Garlic Parmesan French Fries Recipe

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Introduction

French fries are an iconic snack, side dish, and comfort food loved by people of all ages. But what happens when you take these crispy golden fries and elevate them with a burst of garlic and Parmesan cheese? You get the irresistibly flavorful Garlic Parmesan French Fries! This recipe takes the simplicity of traditional French fries and adds savory, garlicky goodness with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, creating a mouthwatering treat that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re serving them as a side dish for burgers, a snack for movie night, or a crispy appetizer for your next gathering, Garlic Parmesan French Fries are sure to be a hit. The crispy exterior combined with the rich, cheesy coating and the aromatic garlic creates a delightful experience with every bite.

In this article, we’ll show you how to make these delicious fries at home, step-by-step, and share tips for perfecting the recipe. You’ll also find ideas for serving and customizing the dish to suit your tastes. Get ready to take your French fries to the next level!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Golden: These French fries have the perfect crispy texture on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior that everyone loves.
• Rich Flavor: The garlic and Parmesan cheese give these fries a rich, savory flavor that’s far from ordinary.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, with minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. You can have delicious fries on your table in no time.
• Versatile: Garlic Parmesan French Fries work well as a side dish, a snack, or a party appetizer. They’re great with burgers, steaks, or just served on their own.
• Customizable: You can adjust the garlic intensity or add extra seasonings to suit your personal taste.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 25-30 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes enough for 4 servings, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 4 medium russet potatoes: These are ideal for making fries due to their high starch content, which creates crispy fries.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the fries crisp up during baking and adds a touch of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For basic seasoning of the fries before baking.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: To add depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a savory note to complement the garlic.

For the Garlic Parmesan Coating:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melted, to toss the fries in for added richness and flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic provides a bold, aromatic kick.
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the recipe! Parmesan gives the fries a cheesy, salty flavor.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat, if desired.

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra grated Parmesan cheese: To sprinkle on top for an extra cheesy finish.
• Fresh lemon zest: For a bright and zesty contrast to the richness of the garlic and cheese.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE POTATOES

1. Wash and Peel (Optional) the Potatoes: Start by thoroughly washing the russet potatoes. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients to the fries.
2. Cut the Potatoes into Fries: Slice the potatoes into even sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep the size consistent so they cook evenly.
3. Soak the Potatoes (Optional): For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This helps remove excess starch, which results in a crispier texture. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

SECOND STEP: SEASON AND BAKE THE FRIES

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the fries crisp up nicely.
2. Toss the Fries in Olive Oil and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato sticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the fries are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
3. Arrange the Fries on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure the fries aren’t overlapping, as this will prevent them from crisping properly.
4. Bake the Fries: Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t burn. The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done.

THIRD STEP: GARLIC PARMESAN COATING

1. Melt the Butter and Cook the Garlic: While the fries are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Combine the Coating Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted garlic butter with the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until the cheese is well mixed and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

FINAL STEP: COAT AND SERVE THE FRIES

1. Toss the Fries in the Garlic Parmesan Coating: Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. While they’re still hot, transfer them into the bowl with the garlic Parmesan mixture. Toss the fries gently to coat them evenly in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
2. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle more freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the fries and garnish with additional fresh parsley. For an extra pop of flavor, you can also add a little lemon zest to brighten up the dish.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the Garlic Parmesan Fries hot and fresh from the oven as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan French Fries

These Garlic Parmesan French Fries can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your preferences. Here are some great ideas:

1. As a Side Dish

Serve Garlic Parmesan Fries as a side dish alongside your favorite main course. They pair wonderfully with burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, or steak. The rich, savory flavors complement a wide range of entrees.

2. As an Appetizer

These fries make a great appetizer for parties, barbecues, or gatherings. They’re easy to share and always a crowd favorite. Serve them with dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli for an added flavor boost.

3. As a Snack

If you’re looking for a quick snack, these fries are a perfect choice. Their crispy texture and bold garlic Parmesan flavor make them satisfying on their own, without the need for additional sides or condiments.

4. With a Dip

Elevate your Garlic Parmesan Fries by serving them with different dipping sauces. A tangy ranch dip, creamy sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli can provide extra layers of flavor to enhance the fries. For a healthier option, you can serve them with a yogurt-based dip.

5. On a Sandwich or Wrap

For a fun twist, you can place the Garlic Parmesan Fries inside a sandwich or wrap. This gives the dish an extra crunch and flavor boost. Pair them with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.

Additional Tips

1. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the fries ahead of time by cutting and soaking the potatoes in water. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.
2. Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, you can make these fries even crispier! Simply toss the seasoned fries in olive oil and cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
3. Vary the Cheese: While Parmesan is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with different cheeses. Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can add different flavors to your fries.
4. Add More Flavor: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, Parmesan, and seasoning based on your taste. For extra garlic flavor, you can add more minced garlic or roasted garlic.
5. Crispy Fries Tips: For extra crispy fries, make sure they are evenly spaced on the baking sheet and not crowded. This allows for better airflow and helps the fries crisp up evenly.

Recipe Variations

While Garlic Parmesan French Fries are fantastic as written, here are some variations you can try:

1. Truffle Parmesan Fries

For a more luxurious version, drizzle the fries with truffle oil after baking and toss them with Parmesan. The earthy, aromatic flavor of truffle oil adds an elegant touch to this classic recipe.

2. Garlic Herb Fries

Mix fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the garlic butter mixture for an herbaceous twist. These herbs will enhance the flavor profile and add a fresh, aromatic quality to the fries.

3. Spicy Garlic Parmesan Fries

If you like a bit of heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic Parmesan coating. This spicy version will satisfy those who love a kick in their fries.

4. Vegan Version

To make this recipe vegan, use olive oil instead of butter and a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. The garlic and fresh herbs will still provide plenty of flavor.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers, Garlic Parmesan Fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fries in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to bring back their crispiness. You can also freeze the fries before baking for future use. Simply freeze the raw, seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen for a quick snack or side dish.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan French Fries are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves crispy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can transform ordinary French fries into something extraordinary. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy fries, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese in every bite!