Garlic Fries Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a batch of golden, crisp fries—but when you infuse them with the punchy flavor of fresh garlic and the brightness of parsley, they become absolutely irresistible. These Garlic Fries are wildly simple yet taste gourmet, making them a total game-changer for anyone craving snack food with real character. With minimal prep and a lightning-fast cook time, they’re perfect for transforming an ordinary weeknight meal into something special, or for satisfying sudden fry cravings—no deep fryer, no fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy: There’s almost no prep, and you don’t even have to peel a single potato. Just grab a bag of frozen fries, dress them up, and pop them in the oven.
• Big Flavor in No Time: The combination of freshly minced garlic and parsley delivers robust flavor that you just can’t get from plain fries. Every bite is savory, aromatic, and satisfying.
• Healthier Oven-Baked Delight: No need to break out the fryer—these are crispy and golden, with a fraction of the oil.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a busy weeknight, game night, or family gathering, these fries fly off the plate and make everyone happy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Frozen French Fries: The shortcut hero here. Choose any style you love—crinkle cut, shoestring, or steak fries. Using frozen fries means you save a ton of time without sacrificing crunch.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps create evenly crisped fries in the oven and acts as the carrier for all that garlicky goodness. I recommend dividing the oil for roasting and for mixing with garlic later.
• Fresh Garlic: The absolute star ingredient! Freshly minced garlic brings a bold, aromatic kick that’s simply unmatched by powders or jarred options.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a burst of color and a fresh, slightly grassy note—a perfect foil to the rich garlicky oil. Finely mince to disperse those herbaceous flavors evenly.
• Salt and Pepper: Elevates every bite and balances the other flavors. Use flaky sea salt for a textural boost if you have it.

Variations

• Cheesy Garlic Fries: After tossing with the garlic oil, shower your fries with freshly grated parmesan or pecorino for an indulgent twist.
• Spicy Garlic Fries: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the garlic oil if you’re after a gentle kick.
• Herb Swap: Try chopped cilantro or chives instead of parsley for a different herbal finish.
• Vegan Option: These fries are naturally vegan—just double-check your frozen fries’ ingredients.

How to Make Garlic Fries

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line your baking sheets with cooking spray—this helps avoid sticking and aids the crisping process.

Step 2: Toss Fries in Oil

In a large bowl, dump in your frozen fries. Drizzle half of the oil over them and toss well, making sure every fry gets a light, even coat. This step is key for getting that craveable, crispy texture.

Step 3: Bake the Fries

Spread the fries evenly across two baking sheets so they can crisp up properly (no crowding!). Bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway for even browning.

Step 4: Crisp Them Up

After 10 minutes, crank the oven up to 500°F (260°C) and let the fries roast another 7–10 minutes until you see deep golden edges and hear that signature sizzle.

Step 5: Make Garlic-Parsley Oil

While your fries bake, stir together the remaining oil, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. This becomes the aromatic finishing touch.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

As soon as the fries are out of the oven—while they’re still piping hot—transfer them into the bowl with your garlic-parsley oil. Toss everything together so each fry gets slicked with garlicky flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Fries

• Don’t Skimp on the Garlic: Fresh garlic is what makes these fries sing. Mince it finely so it distributes evenly and gently infuses the oil.
• Hot Fries = Better Coating: Toss the fries with the garlic oil immediately after baking, so the flavors cling perfectly.
• Space the Fries: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets, or you’ll end up steaming the fries instead of crisping them.
• Salt at the End: Always season after baking and tossing with oil for maximum flavor—and so you don’t draw out too much moisture early on.

How to Serve

Garlic Fries are incredibly versatile and can elevate just about any meal. Try them as a:

• Show-Stopping Snack: Offer with spicy ketchup, chipotle mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
• Side for Burgers and Sandwiches: These fries are the ultimate companion for classic cheeseburgers, veggie burgers, or grilled sandwiches.
• Tapas Style: Pile them up and serve with lemon wedges, a little aioli, or even a dusting of extra parmesan for a pub-style treat.
• Game Night Staple: Put out a big platter—watch them disappear in seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining fries in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best within 2 days, though the texture is at its peak fresh from the oven.

Freezing

Not recommended after baking—garlic fries lose their crispness and become soggy once frozen and thawed. However, you can freeze the garlic-parsley oil separately for easy use next time.

Reheating

For best results, re-crisp the fries in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 10 minutes. Skip the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.

FAQs

Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Simply cut potatoes into your desired shape, toss with oil, and follow the same baking directions. Keep in mind homemade fries may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

What’s the best way to mince garlic for this recipe?
A sharp knife or a garlic press will do the trick—just aim for very fine pieces. The smaller the mince, the more evenly the garlic flavor will distribute through the fries.

How can I make these fries gluten-free?
Most frozen fries are gluten-free, but it’s always smart to double-check packaging. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Can I prepare the garlic oil in advance?
You can! Make the garlic-parsley oil a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and add it to your fresh, hot fries straight out of the oven. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Fries are proof that the best things in life are often the simplest—especially when you’re short on time but still want that ‘wow’ factor at the table. Bursting with garlicky aroma, layered with fresh herbs, and crisped to absolute perfection, these fries are an easy win any night of the week. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

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