Have you ever found yourself in the mood for french fries AND pizza at the same time? Well, with this insanely delicious pizza fries recipe, you can satisfy both of those cravings at once! It's the ultimate flavor mashup that combines the crispy, salty goodness of fries with all the classic, cheesy elements of everyone's favorite handheld meal.
I still vividly remember the first time I tried pizza fries. It was a total game-changer that opened my eyes to a whole new level of indulgent snacking. Each bite packed an explosion of textures and tastes – the crisp outer crunch from the fried potato giving way to a fluffy interior blanketed in melty mozzarella cheese, zesty marinara sauce, aromatic Italian herbs and a finishing shower of savory parmesan. It was love at first bite!
Pizza and french fries are both quintessential comfort foods that people go crazy for. But combining them into one outrageously decadent appetizer or snack? That's the kind of brilliant idea that makes you wonder why you didn't think of it sooner. It just makes so much sense! This unique handheld mashup is insanely crave-worthy and crowd-pleasing.
Not only are pizza fries insanely tasty, they are also super simple to make at home with just a few basic ingredients. You likely already have most of them sitting in your kitchen! There's no frying required either. These pizza fries bake up quickly in the oven for an easy, mess-free appetizer or indulgent snack for movie nights, game days or anytime you need a serious dose of cheesy carbs.
Let's dive into how to make this flavor-loaded recipe at home!
Pizza Fries Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1⁄2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Cut each potato into 1⁄4-inch thick fry-shaped sticks or wedges. The thinner you slice the fries, the crispier they will get in the oven. Add the cut fries to a large mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle the fries with the olive oil and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning blend, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated in the oil and seasonings.
4. Spread the seasoned fries out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. After 20 minutes, remove the fries from the oven – they should be lightly browned around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the hot fries.
6. Return the cheesy fries to the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes more until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
7. Remove the pizza fries from the oven again and let them cool for just a couple of minutes. Use this time to transfer the cheesy fries to a serving platter if desired or just serve them right on the baking sheet.
8. Drizzle or spoon the pizza sauce over the top of the cheesy fries. Use as much or as little sauce as you'd like to suit your tastes.
9. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top of the saucy, cheesy fries.
10. Serve the pizza fries while still warm, with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy this mega cheesy, crispy, saucy snack!
These baked pizza fries are insanely delicious, messy in the best way, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. From that first bite of crispy fry coated in melty cheese and tangy tomato sauce, you'll be hooked! The aroma alone of garlic, herbs and tomato sauce is utterly mouth-watering.
You can easily double or triple this recipe if you're serving a larger crowd. The baked pizza fries can also be kept warm at 200°F for up to an hour before serving. Just don't add the toppings of cheese, sauce and herbs until closer to serving time to avoid the fries from getting soggy.
For a vegetarian-friendly version, simply use your favorite meatless marinara or tomato sauce on the fries. You can also load these fries up with your favorite pizza toppings! Sliced pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage or ground beef, sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, jalapeños and more can all be tasty additions. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick of heat too.
No matter how you top them, I guarantee these cheesy baked pizza fries will disappear at record speed! They make the ultimate indulgent snack for pizza and french fry lovers alike. You may want to double or even triple the recipe to ensure you have enough for everyone.
So grab a handful of napkins, pour yourself a cold drink, and get ready to dig into the ultimate messy appetizer mashup. Movie nights, game days, parties or any gathering will be automatically elevated with a tray of these insanely tasty pizza fries. Simple crowd-pleasing snacks don't get much better than this!
Have you ever tried pizza fries before? What are some of your favorite toppings or dipping sauces to load them up with? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Whether you're making this recipe for the first time or the hundredth time, these pizza fries are guaranteed to be a huge hit. They merge the satisfying, nostalgic flavors and textures of two beloved comfort foods into one portable, hand-held bite of deliciousness. Get ready for an explosion of crispy, cheesy, saucy euphoria in every single bite!
What are you waiting for?
Grab some potatoes, cheese and marinara, and let's get baking up a batch (or three) or these outrageous, indulgent pizza fries!