The original recipe is actually Baked Meyer Lemon Fries, but I love french fries so much that I usually can’t wait long enough for the extra step in mixing the extra seasonings! I’m sure it’s worth the short wait, but once I take the fries out of the oven and smell their tempting deliciousness, it’s all over for me.
This is Michael Chiarello’s recipe. I first saw him make these on his Easy Entertaining by Michael Chiarello show, and knew right away this would turn into my ‘go-to’ recipe for fries. Baking them is so much healthier than frying, and not as messy! The taste is fresh and doesn’t give you a knotted stomach ache afterwards. This is really the only way to go! You can switch up flavors so easily, too. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, Parmesan, Meyer lemon zest, or whatever your heart stomach desires!
Last night we had dinner in the city. One of the items we ordered were Polenta Fries. Stay tuned, because I’m definitely going to try and find a recipe for those now! Fries… my weak spot.
Oven Baked French Fries (Adapted from Michael Chiarello)
Potatoes (Idaho or Russet)
Olive Oil
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Other seasoning, to taste
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
Peel potatoes and cut into 3/8-inch thick slices (lengthwise) cut again into 3/8-inch thick fries. Place the potatoes into a bowl with cold water; this will help keep the fries crisp and white. Just before cooking, drain water and place on paper towel, pat dry completely. Put in a bowl; add olive oil, salt, black pepper. Toss well and lay out in 1 layer on nonstick baking sheets. Bake until light brown. Cook for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown.
Toss with your choice of seasonings.
Rachel says
January 31, 2009 at 7:40 PMWe had oven fries tonight, too! I LOVE them. When we are cleaning up, I always end up eating a few more. Yum!
bensbaby116 says
January 31, 2009 at 10:07 PMI’m with you on loving fries! I agree…when I’m making fries at home I’d much rather bake them than fry them. Healthier and easier, I think!
Jason says
November 3, 2012 at 11:16 PMI have to disagree with you. Deep Frying is the easiest way to make fries. If baking was easier, dont you think mcdonalds would have adopted it?
Jade says
January 7, 2013 at 11:23 AMWhat is McDonald’s supposed to be the expert here? After all, they use frozen patties. Maybe it’s easier for Rachel. She’s entitled to an opinion.
Adi says
February 1, 2009 at 2:11 AMThis is one of my fave ways to eat potatoes! I always add a little rosemary to them, it’s delicious.
culinarypilgrim says
February 2, 2009 at 12:06 PMThese look great! I do something similar, just with garlic and rosemary. Super yummy.
gaga says
February 5, 2009 at 12:45 AMI love potatoes of all sorts. It always helps when it healthy (and still delicious). Looks wonderful!
Annie says
February 20, 2009 at 8:38 PMI made oven fries tonight, and used the tip of soaking in water beforehand. They definitely turned out better than ever before, I think because of that. So thanks for the great idea!