1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Wash and Cut Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut them into even-sized sticks, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Potatoes:
- Mix Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Toss Potatoes: Add the potato sticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
3. Roast the Fries:
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potato sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow them to crisp up properly.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. They should be golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish: Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing.
Tips and Variations:
- Cutting the Potatoes: For a uniform cook, try to cut the potato sticks to the same thickness. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this.
- Soaking Potatoes: For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before seasoning and roasting. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, chili powder, or smoked paprika to customize the flavor of your fries.
- Cheesy Fries: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the fries during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Conclusion:
These Roasted French Fries are a perfect balance of crispy and tender, making them an irresistible side dish or snack. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they are sure to become a staple in your home. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauces for a treat everyone will love!
