Oven-Baked Olive Oil Fries

Name: Oven-Baked Olive Oil Fries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes (peeled); 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin); 1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 1 teaspoon paprika

50 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Crispy and golden oven-baked fries seasoned with olive oil for a healthier twist on a classic favourite.

Prep

15 min

Cook

35 min

Total

50 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Oven-baked fries are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries, offering the same crispy exterior and fluffy interior we all love. By using olive oil, you not only add a subtle depth of flavour but also enjoy the benefits of a good quality fat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, these fries are simple to prepare and require just a few basic ingredients. The key is in the preparation and the right oven temperature to achieve that perfect golden crisp.

Ingredients

Servings

Fries

Instructions

Prepare the potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and cut the russet potatoes into even-sized sticks, about 1 cm thick.

Pro tip: For even cooking, aim for uniform fry sizes.

Soak the potatoes

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.

Pro tip: This step helps achieve crispier fries.

Dry the potatoes

Drain and thoroughly dry the potato sticks using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Pro tip: Removing moisture is crucial for crispy fries.

Season the fries

In a large bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.

Arrange on baking sheet

Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pro tip: Avoid overcrowding to ensure they roast rather than steam.

Bake the fries

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then flip the fries and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Pro tip: Check fries occasionally to prevent burning.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a sharp knife or mandoline for even fry cuts.</li><li>Soak potato slices to remove excess starch for crispier fries.</li><li>Ensure fries are spread out on the baking sheet to avoid steaming.</li><li>Flip fries halfway through baking for even crispiness.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve these oven-baked olive oil fries hot, straight from the oven. They're a versatile side that pairs wonderfully with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. To make ahead, you can cut the potatoes and keep them submerged in water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply drain and dry them well before baking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.