Crispy Zesty Herb Fries
These Crispy Zesty Herb Fries are the perfect guilt-free snack or side dish that's bursting with flavor! Easy to prepare and baked to crispy perfection, they offer a unique blend of savory herbs and rich parmesan cheese without the excess fat. Serve them with a side of low-fat ranch or blue cheese dressing for a delightful treat at parties or casual gatherings. Whether as a delicious appetizer or a satisfying midday munch, these fries are sure to impress everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Dried Basil
2 teaspoons (none)
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Red Potatoes
4 medium (cut into sticks)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well to form a flavorful coating.
3
Wash and scrub the red potatoes, then cut them into fry-shaped sticks.
4
Add the potato sticks into the bowl with the cheese mixture, tossing until well-coated with the herb and cheese blend.
5
Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray or a non-stick spray.
6
Spread the coated potato sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
7
Spray the tops of the potato fries lightly with cooking spray for added crispiness.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Afterward, carefully turn the fries over and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Zesty Herb Fries?
Crispy Zesty Herb Fries are a healthy, oven-baked alternative to traditional fries, seasoned with a blend of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 medium red potatoes, which hold their shape well and provide a great texture when baked.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the fries become golden and crispy.
How long do these herb fries need to bake?
The total baking time is 30 minutes. You bake them for 15 minutes, flip them over, and then bake for another 15 minutes.
Are these fries low in fat?
Yes, these are considered a low-fat snack because they are baked rather than deep-fried and use only one tablespoon of olive oil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses parmesan cheese and plant-based seasonings.
Do I need to peel the red potatoes?
No, the instructions suggest washing and scrubbing the potatoes, then cutting them into sticks with the skin on for added texture.
What herbs are used in the seasoning?
The zesty herb blend consists of dried basil and dried oregano.
How do I ensure the fries come out crispy?
To maximize crispiness, spread the potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding the pan and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray before baking.
What dipping sauces pair well with zesty fries?
Low-fat ranch or blue cheese dressing are excellent choices to complement the savory parmesan and herb flavors.
How much olive oil is required?
Only 1 tablespoon of olive oil is needed to help the herb and cheese mixture adhere to the potato sticks.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to provide a consistent savory flavor throughout the coating.
How much parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is it necessary to flip the fries during baking?
Yes, flipping the fries halfway through the 30-minute baking period ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
What is the first step in preparing the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it is ready for the fries.
How do I prepare the herb coating?
In a mixing bowl, combine the grated parmesan, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder before adding the potatoes.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
Yes, you should lightly coat the baking sheet with cooking spray or a non-stick spray to prevent the fries from sticking.
Can I serve these at a party?
Absolutely! They are described as a delightful treat for parties, casual gatherings, or as a delicious appetizer.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients: red potatoes, parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder.
What size should the potato sticks be?
The potatoes should be cut into standard fry-shaped sticks to ensure even cooking.
What makes these fries 'zesty'?
The combination of garlic powder, dried oregano, and savory parmesan cheese creates the signature zesty flavor profile.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and involves simple steps like mixing, tossing, and baking.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While the recipe specifies red potatoes, you could use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, though the texture and cooking time may vary slightly.
How do I apply the seasoning to the potatoes?
Add the potato sticks directly into the bowl containing the cheese and herb mixture and toss them until they are well-coated.
Is there salt in this recipe?
The recipe does not list added salt, as the parmesan cheese naturally provides a salty flavor.
What should I do if my fries aren't crispy enough?
Ensure the oven is fully preheated and that you have sprayed the tops of the fries with cooking spray before baking.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried basil, which adheres better to the oil and cheese coating; if using fresh, you would need to adjust the quantity and moisture.
What category does this dish fall into?
This dish is categorized as both a snack and an appetizer.
Are these fries gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (potatoes, cheese, oil, and herbs), the recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your spice labels.
Can I prepare these in advance?
While best served fresh and hot, you can prep the potato sticks and coating mixture ahead of time, then toss and bake when ready.