Garlic fries are a crowd-pleasing snack or side dish that combines crispy, golden fries with the irresistible flavor of fresh garlic and herbs. Whether you’re craving a tasty appetizer for game day or a savory treat to accompany your burger, homemade garlic fries are easy to make and absolutely delicious. In this article, I’ll walk you through a simple step-by-step recipe to make perfect garlic fries right in your oven, using either frozen fries or fresh potatoes.
What You’ll Need to Make Garlic Fries
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients for this recipe:
– Frozen French fries (about 28 ounces) or fresh potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
– Vegetable oil or olive oil (about ¼ cup, divided)
– Fresh garlic (5 cloves, minced)
– Fresh parsley (a handful, finely chopped)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: melted butter can be added for extra richness, and you can also sprinkle some paprika or cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Fries
1. Prepare Your Fries
If you’re using frozen fries, simply dump them into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle half of your oil over the fries and toss them well to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper. If you prefer fresh fries, wash and cut your potatoes into thin wedges or sticks. For crispier fries, soak the cut potatoes in ice water for 30 minutes to an hour to remove excess starch, then drain and pat dry.
2. Bake the Fries
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Spread the fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for about 20 minutes, then increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C) and bake for another 7-10 minutes until the fries are golden brown and crispy. If you’re using fresh potatoes, flip the fries halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
3. Make the Garlic Herb Oil
While the fries bake, combine the remaining oil with the minced garlic and chopped parsley in a small bowl. This mixture will infuse the fries with that signature garlicky flavor.
4. Toss the Fries in Garlic Oil
Once the fries are done baking, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic herb oil over the hot fries and toss well to coat every piece. The heat from the fries will gently cook the garlic, releasing its aroma and flavor without burning it.
5. Season and Serve
Taste your garlic fries and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. These fries are fantastic on their own or paired with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Fries Every Time
– Use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Garlic powder just can’t match the punch of fresh minced garlic.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan when baking your fries. Give them space to crisp up nicely.
– Toss fries gently with the garlic oil so the fries stay crispy and don’t get soggy.
– Try adding melted butter to the garlic oil for a richer taste.
– Experiment with herbs like cilantro or rosemary for a different twist.
– Serve fresh: Garlic fries are best enjoyed right after baking for maximum crispiness.
Why Make Garlic Fries at Home?
Making garlic fries at home is not only easy but also allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Using fresh garlic and herbs gives a vibrant, aromatic flavor that store-bought versions often lack. Plus, baking fries instead of deep-frying them makes this indulgent treat a bit lighter without sacrificing taste or texture.
Whether you’re using frozen fries for convenience or fresh potatoes for a homemade touch, this recipe delivers golden, crispy fries with a punch of garlicky goodness every time.
Enjoy your homemade garlic fries as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer — they’re sure to be a hit!
Garlic fries are simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the crispy, garlicky goodness!