Pizza Fries

Total Time: 55 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
Crispy fries smothered in pizza sauce, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings—it's the ultimate mashup you didn’t know you needed!
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The crispy golden fries are the perfect base for a mouthwatering adventure, and with each bite, the combination of cheese, sauce, and toppings takes it to a whole new level. As you pull a hot, cheesy fry from the plate, you get that satisfying stretch—nothing quite compares to the way the gooey mozzarella pulls away in perfect strands. The marinara sauce adds a tangy richness, like a kiss of sunshine in each mouthful, while the melted cheese gives that comfort-food vibe we all crave. It’s the kind of dish that’s not just filling, but fun, too. Everyone gathers around, grabbing a fry here and there, and it’s almost impossible not to dip them into extra sauce, maybe even a little ranch on the side for some zesty fun.

I like to get creative with the toppings—sometimes I go for pepperoni, other times it’s crumbled sausage, or even a handful of fresh basil for a touch of brightness. It’s all about personal preference. What’s great about pizza fries is how customizable they are. You can pile on your favorite pizza toppings, or keep it simple with just the classics. I love how easy they are to make, and even more so how they disappear just as fast as you make them. Whether you’re serving them at a game day party, a casual dinner with friends, or as an indulgent snack to end your night, pizza fries are guaranteed to be the hit of the moment. And hey, if they get a little messy? All the better for finger-licking goodness!

Key Ingredients

When it comes to making pizza fries, the right combination of ingredients brings everything together—flavor, texture, and that irresistible melty cheese. Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious bites of comfort:

  • Russet Potatoes
    The heart of the dish! These starchy potatoes give the fries their crispy texture on the outside while staying fluffy and tender on the inside. Russets are the classic choice for fries because they crisp up perfectly.
  • Olive Oil
    This adds a subtle richness to the fries and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. It’s also a great base for the seasoning to stick to.
  • Garlic Powder
    A pinch of garlic powder brings that savory, aromatic touch that you just can’t beat. It complements the richness of the cheese and sauce perfectly.
  • Dried Oregano
    A quintessential pizza herb! Oregano adds an earthy, slightly peppery note that enhances the pizza-like flavors in the fries.
  • Dried Basil
    For a hint of sweetness and a fragrant aroma, dried basil brings that fresh, herbaceous kick, making your fries feel like a true pizza experience.
  • Salt
    A little salt goes a long way in bringing out the natural flavors of the fries and toppings. It balances all the savory ingredients.
  • Black Pepper
    Freshly ground black pepper gives the fries a mild heat and depth, elevating the overall flavor profile with just the right touch of spice.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
    This is the star of the show! Mozzarella gives that deliciously melty, gooey texture that stretches with each bite, providing the ultimate comfort food experience.
  • Marinara Sauce
    The tangy, rich marinara is what ties everything together, adding a burst of tomato flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and toppings.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese
    A sprinkle of parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mozzarella and gives your fries that true pizza flavor.
  • Sliced Pepperoni
    For a classic pizza topping, …
    Pepperoni adds a bit of spice and a crispy, savory crunch when baked on top of the fries. It’s the ultimate topping for any pizza lover!
  • Chopped Green Bell Pepper
    Fresh and slightly sweet, green bell pepper gives a crisp bite and a burst of color that brightens up the dish. It’s a great way to add freshness to the otherwise rich fries.
  • Sliced Black Olives
    Black olives bring a tangy, briny flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and adds another layer of taste to the dish.
  • Chopped Red Onion
    For a hint of sweetness and a mild bite, red onions round out the toppings with their bright flavor and color, making each bite even more delicious.

How to Make Pizza Fries

  • STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • STEP 2: Wash and peel the russet potatoes, then cut them into thin fries, about 1/4-inch thick.
  • STEP 3: Place the cut fries into a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
  • STEP 4: After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  • STEP 5: Transfer the dried fries to a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil.
  • STEP 6: Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper over the fries, then toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
  • STEP 7: Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • STEP 8: Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • STEP 9: While the fries are baking, prepare the toppings. Slice the pepperoni, chop the green bell pepper, slice the black olives, and chop the red onion.
  • STEP 10: Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven.
  • STEP 11: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the hot fries, ensuring the cheese covers all of them.
  • STEP 12: Top the cheese with the sliced pepperoni, chopped green bell pepper, sliced black olives, and chopped red onion.
  • STEP 13: Return the fries to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  • STEP 14: Remove the fries from the oven and drizzle the marinara sauce over the top of the cheesy, baked fries.
  • STEP 15: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the fries for added flavor.
  • STEP 16: Serve the pizza fries immediately while they’re hot, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Pizza Fries

1. A Side of Ranch or Garlic Sauce
You can never go wrong with a creamy dip on the side. A cool, tangy ranch pairs so well with the warm, cheesy fries, or if you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, garlic butter sauce is like a hug for your taste buds. Trust me, you’ll be dipping those fries into something the moment they hit the plate.

