Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries

How to make Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries

Ingredients:

3 large Russet potatoes (2.5 – 3 lbs)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4-6 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt (for coating)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (for coating)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

Prepare Potatoes
Begin by scrubbing the 3 large Russet potatoes. You can either leave the skin on for extra flavor and texture, or peel them if you prefer. Once cleaned, slice each potato lengthwise into ½-¾ inch thick planks, before cutting them into ½-¾ inch thick sticks. Aim to keep the pieces consistent in size to ensure they cook evenly.
Soak and Dry
Next, place the cut potato sticks into a large bowl and completely submerge them in cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps to remove excess starch, which will make your fries crispier. Once soaked, drain the potatoes thoroughly. Spread them out on a clean towel and gently pat them dry to eliminate surface moisture.
Preheat Oven and Season Fries
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If you like, you can add optional ingredients like ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder for more flavor. Make sure each fry is coated evenly.
First Bake
Spread the seasoned potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they can crisp up nicely. Bake in the hot oven for 20-25 minutes. After this time, remove the fries, flip them over, and return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes. You want them to become golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Prepare Garlic Parmesan Coating
While your fries are baking, get ready to prepare the delicious garlic Parmesan coating. Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Once melted, stir in the finely minced fresh garlic (4-6 cloves), ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon of sea salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Mix everything well until it becomes fragrant and well combined.
Coat and Serve
When the fries are out of the oven and piping hot, transfer them to a large heat-proof mixing bowl. Pour the entire garlic Parmesan butter mixture over the fries. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure each fry is generously coated with that flavorful mixture. If you want extra crispy cheese, you can spread the fries back onto the baking sheet and bake them for an additional 3-5 minutes. Serve these delicious fries immediately, garnished with extra chopped fresh parsley and some more grated Parmesan cheese, if you wish.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries

These Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries are a delightful twist on the regular fries you know. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese elevates these fries from a simple side dish to a standout snack or appetizer.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also easy to make. You can prepare them for a family dinner, a party, or just as a snack while binge-watching your favorite show. Everyone will be reaching for more, making them a great addition to any meal.

Nutritional Benefits

Russet potatoes offer a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. When cooked in this garlic and Parmesan way, the dish offers a touch of healthy fats from olive oil and butter. Garlic is known for its many health benefits, including boosting the immune system and having anti-inflammatory properties.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries

These fries can complement a variety of main dishes. Here are some great ideas to pair them with:

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), let the fries cool completely before storing them. Place the fries in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can last up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Skip Soaking: Soaking the potatoes in cold water is vital for crispiness. Don’t rush this step or skip it altogether.
Avoid Overcrowding: When baking, ensure that fries are spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding can cause steaming rather than baking, resulting in soggy fries.
Double Bake for Crispiness: For extra crispy fries, consider baking them twice. This method enhances their texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with toppings and flavors! Here are some variations you can make:

Spicy Garlic Parmesan Fries: Add more red pepper flakes or even some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Cajun Fries: Season the fries with Cajun spices instead of the garlic and onion powder for a spicy twist.
Cheesy Garlic Fries: For an extra cheesy treat, sprinkle more shredded cheese on the fries before the second bake.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, while Russet potatoes are ideal for fries due to their starch content, you can try using Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for different flavors and textures.

2. Can I make these fries ahead of time?
While fresh is best, you can prepare the fries and store the coated but raw fries in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to add a little extra baking time if they are cold.

3. How can I keep the fries crispy after baking?
To keep fries crispy, it’s best to serve them right after baking. If you have to leave them out, keep them in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb moisture.

By following these simple steps, you can make delicious Garlic Parmesan Steak Fries that everyone will love. With their golden crispy exterior and rich flavored coating, they are sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy cooking!

Eva