Crispy Ranch-Infused Oven-Baked Fries
Enjoy these Crispy Ranch-Infused Oven-Baked Fries, a guilt-free twist on traditional fries that are full of flavor without the excess fat. Made with fresh russet potatoes and infused with ranch seasoning, these baked fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect side dish or snack. Easy to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes, these fries are a hit for family dinners, parties, or as a healthier alternative to fast food. Share this recipe with friends and family for a delicious yet light treat!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Russet baking potatoes
3-4 (Scrubbed and cut into thin strips)
Cooking spray
As needed (For coating the potatoes)
Ranch dressing mix
1 ounce (Divided into two portions for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
Thoroughly scrub the russet potatoes under running water to clean, then dry them.
3
Using a sharp knife or a french fry cutter, slice the potatoes into thin strips, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
4
Transfer the potato strips into a large zip-lock bag and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Seal the bag and toss to ensure that all pieces are evenly coated.
5
Open the bag and add half of the ranch dressing mix. Reseal, then shake the bag again to coat the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining ranch mix.
6
Line a large cookie sheet with non-stick foil or spray it with more cooking spray. Spread the seasoned potato strips in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded for optimal crispiness.
7
Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through. Check them at the 20-minute mark to ensure they are not overcooking; adjust your bake time as necessary.
8
Once golden brown and crispy, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your healthier ranch-infused fries!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Ranch-Infused Oven-Baked Fries?
These are a guilt-free twist on traditional fries, made with fresh russet potatoes and ranch seasoning, baked until crispy on the outside and tender inside.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet baking potatoes are recommended for their ability to become crispy in the oven.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (230°C).
How many ingredients do I need?
You only need three ingredients: Russet baking potatoes, cooking spray, and ranch dressing mix.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is labeled as vegetarian-friendly.
How long does it take to cook the fries?
The fries typically bake for 25-30 minutes, though you should check them starting at the 20-minute mark.
How do I prepare the potatoes before cutting?
You should thoroughly scrub the potatoes under running water and dry them completely.
How should I cut the potatoes for even cooking?
Slice them into thin strips using a sharp knife or a french fry cutter to ensure they are evenly sized.
How do I coat the fries with seasoning?
Place the potato strips in a large zip-lock bag, spray with cooking spray, add half the ranch mix, shake, and then repeat with the remaining mix.
Should I use oil or cooking spray?
This recipe uses cooking spray to keep the fat content lower while still helping the seasoning stick.
How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the pan?
Line your cookie sheet with non-stick foil or spray it thoroughly with cooking spray.
Is it necessary to turn the fries while baking?
Yes, you should turn the fries halfway through the baking time to ensure even crisping.
What is the secret to making the fries crispy?
Ensure the potato strips are spread in a single layer and are not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Can I use this recipe as an appetizer?
Yes, it is tagged as both a snack and an appetizer.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
The recipe is ready in about 30 minutes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is considered a healthier alternative to fast food because it is oven-baked and uses less fat.
What should the fries look like when they are done?
They should be golden brown and crispy.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
The instructions suggest scrubbing the skin, but you do not need to peel them unless preferred.
Can I use a different type of seasoning?
While this specific recipe uses ranch mix, the technique can be adapted for other dry seasonings.
How much ranch dressing mix is required?
One ounce of ranch dressing mix is used for the entire recipe.
Why should I dry the potatoes after washing?
Drying the potatoes helps the cooking spray and seasoning adhere better and prevents them from steaming.
Can I make these for a party?
Absolutely, they are described as a hit for family dinners and parties.
Is the ranch dressing mix applied all at once?
No, it is divided into two portions and added in stages for better coverage.
Can I use a cookie sheet for this?
Yes, a large cookie sheet is the recommended vessel for baking these fries.
Should I let the fries cool before eating?
Yes, letting them cool slightly helps them firm up and become safer to eat.
What is the primary category for this dish?
The category for this recipe is Potato.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as low fat.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include healthy, low fat, fries, ranch, oven-baked, potatoes, snack, appetizer, and vegetarian.
Is a zip-lock bag required?
While a zip-lock bag makes even coating easy and mess-free, you could also toss them in a large bowl.