Level up your fry game with these restaurant style oven baked Parm Fries! They’re crispy on the outside with tender fluffy insides and topped with a savoury sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a gourmet twist on a classic favourite!
I ain’t ever met a person that don’t love a good french fry. And I most definitely ain’t ever met a person that don’t love a basket of parm fries. I mean, have you? It’s the classic side dish for a good ol’ burger and something that the average person is guaranteed to eat when they a make a trip through ANY drive thru. Am I right?! Classic for a reason, crispy french fries always hit the spot! They’re great with so many meals, are perfect for snacking or sharing and can be topped in so many delicious ways that it’s hard to keep track. I’ve worked in countless restaurants and of course, as you might expect, every single one of them had their own version of house cut fries. And arguably, they were always the most ordered thing off of any menu.
Yeah, that’s right. Even next to other classics such as spinach and artichoke dip or fully loaded potato skins!
You know what else I find funny about french fries? Is that they’re SO universal. I’ve spoke about my travels a little bit here and there on my blog but probably not as much as I actually do it. I love travelling! Like food blogging, it just fuels my soul… makes up my being… is an important part of who I am! As cliché as that all may sound, it’s definitely true! I started out as a solo female traveller in South East Asia, I’ve eating gourmet instant noodles on the streets of Africa, I’ve swam in the Caribbean ocean, spent a whole year in South America. And one thing literally ALL OF THOSE PLACES HAVE IN COMMON? Yup. You guessed it. They have some version or another of french fries! And yes, they’re just as loved across the world as they are by you and I!
So, there you have it – a mouthwatering recipe for restaurant-style Parmesan fries that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. With their crispy exterior, fluffy interior and irresistible cheesy flavour, these fries are a true crowd pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night in or just treating yourself to a delicious snack, these Parmesan fries are guaranteed to hit the spot. So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re a fellow Canadian like me, or live halfway across the globe, these Parmesan fries are a delicious treat for anyone to enjoy and I just know that you’re going to love them!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE PARM FRIES AT HOME
These restaurant style crispy oven baked parm fries come together with just a few ingredients. By combining these simple yet flavourful ingredients, you’ll create irresistible Parmesan fries that are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike! Let’s get into them in a little bit more detail down below:
- Potatoes: The star of the show! Potatoes are the base of these delicious Parmesan fries. They provide a starchy, hearty texture that crisps up beautifully when baked. Look for large potatoes, such as russets, which have a high starch content and are ideal for making crispy fries.
- Parmesan Cheese: I’d be lying if I didn’t recognize parmesan cheese as the other star of this dish! This aged cheese adds a rich, savoury flavour and a delightful crispy texture to the fries. Parmesan cheese is known for its nutty and salty taste, which pairs perfectly with the potatoes. Grating the cheese finely ensures it melts evenly over the fries, creating a delicious golden crust.
- Olive Oil: Not only helps to coat the fries evenly but also adds a hint of fruity flavour. It helps the fries achieve that perfect golden brown color and crispiness when baked in the oven. Additionally, olive oil contains heart-healthy fats, making it a better option than some other cooking oils. However, you can use a different oil (such as avocado oil) instead, if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a punch of garlic flavour without the texture of fresh garlic. It infuses the fries with a delicious savoury taste that complements the Parmesan cheese and other seasonings. Make sure to use high-quality garlic powder for the best flavour.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a vibrant red color to the fries. It also contributes a mild heat, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the dish. You can use either sweet or smoked paprika, depending on your preference, or even a combination of both for an added depth of flavour.
- Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings help to enhance the flavours of the other ingredients. Salt brings out the natural flavours of the potatoes and cheese, while black pepper adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of colour and a refreshing herbal flavour to the finished parm fries. Use it as a garnish to brighten up the dish and add a touch of freshness. Plus, parsley is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to the recipe.
HOW TO MAKE RESTAURANT STYLE PARM FRIES (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make these crispy baked parmesan fries in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Cut potatoes into uniform size pieces/fries. This ensures they cook evenly and in the same amount of time.
