I waved the white flag in surrender to homemade French fries and it only took me a year and a lot of wasted frying oil to finally do it.
As a strong-willed and stubborn person, I’ve learned over the years that sometimes I just have to “drop the rope.” It’s a term a former boss of mine used, which is just a nice way to say, “stop being a stubborn control freak and learn to choose your battles. Do you always have to win?”
So after a year of filling my stock pot with oil to attempt Five Guys-style French fries, with results best described as lackluster, I’ve decided to drop the rope and accept that it’s just not worth it. I mean, who has time to cut their own fries and fry them on a whim anyway? Not me.
I now turn to these garlic parmesan fries, which are so stupid simple that I can barely call it a recipe. I toss some frozen French fries in some garlic-infused olive oil before baking them in a hot oven and then top them off with some freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. They’re the perfect stand-in when a Five Guys field trip is impractical (hello, late night Netflix binge fest) and I’m craving a salty snack.
Garlic Parmesan Fries
These garlic parmesan fries are so easy thanks to store-bought frozen french fries. A few ingredients like garlic-infused olive oil, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley make them a go-to snack to satisfy a salty craving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2-3
- Category: Appetizer
Ingredients
- 5-6 single handfuls of frozen french fries (see note)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to temperature recommended by your frozen french brand that you’re using. While the oven is preheating, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic and cook it in the oil just until it starts to brown, about five minutes (adjust the heat, if needed, to prevent over-browning/burning. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the frozen fries with the olive oil. Spread the french fries in an even layer on a large baking sheet. Bake the french fries according to the package directions.
- Once baked, remove the fries from the oven and transfer to a serving plate or bowl. Sprinkle the fries with the grated parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve while hot.
Notes
I used Alexia All Natural House Cut Fries with Sea Salt for this recipe. Depending on the fries used the baking temperature and time may vary. Also, additional salt may be needed depending on the brand used.[br][br]All of the amounts are suggestions, which means improvisation is welcome. Less garlic, more garlic, different herbs, more cheese are all delicious adjustments depending on what you like.
I love serving this with some truffle essence and garnish with loads of fresh parmesan cheese. It’s my kids’ favorite too! I’d love to try new sauces for this, what else do you recommend aside from ketchup? Thank you.
I’m pretty plain Jane — love some mayo on the side for dipping 🙂
Ben is always trying to get me to go to 5 guys, their fries and burgers are so good, but my hips really don’t need them 🙂 I love that these are kind of like ‘cheater’ french fries, my home made ones are NEVER crispy, yet the store-bought ones always are. Love this!
I’ve had so many problems making my own, too. Never crispy enough! Yes, Five Guys is not so kind to the waistline – these ones are a little friendlier, maybe because they don’t come with a juicy cheeseburger? 😉
I think it’s a great recipe . My job is being a great cook for my husband and this is another recipe to try.
These are nothing short of amazing! We had a cookout for my son’s birthday and (because he is a foodie) I wanted something unique to serve for fries. I followed your instructions exactly (made 3 pans full) and they were devoured! Thanks so much for sharing – even though you didn’t feel comfortable deeming it a recipe. I definitely do – and this will go in the family favorites folder.
I’m so happy you liked them! Thanks so much for letting me know 🙂
I’m making these today for the super bowl. Thanks
These look perfect!!! I cannot wait to try this recipe.
I love how simple they are, perfect for a weeknight meal, but so delicious!
LOVE IT!