Oven-Baked French Fries

Oven-Baked French Fries Recipe with Parmesan Cheese, Paprika, Salt and Black Pepper

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 13 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Oven-Baked French Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish to your favorite meal.

History

French fries are believed to have originated in Belgium in the late 17th century. They were originally made by cutting potatoes into thin strips and frying them in hot oil. The oven-baked version of French fries became popular as a healthier alternative to deep-fried fries in the 20th century.

Ingredients

2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
0.5 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
3 tsp black pepper
16 oz (454 g) frozen crinkle cut French-fried potatoes

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F.
In a medium bowl, combine cheese, paprika, 1 tsp of salt, and 3 tsp of black pepper, or adjust to taste.
Place the potatoes in the bowl coated with cooking spray.
Sprinkle the potatoes with the cheese mixture and toss well to coat.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 450°F for 13 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Serve the potatoes warm, either plain or with other side dishes, main dishes, or appetizers.

Variations

Try using different seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a healthier twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat your oven to 450°F before baking the fries.

- Toss the potatoes well in the cheese mixture to ensure they are evenly coated.

- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.

- Keep an eye on the fries while baking to prevent them from burning.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Oven-Baked French Fries as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the fries in the oven ensures they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of frozen French-fried potatoes for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Oven-Baked French Fries in a basket lined with parchment paper for a fun and casual presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Oven-Baked French Fries with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Oven-Baked French Fries contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Oven-Baked French Fries contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Oven-Baked French Fries contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Oven-Baked French Fries contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Oven-Baked French Fries are a good source of potassium and vitamin C.

Alergens

Oven-Baked French Fries may contain dairy (from the parmesan cheese) and wheat (from the potatoes).

Summary

Oven-Baked French Fries are a moderate source of carbohydrates and fats, with a low protein content. They are a good source of potassium and vitamin C.

Summary

Oven-Baked French Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or as a side dish to your favorite meal. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of these fries without the guilt!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Oven-Baked French Fries. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ropes in the kitchen. My mother had always been a fantastic cook, but it wasn't until I started experimenting with recipes of my own that I truly fell in love with cooking.

I remember the day like it was yesterday – I was visiting my aunt's house and she had just pulled a tray of golden, crispy French fries out of the oven. The smell wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. I watched as she seasoned them with salt and pepper, giving them a final toss before serving them up on a platter.

"Would you like to learn how to make these?" my aunt asked, seeing the look of fascination on my face.

I eagerly nodded, and she began to show me the steps. It was a simple recipe, really – just potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. But the trick, she explained, was in the technique. Slicing the potatoes just right, tossing them in the oil to ensure they crisped up evenly, and baking them at just the right temperature. It was a delicate balance, but one that I was determined to master.

From that day on, I made Oven-Baked French Fries whenever I could. I would experiment with different seasonings – garlic powder, paprika, even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Each batch was a new adventure, a chance to perfect my technique and create something delicious to share with my family and friends.

As the years went by, I continued to refine my recipe. I learned new tips and tricks from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met along the way. Everyone seemed to have their own twist on Oven-Baked French Fries, and I was always eager to try them out and see how they compared to my own.

One day, I came across a recipe that called for soaking the potatoes in cold water before baking them. It was a technique I had never tried before, but I decided to give it a go. The results were astounding – the fries came out even crispier and more flavorful than ever before. I couldn't believe how such a simple step could make such a big difference.

I continued to perfect my recipe over the years, always on the lookout for new ways to enhance the flavor and texture of my Oven-Baked French Fries. I tried different types of potatoes – russet, Yukon gold, even sweet potatoes – and experimented with different cooking times and temperatures. Each variation brought its own unique twist to the dish, and I loved the challenge of trying new things and pushing myself to create something truly special.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the aroma of freshly baked French fries, I can't help but feel grateful for all the people who have shared their recipes with me over the years. Each one has taught me something new, inspiring me to continue honing my craft and creating delicious dishes to share with my loved ones.

I may have started out as a young girl with a passion for cooking, but thanks to the guidance and wisdom of those around me, I have become a seasoned chef with a repertoire of recipes that I am proud to call my own. And as I take a bite of a perfectly crispy Oven-Baked French Fry, I know that my journey is far from over – there are always new flavors to explore, new techniques to master, and new memories to create in the kitchen.