Instructions:
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- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Cut the washed and scrubbed potatoes into thin strips, resembling the size of traditional French fries. Make sure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Rinse and Dry: After cutting, rinse the potato strips in cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Season the Fries: In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme (if using), salt, and black pepper. Ensure that the seasonings coat the fries evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the seasoned potato strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring that they do not overlap. This allows them to crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. After this initial baking period, flip the fries over to ensure even browning, and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Parmesan Coating: While the fries are baking, prepare the Parmesan coating. In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the flavorful Parmesan mixture.
- Coat the Fries: Once the fries are out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over them while they are hot. Gently toss or shake the baking sheet to ensure that the fries are evenly coated with the cheese and herbs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries to a serving platter or individual plates. They are best enjoyed immediately while still hot and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries:
- Potato Varieties: While russet potatoes are commonly used, you can also use Yukon Gold or other potato varieties that you prefer for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or using rosemary instead of thyme for a different herbal note.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or a creamy ranch dressing.
- Storage: Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to maintain their crispiness.
Conclusion
Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries offer the irresistible combination of crispy potato goodness and the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese. This recipe allows you to enjoy the satisfaction of fries without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option for snack time or as a side dish for your favorite burgers or sandwiches. Share these delicious Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries with friends and family, and savor the flavor-packed, guilt-free delight they bring to your table.
The nutritional content of Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries can vary depending on factors such as the size of the potato strips and the specific ingredients used. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutrition for a typical serving (approximately one-fourth of the recipe), but please keep in mind that these values are approximate and may vary:
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximately 1/4 of the recipe):
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- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving
- Protein: About 7-9 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Around 4-5 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 1-2 grams (primarily from the natural sugars in the potatoes)
- Fat: About 10-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 3-4 grams
- Cholesterol: Around 5-10 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 350-400 milligrams
Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries are a relatively lower-calorie and lower-fat alternative to traditional deep-fried French fries. They offer a good amount of dietary fiber from the potatoes and a moderate protein content. However, the overall nutritional values can vary based on factors like portion size and the amount of Parmesan cheese used.
To make this dish even healthier, you can consider using less olive oil or a cooking spray to reduce the fat content. Additionally, you can control the amount of salt and Parmesan cheese used to lower sodium and saturated fat intake.
While Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries are a tasty and satisfying snack or side dish, it’s essential to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you are watching your calorie or fat intake.