Oven-Baked French Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 russet potatoes, large
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- Paprika, optional
- Garlic powder, optional
- Thyme, optional
- Cold water
Method:
Start Cooking- Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized sticks, about ¼–½ inch thick, for the best texture.
- Optional but recommended: Soak the fries in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and dry very well with a clean kitchen towel.
- Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, and any spices until lightly coated.
- Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between each fry.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flip the fries, then bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Serve hot and crispy. Bon appétit.
Kitchen Tools:
- Baking sheet lined with parchment
Notes:
- Make sure the potatoes are completely dry after soaking for the best texture.
- Use a large baking sheet so the fries sit in a single layer without overlapping.
- Extra crispy: Cut fries slightly thinner and extend baking time by a few minutes.
- Seasoned: Add paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne before baking.
- Herby: Finish with chopped parsley or thyme after baking.
- Cheesy: Toss hot fries with finely grated Parmesan just before serving.
- Serve hot with a simple mayonnaise dip, ketchup, or garlic aioli.
- These fries pair well with burgers, meatballs, sandwiches, or grilled vegetables.
- They are just as good enjoyed on their own.
Nutrition:
FROM THE PANTRY
French fries
WHY WE LOVE IT
Science explains why we’re drawn to them: the Maillard reaction, the chemical process that browns the potatoes and creates hundreds of aromatic compounds that trigger hunger and a sense of nostalgia.
A LITTLE STORY
While they’re called French fries, their true history is a tug-of-war between France, Belgium, and Spain.
The name “French fries” is believed to have stuck during World War I, when American soldiers stationed in Belgium encountered fried potatoes and called them “French” because French was the language spoken by the Belgian army.
DID YOU KNOW?
National French Fry Day is celebrated on July 13.
In some countries, you can even find french fry vending machines serving hot fries on demand.
There’s an entire museum in Bruges, Belgium, dedicated to fries, it’s called the Frietmuseum.