- Soak the potatoes. After cutting the potatoes into fries, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier parm fries.
- Dry thoroughly. Pat the soaked potato fries completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or clean paper towels before seasoning and baking. Excess moisture on the surface of the fries can lead to steaming instead of crisping in the oven. EXTRA TIP: I like to lay the fries out on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Then, I use another paper towel to excessively pat them dry.
- Make sure to evenly coat the potato fries with the olive oil and seasonings mixture. This ensures that every fry is flavourful and crisps up evenly during baking. EXTRA TIP: Mix the seasonings with the oil in a bowl prior to coating the fries to ensure even distribution of all of the ingredients.
- Use high heat. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 425°F (220°C). The high heat helps to quickly crisp up the outside of the fries while keeping the insides tender. EXTRA TIP: Make sure the oven is fully/properly preheated before putting the fries in to bake.
- Arrange the seasoned potato fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Overcrowding the fries on the baking sheet can cause them to steam rather than crisp up. EXTRA TIP: Use a wire rack if you have one! It allows air to circulate resulting in a crispier texture and even baking. EXTRA EXTRA TIP: Work in batches if you have to. If using two baking sheets, place one on the upper rack and one on the lower rack of the oven for even cooking.
- Flip the fries halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. This helps achieve uniform crispiness.
- Don’t add the parmesan cheese until the end. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the fries during the last few minutes of baking. This prevents the cheese from burning and ensures it melts evenly over the hot fries. Similarly, garnish the finished fries with chopped fresh parsley just before serving. This adds a pop of colour and freshness to the dish.
- Serve immediately. For the best texture and flavour, serve the Parmesan fries hot and crispy right out of the oven. Enjoy them as a delicious appetizer or side dish and don’t forget the dipping sauce! Here are some of my favourites: the best sauce for french fries, garlic aioli, homemade mayonnaise, chipotle mayonnaise, spicy mayo or creamy Greek yogurt ranch dressing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Parmesan fries are made primarily from potatoes, which are cut into fry shapes. These fries are then coated with olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper for flavour. The key ingredient that sets them apart is Parmesan cheese, which is grated and sprinkled generously over the fries before baking. As they bake in the oven, the cheese melts and forms a crispy, golden crust on the fries. Garnished with parsley for a fresh touch, Parmesan fries are a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish.
Whether you prefer classic condiments or more adventurous toppings, fries can be enjoyed in countless delicious combinations. Here are some of my favs: good ol’ ketchup or mayonnaise, chipotle mayonnaise or spicy mayonnaise, aioli infused with garlic, the best sauce for french fries, hot sauce, gravy, sour cream, truffle oil or ranch or blue cheese dressing.
The secret to making good fries lies in a combination of factors that work together to create the perfect balance of crispiness, flavour and texture. Starting with the right type of potatoes, such as Russets, ensures a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Proper preparation, including soaking the cut potatoes to remove excess starch and thorough drying before frying, is essential for achieving optimal crispiness. Flipping the fries halfway through baking and seasoning them immediately after cooking are also important steps. Ultimately, the secret to good fries lies in attention to detail, from potato selection to frying technique, resulting in fries that are irresistibly crispy and delicious.
RESTAURANT STYLE PARM FRIES
Level up your fry game with these restaurant style oven baked Parm Fries! They're crispy on the outside with tender fluffy insides and topped with a savoury sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a gourmet twist on a classic favourite!
Ingredients
- 4 large Potatoes
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated, divided
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Chopped Fresh Parsley, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top if you have one.
- Cut the potatoes into uniform size fries. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat them dry thoroughly with clean paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.
- Toss the dried potato fries in the seasoned olive oil mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the wire rack baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure crispiness.
- Bake for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle half the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot fries. Return them to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, transfer the fries to a serving platter and top with the remaining freshly grated parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the parmesan fries hot with all of your favourite dipping sauces!
LOVE FRENCH FRIES? TRY MY CRISPY OVEN BAKED POTATO WEDGES OR PERFECT AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES NEXT!
MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES FOR THE POTATO LOVER TO TRY
