Pizza Fries are the meal you didn’t know you needed and the one you won’t want to stop eating!
Oh, the possibilities! That was my initial thought for this pizza fries recipe. Just think of all the various topping combinations you see on restaurant menus. You can do the same with French fries. If your mind isn’t thinking of a few right now, you must not be a pizza lover. Anyone who loves pizza is automatically thinking of their favorite toppings.
Forget dipping your fries in ketchup. This recipe takes them to the next level by covering them in savory tomato sauce and layers of cheesy goodness. I could eat this every day without getting tired of it. All I know is that I’m amazed it’s taken me this long to enjoy such a fantastic dish. Whether you’re looking for a fun new appetizer when watching your favorite sports on TV, have a late-night craving that yearns for something different, or want to serve an all-in-one meal that is fun, this might be what you need.
Don’t be afraid to be heavy-handed with the toppings. If you love pepperoni, load it up. You can also add some dollops of ricotta or goat cheese if you like. Add some sausage, diced ham, or crumbled cooked bacon to a meatier version. You can even slice up some meatballs and go full force as if it were a meat lover’s pizza, but on fries. Go ahead and use this as a base and let your imagination run away with the possibilities.
Pizza fry combinations worth trying
Okay, let’s get down to business. We all have our favorite pizza toppings, as well as some that make us cringe. I’ll start the process by creating the ultimate debate: Do you put pineapple on your pizza? Go ahead and scowl, you pineapple pizza naysayers. I’ve had many discussions about this, and no one has managed to change my mind.
Of course, pineapple is not one of my first-choice pizza toppings, as I love pepperoni, meatballs, mushrooms, and spinach. You’ll also find me devouring Thai chicken and barbecue chicken pizzas with gusto. Those pizzas make equally good fries. Here are some other noteworthy combinations to try the next time you make pizza fries:
- Spicy barbecue chicken fries: Spicy BBQ Sauce, leftover cooked chicken, sliced red bell peppers, sliced red onions, and shredded smoked Gouda.
- Thai chicken fries: Peanut Sauce For Spring Rolls, leftover cooked chicken, shredded carrots, and mozzarella (top with slivered scallions, bean sprouts, and cilantro before serving).
- Fajita fries: No sauce, Grilled London Broil, Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat), cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (top with diced avocado, chopped tomatoes or salsa, cilantro, and cotija cheese before serving). Note: you can omit the steak and substitute Refried Black Beans for a vegetarian version.
- Eggplant Parmesan fries: Tomato Sauce, Crispy Air-Fryer Eggplant (cut into small cubes), ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spinach and mushroom Alfredo fries: Alfredo Sauce, fresh spinach leaves, sliced mushrooms, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Pizza fries are best consumed right away. However, if you have any leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven. This recipe does not freeze well.
Serving suggestions
Pizza fries can be a main course or a fun game-day appetizer. If serving as an appetizer, enjoy them with some Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs, Prosciutto And Melon, Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Wings, fresh veggies, and Onion Dip. To enjoy these fries as your main course, serve them with this refreshing Caprese Salad Recipe or an Italian Salad. Add some Panna Cotta for dessert and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen French fries
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for seasoning fries)
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/4 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 10 slices pepperoni
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to mix the flavors.
- Take the fries out of the oven. Evenly drizzle the sauce over the fries. Add half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then top with sliced red bell pepper and most of the pepperoni.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and pepperoni on top. Put the baking sheet back in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Finally, garnish with Parmesan cheese, optional crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley.
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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