Craving fries? These Baked garlic parmesan fries will make you rethink “just fries.” We’re talking crispy russet potatoes, olive oil, fresh garlic, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of thyme. Trust me—these are next-level.

You know that moment when you’re out somewhere, maybe a cozy little bistro, and you take one bite of something that just… hits? That was me with garlic parmesan fries. I remember looking at my plate like, “Where have you been all my life?” That warm, garlicky smell, the crispy golden edges, and the Parmesan melting just so… I went home that night determined to crack the code. And, well, after a few (okay, maybe a lot) of attempts and burns along the way, I finally nailed it.

Now, it’s like a mini-event whenever we make these at home. My kids even do this little countdown chant when they’re in the oven! There’s something about elevating a simple side dish that feels special, almost like treating yourself without doing anything too fancy. So, yeah, these “fancy fries” have become our comfort food tradition, one delicious bite at a time.

What makes this Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe truly special?

Let’s be honest: fries are everyone’s weakness. But these Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries? They’re a different breed. First off, they’re baked, not fried, so you’re getting the crispiness without needing to deep-dive into a vat of oil. (Plus, let’s pretend that makes them a little healthier, right?) The garlic and Parmesan give them this whole upscale vibe—kind of like ordering fries at a fancy restaurant but without that “are we really paying $15 for potatoes?” moment. And the herbs! A little thyme, fresh parsley—suddenly, you’re no longer eating “fries.” They’re a snack, a side, maybe even a starter if you feel like going fancy. And they’re the type of thing you can pair with pretty much anything, though, fair warning, you might just devour them before they even hit the table.

What You Need To Make This Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe?

Honestly, you could probably make this recipe with a few simple swaps, but each ingredient here brings its own vibe. Here’s what makes these fries tick:

Russet Potatoes: Trust me, these are the potato MVPs here. That thick skin, the hearty texture—they hold up in the oven, so you get fries that are soft on the inside with that perfect golden edge.
Olive Oil: I know some might argue for vegetable oil here, but olive oil just gives a little extra flavor, and it’s better for you. Plus, it coats the fries like a dream.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic—not powder, not jarred, we’re going full flavor here. Adds a punchy edge to each fry that garlic powder just can’t pull off.
Ground Thyme: Seems small, but thyme adds this warm, earthy note that ties everything together. It’s not overpowering, just enough to make you go, “hmm, what is that?”
Seasoned Salt: A little bit of seasoned salt goes a long way. Adds that savory edge and really complements the Parmesan.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan is what makes these fries sing. The key is to grate it finely so it coats everything—don’t skimp here, the cheese factor is real.
Fresh Parsley: Finishing off with parsley not only makes the fries pop with color but gives a fresh, slightly peppery taste that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

Steps To Make Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries

This recipe isn’t complicated, but if you follow these steps, you’re almost guaranteed to get restaurant-worthy fries at home. Let’s go step-by-step:

Preheat the Oven
Get that oven nice and hot, 425°F (220°C). High heat is what gives us that perfect crunch without needing a fryer. Think of it as roasting, but for fries.

Prep the Potatoes
Grab your russet potatoes and cut them into thin strips, about ¼-inch thick. And here’s a tip: leave the skin on. It adds texture, plus let’s be honest, who’s got time for peeling?

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Season the Fries
Toss those potato strips in a big bowl with olive oil, garlic, thyme, and half of the seasoned salt. Stir it up so every piece gets coated—no dry fries here. This is where the flavor journey begins, friends.

First Bake
Spread the potatoes out on a nonstick baking sheet. Don’t crowd them; each fry needs its space, or you’ll end up with soggy fries. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Yes, you’ll have to open the oven, but it’s worth it to get both sides golden.

Add the Cheese and Parsley
Now, here’s where the magic happens. Pull the fries out and toss them back in the bowl with half the Parmesan and parsley. Toss ‘em so the cheese melts into the fries a bit—it’s like a mid-bake flavor boost.

Final Bake
Back onto the sheet they go for another 10 minutes. This is when the Parmesan gets that crispy, golden touch, and the fries hit that ideal crisp-to-soft ratio.

Serve with Extra Cheese and Salt
Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan and the rest of the seasoned salt. Serve immediately while they’re hot and cheesy—any wait time just means they get less crispy, and no one wants that.

Storage Options:

Honestly, these fries are best fresh out of the oven, but if you’ve got leftovers (which, wow, self-control!), let them cool first, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes. Microwaving is tempting, but you’ll lose that crispy magic, so go with the oven if you can.

Variations and Substitutions:

This recipe’s pretty adaptable, so feel free to make it your own:

Spicy Twist: Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne with the garlic if you like a bit of heat. It’s like adding some fire to the already-flavorful garlic.
Cheesy Overload: Mix in some shredded cheddar with the Parmesan for extra gooey goodness. Perfect for serious cheese fans!
Herb Switch-Up: Swap thyme with rosemary or basil. Rosemary’s great if you want that woodsy vibe, while basil gives a fresh, sweet hint.
Vegan Version: Skip the Parmesan and toss on some nutritional yeast after baking for that cheesy flavor without the dairy. It actually works surprisingly well!
Garlic Lovers: If you’re a serious garlic fan, roast a few garlic cloves separately and toss them in along with the minced garlic. Adds a softer, richer garlic flavor.

There you have it! These Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries aren’t just another side—they’re an experience, one that just might steal the show at your table.

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<Remember it later>

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!