Hey there! I’m so excited to share one of my family’s favorite recipes with you—Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries. You know how it is in a busy household; everyone’s always rushing around, and getting a meal on the table can feel like a race sometimes. But trust me, these fries are a game-changer! They’re not only easy to whip up but also bring a little something special to any dinner.
The idea for these fries came to me one evening when I was trying to think of a side dish that would please everyone. My husband and kids are big fans of anything cheesy, and we all love garlic. So, I thought, why not combine the two? I can still hear my kids’ excited reactions when I served them. It’s one of those recipes that just makes everyone happy!
What I love about this dish is how simple it is. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just some good ol’ russet potatoes and a few staples from your pantry. They come out crispy, golden, and absolutely irresistible. Plus, they’re so versatile! You can serve them alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even just on their own as a snack. They’re perfect for family dinners or when friends come over for a casual get-together.
And the best part? They’re baked, so you don’t have to worry about the mess of frying. Just toss everything in a bowl, spread it out on a baking sheet, and let the oven do the work. With a little bit of garlic, a sprinkle of thyme, and that wonderful Parmesan cheese, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so gourmet!
So, if you’re looking for a quick and tasty side dish that everyone will devour, give these Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries a try. I promise you won’t regret it, and your family will be asking for seconds (or thirds!). Let’s dive right into how to make these delicious fries!
How to Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, unpeeled and cut into strips (1/4 inch thick)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 minced cloves of garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, split (optional)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is just right for achieving that golden crispness on the fries.
In a big mixing bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil until they’re nicely coated. Add in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt. Give everything a good toss again to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed.
Next, spread the fries out on a nonstick baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. This helps them get that nice, crispy texture. You can keep the leftover oil in the bowl for later; we’ll use it shortly.
Pop the fries into the oven and let them bake for about 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all around.
After 30 minutes, take the fries out and put them back in the mixing bowl with the reserved oil. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and the chopped parsley, tossing everything together to coat the fries in cheesy goodness.
Return the fries to the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbling, adding an irresistible finish.
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle on the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan and the last pinch of seasoned salt. And there you have it—crispy, cheesy fries that are sure to be a hit!
Storing Suggestion
If you have any leftover fries (though I doubt it!), let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to get them crispy again!
Cooking Tips
To elevate the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat or a dash of lemon zest for brightness. If you want to experiment with different herbs, rosemary or oregano could work wonders as well!
Serving Suggestions
These fries are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or ketchup. They pair well with burgers, grilled chicken, or even a fresh salad to balance things out.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of russet potatoes, feel free to use Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a different twist. Olive oil can also be swapped for avocado oil or melted butter, depending on your preference.
Seasonal Variations
In the fall, try adding some pumpkin spice to the fries before baking for a seasonal twist. In the summer, fresh basil or dill can add a nice, refreshing flavor to the fries.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy due to the Parmesan cheese. For a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. Always check labels for cross-contamination with allergens if you have sensitivities.
FAQ
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato strips ahead of time. Just soak them in cold water to prevent browning until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to cook, simply drain, dry, and season as directed.
What can I serve these fries with?
Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries go well with almost any main dish! They’re great alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even as a topping for a salad. They also make a wonderful snack on their own!
Can I freeze these fries?
Absolutely! After baking, let the fries cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I ensure my fries stay crispy?
To keep your fries crispy, make sure they’re in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. Flipping them halfway through cooking also helps achieve an even crispiness.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes! Fresh garlic is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to mince it finely, as the flavor can be more potent than garlic powder. You can use about 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic for every teaspoon of garlic powder.
How long will these fries last in the fridge?
Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but reheating them in the oven will help restore some of that crispiness.
Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes unpeeled and cut into strips (1/4 inch thick)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt split (optional)
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato strips with olive oil. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated.
- Transfer the coated fries onto a nonstick baking sheet. Reserve the leftover oil in the bowl for later use.
- Bake the fries for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. After 30 minutes, put the fries back into the bowl with the reserved oil. Toss with 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for that delicious final touch.
- Spread the fries back onto the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and the last bit of seasoned salt. Enjoy these crispy, cheesy delights!