Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries give you crisp-edged oven fries without deep frying. Russet potatoes are cut into thin strips, tossed with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then finished with Parmesan and parsley near the end of baking.
Why These Oven Fries Work
- Russet potatoes: their starchy texture is a natural fit for fries.
- Olive oil: enough oil coats the potatoes without deep frying them.
- Garlic and Italian seasoning: the potatoes are seasoned before the first bake.
- Parmesan at the finish: adding the cheese later keeps it from spending the entire cook time in the hot oven.
Cut the Fries Evenly
The closer the fries are in thickness, the more evenly they cook. Very thin pieces can become too dark while thicker ones are still soft, so take a little time to cut consistent strips.
Tips for Crisp Baked Fries
- Dry the potatoes well before tossing them with oil.
- Spread the fries in one layer with a little space between them.
- Flip or toss halfway through baking so more than one side can brown.
- Use a large baking sheet rather than crowding the potatoes.
- Continue baking after the Parmesan is added until the fries reach the color and texture you prefer.
What to Serve with Garlic Parmesan Fries
These fries work with burgers, grilled chicken, steak, sandwiches, or meatball dishes. For another potato side, try Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes or Fried Potatoes and Onions. You can also browse more easy side dishes.
Storage and Reheating
Oven fries are best fresh. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container and reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore as much crispness as possible. Microwaving will soften them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my baked fries soft?
They may be crowded on the pan or carrying too much surface moisture. Dry them well and spread them out so steam can escape.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The published recipe does not require peeling. Scrub the potatoes well and cut them into even fry shapes.
Ingredients
- 3 large Russet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cut the potatoes into long, thin French-fry shapes.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in an even layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, tossing and flipping the fries halfway through.
- Sprinkle with the parsley flakes and ¼ cup Parmesan, toss to coat, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until done to your liking.