Zesty Pizza Fries Delight
Combining the crispy crunch of homemade fries with the savory essence of pizza, these Zesty Pizza Fries Delight are sure to become a family favorite! Crafted for the ultimate indulgence, this dish is perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun dinner with loved ones. Topped with aromatic spices and a sprinkle of parmesan, every bite echoes the flavors of your favorite pizza, while the oven-baking technique ensures they’re not just delicious but also a healthier option. Serve them up with a side of marinara for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time!
5
Servings
160
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
2 1/2 lbs (washed, peeled, and sliced into thin fry shapes)
tomato paste
1/4 cup (none)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (none)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (none)
fennel seeds
2 teaspoons (ground into a powder)
mild paprika
2 teaspoons (none)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (none)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then lightly coat it with vegetable oil.
3
Using a spice mill or mortar and pestle, grind fennel seeds, dried oregano, and dried basil into a fine powder for maximum flavor.
4
Wash, peel, and slice the potatoes into evenly cut, thin fry shapes to ensure even cooking.
5
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground spices, tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and vegetable oil, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
6
Transfer the potato slices to a large ziplock bag, add the seasoning paste, and seal the bag. Shake and massage the potatoes in the bag until they are thoroughly coated with the seasoning mixture.
7
Arrange the seasoned potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove and carefully flip the fries using a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the fries at this stage.
9
Return the fries to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisped to your liking. Keep an eye on them as oven times may vary based on the thickness of the fries.
10
Once finished, remove from the oven and serve immediately, accompanied by marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
24g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Pizza Fries Delight?
Zesty Pizza Fries Delight are oven-baked potato fries seasoned with a blend of tomato paste and traditional pizza spices like oregano, basil, and fennel to mimic the flavors of a pizza.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 5 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these fries?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
How long do the fries need to bake in total?
The total baking time is between 35 and 45 minutes, consisting of an initial 25-minute bake followed by another 10 to 20 minutes after flipping.
What ingredients are used in the pizza-flavored seasoning?
The seasoning includes tomato paste, vegetable oil, dried oregano, ground fennel seeds, mild paprika, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and a small amount of sugar.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses only plant-based seasonings and potatoes, with optional parmesan cheese.
How should I prepare the potatoes?
The potatoes should be washed, peeled, and sliced into evenly cut, thin fry shapes to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Why should I grind the dried herbs?
Grinding the fennel seeds, oregano, and basil into a fine powder using a spice mill or mortar and pestle helps achieve maximum flavor distribution.
What is the best way to coat the fries with the seasoning paste?
Place the potato slices in a large ziplock bag with the seasoning paste, then seal it and massage the bag until every fry is thoroughly coated.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for vegetable oil, both for the seasoning paste and for coating the baking sheet.
How can I ensure the fries get crispy?
Arrange the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet so they are not crowded, and bake them until they are golden brown.
When should the parmesan cheese be added?
The parmesan cheese should be sprinkled over the fries after the first 25 minutes of baking, right when you flip them.
What is the recommended dipping sauce for these fries?
Marinara sauce is the ideal accompaniment to complement the pizza flavors of the fries.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
What is the nutritional breakdown for fat and protein?
Each serving provides 6g of fat and 3g of protein.
Are there many carbohydrates in this dish?
There are 24g of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is sugar included in the seasoning?
A half teaspoon of sugar is added to the seasoning paste to help balance the acidity of the tomato paste.
How much tomato paste is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of tomato paste.
Is the garlic flavor strong in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, which provides a savory foundation without being overwhelming.
How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the tray?
Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with vegetable oil before placing the fries on it.
What kind of paprika should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 teaspoons of mild paprika.
How much fiber do these fries contain?
Each serving contains 2g of fiber.
What occasions are these fries best for?
They are perfect for parties, game nights, or as a fun side dish for a family dinner.
Can I skip peeling the potatoes?
While the recipe suggests peeling them, you could leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic texture, though it may slightly change the seasoning adherence.
What makes these fries 'zesty'?
The combination of aromatic herbs like fennel and oregano, paired with the tang of tomato paste, creates a zesty pizza-inspired flavor profile.
Should the fries be served hot?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the fries immediately after they come out of the oven.
How many potatoes do I need?
You will need approximately 2 1/2 lbs of potatoes.
Is the fennel seed necessary?
Fennel seed is a key ingredient for achieving that specific 'pizza' or Italian sausage-style flavor.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Potato dishes.
How do I know when the fries are finished cooking?
They are done when they are golden brown and reach your desired level of crispness, usually after 35-45 minutes of total baking.