Baked Parmesan Potato Fries – Crispy, Cheesy & Irresistible!

Baked Parmesan Potato Fries – Crispy, Cheesy & Irresistible! 🍟🧀

French fries are a classic favorite, but if you’re looking for a healthier, oven-baked alternative, these Baked Parmesan Potato Fries are just what you need! With a crispy texture, cheesy flavor, and golden perfection, these fries will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Healthier Than Deep-Fried Fries – Uses less oil while still delivering a crispy bite.
✔ Cheesy & Flavorful – Parmesan creates a golden, savory crust on the fries.
✔ Crispy Outside, Soft Inside – Perfect texture without a fryer!
✔ Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples that you already have on hand.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Serve as a side dish, snack, or party appetizer.

Cooking & Prep Times

⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏱ Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 35 minutes
⏱ Servings: 3–4

Kitchen Equipment Needed

✅ Oven – Preheated to 400°F (200°C)
✅ Baking Sheet – Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
✅ Mixing Bowl – To season the fries evenly
✅ Knife & Cutting Board – For slicing the potatoes
✅ Tongs or Spatula – To flip fries halfway through baking

Crispy Baked Parmesan Potato Fries Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

✅ 3 medium-sized potatoes (peeled and cut into thin fries)
✅ 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (helps seasoning stick & adds crispiness)
✅ 50g (1.7 oz) grated Parmesan cheese (for a crispy, cheesy crust)
✅ Salt & black pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Slice & Prepare the Potatoes

1️⃣ Peel the potatoes and slice them into thin strips, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick.
2️⃣ Try to cut them evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.

Step 3: Season the Fries

1️⃣ Place the sliced potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
2️⃣ Add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise—this helps the Parmesan cheese stick while adding crispiness.
3️⃣ Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Toss the potatoes to coat evenly.

Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese

1️⃣ Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the fries.
2️⃣ Toss again to ensure even coating.

Step 5: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

1️⃣ Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
2️⃣ Make sure they aren’t overcrowded—this allows even baking and crispiness.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

1️⃣ Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2️⃣ The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the edges when done.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣ Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
2️⃣ Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce—ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli!

Tips for the Best Parmesan Potato Fries

✔ Evenly Cut Fries – This ensures they bake evenly without burning.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd – Arrange fries in a single layer to allow proper crisping.
✔ Toss Well with Seasoning – Ensures each fry is well-coated for maximum flavor.
✔ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as well and won’t form a crispy crust.
✔ Flip Halfway Through Baking – Promotes even browning for extra crispiness.

Serving Suggestions 🍟

🥩 Pair with a Juicy Steak – The perfect side for a protein-packed meal.
🥗 Serve with a Fresh Salad – A great balance of crispy fries & fresh greens.
🍔 As a Side for Burgers – A healthier alternative to classic fries.
🥣 Dipping Sauces: Try ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

📌 Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
📌 Reheating: To crisp them back up, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes.
📌 Freezing: Not recommended—potatoes tend to lose their crispness when frozen.

FAQs

1️⃣ Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes work well, but they might be slightly softer than regular fries.

2️⃣ Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 380°F (195°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through.

3️⃣ Can I use other cheeses?
Yes! While Parmesan provides the best crispy texture, you can try cheddar or pecorino for different flavors.

4️⃣ How do I make these fries extra crispy?
Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning—this removes excess starch and enhances crispiness.

5️⃣ Can I add other seasonings?
Of course! Try garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.