Baked French Fries bring all the flavor and crispy goodness minus the guilt!
Hopefully, this doesn’t disappoint anyone or burst any bubbles, but French fries aren’t French. In fact, it’s tough to say for sure where French fries originated. However, researchers are pretty sure they came from Belgium and were not immediately called French fries. As one story goes, the Belgians used the fries to replace fish during meals when the rivers were too frozen to catch anything.
Eventually, the popularity of French fries spread across Belgium, and France fell in love with them, making them popular enough throughout France that the salty potato sticks became known as “French fries.” Some claim their popularity followed the First World War, when G.I.s in Belgium discovered them. Given the proliferation of French in Belgium, perhaps the soldiers assumed they were in France and referred to these snacks as French fries.
Wherever they came from, we are all thankful. And this recipe makes a good thing even better, since the fries are not deep-fried in oil, making them a healthier option.
I’ve never been a big “frying” person. I don’t need or want the extra fat from deep-frying foods, so I resigned myself to never making homemade French fries, despite them being one of my favorite foods. However, discovering how to bake them has been a game-changer for me. Now, I make fries often and eat them without the guilt—just a little ketchup.
Are baked French Fries Healthy?
Potatoes are carbs, so I can’t recommend French fries to those practicing the keto or low-carb diet. For others, though, baked French fries are dairy- and gluten-free, and the only fat is in the olive oil. Still, keto dieters need fries, too, which is why I like this Keto French Fries recipe.
Although potatoes are a carbohydrate, they’re a healthy option in moderation. They also contain a decent amount of potassium and vitamin C. Overall, baked French fries are an excellent snack or side dish suitable for many diets.
The secret to fabulous baked french fries
Potatoes are incredibly starchy, and that starch makes it challenging to crisp up French fries. That’s why I strongly recommend soaking the potatoes prior to baking. The water pulls out the starch, resulting in a crispier French fry.
How To Make Ahead And Store
There’s an easy way to prep and store homemade baked French fries. You can make a large batch to freeze and take out as needed. For this method, skip the oil, seasoned salt, and baking steps. Simply cut and soak the potatoes, lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the fries to Ziploc bags and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use them, defrost the desired amount, add oil and seasoning, and bake. If you have leftover baked fries, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
French fries are the ultimate American side dish. We love them at summer barbecues, dipped in ketchup, mustard, vinegar, or whatever dipping sauce you prefer. At mealtime, there may be no more iconic food to go with fries than the classic burger. For a healthy twist on the classic, try the Black Bean Power Burger With Avocado Crema. Yes, it’s as fantastic as it sounds. Or how about a Jalapeño Popper Burger With Ranch? A little spice to go with your salty French fries.
Of course, we can’t leave out the all-American hot dog. These bacon-wrapped hot dogs use turkey wieners and turkey bacon for a lower-fat option. Toss some baked French fries on the side, and you have one delicious meal.
And let’s not forget—baked French fries can be more than a side dish. It’s a lot of fun to top the fries with all kinds of goodies, such as keto-chili, cheese, and onions.
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt or lemon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Wash the potatoes, keeping the skin on for added nutrients (you can peel them if you prefer). Cut the potatoes into your desired size for fries.
- Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps in achieving crispiness. After soaking, thoroughly dry the potatoes to ensure they crisp up in the oven.
- Toss the dried potato fries with olive oil and your choice of seasoned salt or lemon pepper to coat them evenly. Arrange the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Bake the fries for 20 minutes. Then increase the oven temperature to 425°F and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the fries are golden and crispy.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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