2. Pair With a Simple Salad
Balance out the richness of the pizza fries with a fresh, crunchy salad. A Caesar salad with crispy croutons or a light arugula salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette brings the perfect contrast to the cheesy goodness. It’s a little bit of freshness to offset the indulgence, and you’ll be thanking me later.

3. Serve as a Game Day Snack
Turn your pizza fries into the star of your game day spread! Serve them alongside wings, mozzarella sticks, or even sliders for a full-on snack attack. You know how it goes—everyone’s eyes will go straight for the fries, and before you know it, they’ll be gone in seconds.

How to Store Pizza Fries

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t always happen when pizza fries are on the table), storing them properly can keep that delicious flavor going for the next day. The key to preserving pizza fries is making sure they don’t get soggy, so here are a couple of tips to help you out.

First, let your pizza fries cool down a bit before storing them. If you throw them in the fridge while they’re still hot, the steam will create moisture, and you’ll lose that crispy crunch. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container or wrap them in foil for easy storage. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftover fries, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then spread the fries out on a baking sheet. Pop them in for about 10-15 minutes to crisp up the edges again, and voilà! They’ll taste almost like they’re fresh out of the oven.

If you find yourself with a large batch that you know won’t be eaten right away, you can freeze the fries before they’re topped with cheese and other toppings. Freeze the fries on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag once they’re solid. When you’re ready to eat, bake them from frozen, add your cheese and toppings, and cook as directed. It’s like having a freezer-friendly pizza fry treat whenever you need it!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it—your ultimate guide to creating pizza fries that will have everyone gathered around your kitchen in no time. With that golden crispiness, gooey cheese, and a splash of marinara, it’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re customizing with your favorite toppings or keeping it simple, these fries bring all the flavors of pizza right to your fingertips. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to big game days.

I hope you’re excited to give this recipe a try! And hey, if you do, I’d love to hear all about it. Let me know how it turns out, or if you have any tweaks or tips of your own. Have any questions or need help with the recipe? I’m here to chat! Enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness and feel free to reach out if you need anything. Happy cooking!

Pizza Fries

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins
Calories: 450

Description

Crispy golden fries topped with gooey melted cheese, savory marinara sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings! Each bite is a perfect fusion of comfort and flavor, delivering the ultimate snack that’s both familiar and crave-worthy.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt.
  3. Peel the potatoes with a vegetable peeler or leave the skins on, depending on your preference.
  4. Cut each potato into thin fries, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  5. Place the cut fries in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
  6. After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
  7. Toss the fries in a large bowl with olive oil, making sure they are evenly coated.
  8. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper over the fries, and toss again to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.
  9. Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
  10. Bake the fries in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy.
  11. While the fries are baking, prepare the toppings.
  12. Grate the mozzarella cheese and set it aside.
  13. Grate the parmesan cheese and set it aside.
  14. Slice the pepperoni into thin rounds and set them aside.
  15. Chop the green bell pepper, red onion, and black olives into small pieces and set them aside.
  16. Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven.
  17. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the hot fries, ensuring that all the fries are covered.
  18. Top the cheese-covered fries with the sliced pepperoni, chopped green bell pepper, black olives, and red onion.
  19. Return the loaded fries to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  20. Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top.
  21. Serve immediately with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Note

  • Soaking the fries in water helps remove excess starch, which leads to crispier fries.
  • For extra crispiness, try baking the fries on a wire rack placed on the baking sheet.
  • Feel free to add or substitute other toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or bell peppers.
  • If you prefer a spicy kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
  • For a healthier version, opt for sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes.
Keywords: pizza fries recipe, homemade pizza fries, cheesy pizza fries, pizza fries appetizer, easy pizza fries

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

While russet potatoes are ideal for making fries due to their starchy texture, you can use other types of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that these potatoes may have a different texture or flavor, but they can still work well for this recipe.

Do I have to soak the fries before baking them?

Soaking the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which results in crispier fries. While it’s not strictly necessary, skipping this step might yield slightly less crispy fries.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the fries in advance. After soaking, drying, and seasoning the fries, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few hours. Bake them as directed when ready to serve. However, it’s best to add the cheese and toppings right before baking the second time to ensure they don’t get soggy.

Can I use other toppings for my Pizza Fries?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Pizza Fries with different toppings such as cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. The possibilities are endless, so you can make it your own based on your preferences.

Can I make these Pizza Fries without cheese?

While the cheese is a key component in this recipe, you can make a version without it if desired. Consider adding extra toppings like fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze for flavor. However, the dish will lose some of the classic pizza flavor that cheese provides.

Maria Bennet

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Maria Bennet! A self-taught home cook and food lover with a passion for creating simple, delicious recipes that bring people together

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