Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Steak fries are the ultimate comfort food, offering a satisfying balance of crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior. They are easy to prepare, and with just a few ingredients, you can make a perfect batch every time. The thickness of the cut allows the fries to retain their potato flavor while being hearty enough to hold up to dipping sauces or to serve alongside your favorite main dish. Plus, they are baked in the oven, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries.
Ingredients
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4 large russet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into thick wedges
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
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Wash and peel (if desired) the potatoes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 wedges, depending on the size of the potato. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
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In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the wedges aren’t overlapping to ensure they cook evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up on both sides. Bake until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
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Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 30-35 minutes
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Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Steak Fries: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
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Herb-Infused Fries: Toss the fries with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before baking for added aroma and flavor.
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Cheesy Fries: After baking, top with shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
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Sweet Potato Steak Fries: Use sweet potatoes in place of russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, but still hearty alternative.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover steak fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat steak fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they regain their crispiness. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat.
FAQs
Can I make steak fries without oil?
While oil helps create a crispy texture, you can make steak fries without it by using a light spray of cooking spray or simply baking them without oil for a softer texture.
Are steak fries healthier than regular fries?
Yes, steak fries are baked, not deep-fried, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fries. You can control the amount of oil used, which helps reduce the overall calorie content.
Can I freeze steak fries?
Yes, you can freeze raw steak fries before baking. Lay the fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for about 40-45 minutes.
Can I make steak fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the fries in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to coat them in oil and seasoning before storing.
What potatoes work best for steak fries?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they are starchy and yield crispy fries with a fluffy interior. Yukon gold potatoes can also work for a creamier texture.
Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Yes, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fries for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
How do I prevent the fries from being soggy?
Make sure to cut the fries into even-sized pieces, toss them in oil and seasoning, and bake them in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
Can I add other seasonings to the fries?
Definitely! You can experiment with other seasonings such as Italian seasoning, chili powder, or even a little lemon zest for extra flavor.
How thick should I cut the potato wedges?
Aim for about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick wedges to ensure they cook through evenly while achieving that crispy exterior.
Can I use pre-cut frozen steak fries?
Yes, you can use store-bought frozen steak fries if you prefer, but homemade fries will always offer more flavor and control over the seasoning.
Conclusion
Steak fries are a delicious and satisfying side dish that adds a hearty touch to any meal. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they offer the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy steak, burgers, or as an appetizer, these homemade fries are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable to suit your taste. Give these steak fries a try, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought versions again.
PrintSteak Fries
Steak fries are thick-cut potato wedges that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, baked to perfection with a simple seasoning blend. They make a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried fries, perfect as a side dish or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 large russet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into thick wedges
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Wash and peel (if desired) the potatoes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3-4 wedges, aiming for uniform thickness.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking, then pat them dry.
- For spicy fries, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- For a cheesy twist, top the fries with shredded cheddar or mozzarella after baking, and return to the oven for a few minutes to melt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg