes, cut into thin strips; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Featured in Simple Healthy Meals.

I love making these fries when I want something crispy and delicious but don't want to deal with deep frying. The trick is soaking the cut potatoes in cold water first - this pulls out the starch and helps them get super crispy in the oven. After drying them really well, you'll toss them with olive oil and seasonings. The fresh minced garlic is key here - it adds so much more flavor than powder. They take about 30 minutes to bake, and you'll want to flip them halfway through so they get golden brown all over. The best part is adding the Parmesan cheese while they're still hot from the oven so it gets a little melty and sticks to the fries. These are perfect as a side dish with burgers or sandwiches, but honestly, they're so good you might just want to make them as a snack. Don't skip the fresh parsley at the end - it adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor that really makes them special.

By Fati

Updated on Sun, 26 Jan 2025 04:14:38 GMT

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Send Recipe Jump To Recipe

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional French fries, Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries are the perfect choice. Combining the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan with a crispy baked texture, these fries pair beautifully with burgers, grilled chicken, or as a stand-alone snack. Ready in under an hour, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 large russet potatoes: Ideal for fries due to their starch content.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For crispiness and flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds bold, fresh flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers rich, savory taste.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the fries' flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herbal note.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a pop of color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure crispy fries.
Prepare the Potatoes:: Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut into 1/4-inch sticks for even cooking.
Soak the Potatoes:: Soak sticks in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry.
Season the Fries:: Toss the dried potatoes in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Bake the Fries:: Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Add Parmesan:: Sprinkle Parmesan over the fries during the last 5 minutes of baking. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and browns slightly.
Serve and Enjoy:: Garnish with parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions: Pair with burgers, grilled chicken, or steak. Offer dips like garlic aioli, ranch, or ketchup. Garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or chili flakes for added flair.
Storage and Reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes for restored crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked fries after seasoning. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other potatoes? Yes, Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes work well but may cook differently.
Q2: Are these gluten-free? Yes, as long as the Parmesan is labeled gluten-free.
Q3: Can I prepare fries ahead of time? Absolutely! Soak them in cold water and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Q4: Parmesan substitute? Try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I cut the fries ahead of time?: Yes! Cut the potatoes and store them in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to dry them really well before seasoning and baking.
→ What's the best way to reheat leftover fries?: Put them back in the oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes until they're hot and crispy again. Avoid using the microwave as they'll get soggy.
→ Can I use different types of potatoes?: Russet potatoes work best because they get nice and crispy. You can use Yukon Gold, but they might not get quite as crunchy on the outside.
→ Why do you soak the potatoes in water?: Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the fries get crispier in the oven. Just 30 minutes makes a big difference!
→ Can I make these without cheese?: Sure! Skip the Parmesan if you want dairy-free fries. They're still delicious with just the garlic and herbs.

Crispy Oven Baked Fries

Golden, crispy oven fries loaded with garlic and Parmesan cheese. A healthier version of your favorite side dish.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

By: Fati

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings of fries)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Fries

01 3 large russet potatoes, cut into thin strips

02 3 tablespoons olive oil

03 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

04 1/2 teaspoon salt

05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

06 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

→ For Topping

07 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

08 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 425°F (220°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper - this will help prevent sticking and make cleanup way easier.

Step 02

Give your potato strips a good soak in cold water for about 30 minutes - this little trick helps get rid of extra starch and makes them super crispy later. After soaking, drain them and pat them really dry with paper towels. Like, really dry!

Step 03

Toss your dried potato strips in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Get in there with your hands if you need to - you want every fry nicely coated with all those flavors.

Step 04

Spread your seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet, giving them plenty of space to crisp up - overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness! Pop them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, but here's the important part: flip them halfway through so they get golden and crispy all over.

Step 05

Once they're golden and crispy, take them out and while they're still hot, sprinkle that Parmesan cheese all over. Give them a gentle toss to get the cheese evenly distributed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve them up while they're hot and crispy!

Notes

For extra crispy fries, try baking them on a wire rack set on top of your baking sheet
Feel free to spice things up with a pinch of paprika or chili powder if you're feeling adventurous
The key to crispy fries is making sure they're super dry after soaking and not overcrowding the pan

Tools You'll Need

Large baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowl
Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Fati

Hi! I'm Fati, a housekeeper who found her true passion in the kitchen. Over the years, I've learned that the best meals don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques - just love and care in every step. Through Mama Cookbook, I share my tried-and-true recipes that I've perfected while cooking for families and managing households. My goal is to help you create delicious, homemade meals that bring warmth and joy to your table.

Healthy Eating

Fresh Winter Salad Recipe