What’s better than french fries? Garlic Fries! Made with fresh garlic, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley, these garlic fries are crispy, deeply savory, and full of bold flavor. They make an irresistible side or appetizer for any casual meal or game day.
The Best Crispy Baked Garlic Fries!
Crispy, golden garlic fries are hard to resist. If you enjoy potato wedges or traditional fries, this garlicky variation will quickly become a favorite. They’re easy to prepare and work well as a snack, appetizer, or side for weeknight dinners and gatherings. With a few simple steps—slice, soak, bake, and finish with garlic butter—you’ll have a batch of flavorful fries ready to serve.
This recipe relies on straightforward techniques and fresh ingredients to deliver a crunchy exterior and tender interior. The key elements—fresh minced garlic, melted butter, and Parmesan—add layers of savory richness that make these fries stand out.
These Homemade Garlic Fries Are…
- Bold and Savory: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan gives these fries a rich, satisfying flavor.
- Versatile: Serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats, or offer them as a standalone snack.
- Comforting: Warm, soft interiors with a crisp exterior make these fries classic comfort food.
- Easy to Make: No special tools or advanced techniques are required—just basic kitchen gear and a little time.
What You’ll Need
These garlic fries use simple, fresh ingredients—no processed mixes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Potatoes: Large Russet potatoes work best for a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, but other varieties are fine.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps with browning.
- Butter: Unsalted butter, melted, for the garlic infusion.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for bright, pungent flavor.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty umami and texture.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds color.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste.
How to Make Garlic Fries in the Oven
Baked garlic fries are straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for crispy results:
- Prep the Potatoes. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized strips. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30–60 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Season the Potatoes. Toss the dried potato strips with olive oil, salt, and pepper so they’re evenly coated.
- Bake. Arrange the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between pieces so they crisp instead of steam. Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping once or twice for even browning.
- Make the Garlic Butter. In the last five minutes of baking, gently heat melted butter and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and remove from heat as soon as the garlic begins to brown—don’t let it burn.
- Finish the Dish. Toss the hot fries with the garlic butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat.
- Enjoy. Let the fries cool for a minute or two, then serve warm.
- Serve Immediately. Toss with garlic butter, Parmesan, and parsley just after baking so flavors adhere and the fries stay crisp. Serve hot.
Where Did Garlic Fries Come From?
Garlic fries are widely credited to Gordon Biersch, a restaurant and brewery founded in 1988. The dish became popular at stadiums and concession stands, gaining a loyal following for its bold, garlicky flavor.
Helpful Tips
These tips will help you get the best results when making garlic fries at home:
- Pre-soak and dry: Soaking removes excess starch and improves crispiness. Dry thoroughly so oil and seasonings stick.
- High heat: Baking at 400°F encourages a crisp exterior and soft interior.
- Dress immediately: Toss fries with the garlic butter as soon as they come out of the oven so the flavor adheres.
- Flip once or twice: Turn fries during baking for even browning and to prevent burning.
What to Serve with Homemade Garlic Fries
These fries pair beautifully with many mains and sauces. Try them with ketchup, aioli, or ranch, or serve alongside:
- Grilled steak or chicken: The rich garlic flavor complements grilled meats.
- Burgers and sandwiches: A crispy, savory side for classic sandwiches and burgers.
- Seafood: Serve with fish for a twist on fish and chips.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.
- Freeze: Freeze spread-out fries until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until warmed and crisp.
Garlic Fries
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes (I use Russet)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F.
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Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut into thin, even strips.
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Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30–60 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
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Toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Spread the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between pieces so they crisp up.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping once or twice for even browning.
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In the last five minutes of baking, warm the melted butter with minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the garlic just begins to brown. Remove from heat.
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Toss the hot fries with the garlic butter, then sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat evenly.
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Allow the fries to cool briefly and serve warm.
Equipment
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Baking sheet
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Chef knife
Notes
- Choose the right potato: Russets are ideal for fries because of their higher starch content.
- Keep pieces uniform: Cut fries to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- Soak and dry: Removing starch improves crispiness; dry well afterward.
- High heat: 400°F helps create a golden, crispy exterior and tender inside.
- Coat while hot: Toss fries with garlic butter immediately so the flavor sticks.
- Monitor cooking: Watch for browning and flip halfway through.
- Try variations: Add paprika, chili powder, or truffle oil for different flavor profiles.
- Serve fresh: Fries are best enjoyed right after cooking.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary based on ingredients and tools used.
More Healthy Side Dishes
- Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini Fries
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms
- Grilled Corn on the Cob