Pizza Fries

Baked Pizza Fries are a delightful twist on traditional fries that combine the flavors of pizza with the crispy goodness of fries. This dish is perfect for game nights, parties, or any casual gathering where you want to impress your guests with a fun and cheesy treat. Loaded with marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and crispy pepperoni, these Pizza Fries are sure to be a hit!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Fries
• For the Toppings
• How to Make Pizza Fries
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Bake the Fries
• Step 3: Add Toppings
• Step 4: Melt the Cheese
• Step 5: Garnish and Serve
• How to Serve Pizza Fries
• With Extra Marinara Sauce
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• Pair with Garlic Bread
• Serve as a Snack Platter
• With a Side Salad
• As Part of a Movie Night Feast
• How to Perfect Pizza Fries
• Best Side Dishes for Pizza Fries
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pizza Fries
• Reheating Pizza Fries
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Pizza Fries?
• How can I customize my Pizza Fries?
• Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
• How do I keep my Pizza Fries from getting soggy?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Cheesy goodness: The combination of mozzarella and parmesan creates a rich and creamy texture that makes every bite irresistible.
• Versatile serving options: Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. They pair beautifully with various dipping sauces!
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or family meals; everyone loves pizza-inspired dishes.
• Easy customization: Add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to make it your own!

Tools and Preparation

To make your Pizza Fries effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups
• Grater (for cheese)
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking when baking your fries.
• Parchment paper: Keeps the baking surface clean and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Measuring cups: Helps you get accurate measurements for sauces and cheeses, ensuring consistent flavor.

Ingredients

For the Fries

• 2 pounds french fries, frozen (store-bought) or homemade

For the Toppings

• 1/2 cup marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 16 slices pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Pizza Fries

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375F. Prepare a large baking sheet (9×13-inch) by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Bake the Fries

• Place the frozen fries in a single layer on the lined baking sheet.
• Bake according to package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown, which usually takes about 20 minutes. (If you’re using freshly sliced potatoes, adjust cooking time to 35-40 minutes.)

Step 3: Add Toppings

• Remove the fries from the oven.
• Spread an even layer of marinara sauce over them.
• Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
• Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the fries.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake until the cheese has melted, which should take about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while warm. Feel free to add extra marinara sauce or your favorite pizza dipping sauces on the side!

How to Serve Pizza Fries

Pizza Fries are a delightful twist on classic fries, making them perfect for sharing at parties, game nights, or family gatherings. These cheesy, flavorful bites can be served in various ways to enhance their deliciousness.

With Extra Marinara Sauce

• Serve with a small bowl of marinara sauce on the side for dipping. This adds an extra layer of flavor and keeps the pizza theme alive.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano on top after baking. This gives the dish a refreshing herbal note that complements the cheese and pepperoni.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Accompany your Pizza Fries with some warm garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky goodness pairs wonderfully with the cheesy fries.

Serve as a Snack Platter

• Create a snack platter by adding other finger foods like mozzarella sticks or chicken wings. This makes for an exciting appetizer spread for gatherings.

With a Side Salad

• Offer a light side salad to balance the richness of the fries. A simple Caesar or garden salad can add freshness to your meal.

As Part of a Movie Night Feast

• Incorporate Pizza Fries into your movie night menu along with popcorn and candy. They make for a fun, casual dining experience while watching your favorite films.

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How to Perfect Pizza Fries

To ensure your Pizza Fries come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Crispy Fries: Start with crispy fries to create a satisfying texture contrast between the crunchy exterior and gooey toppings.

• Layer Cheese Generously: Don’t skimp on cheese! A generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan will give you that melty, delicious topping you crave.

• Add More Toppings: Experiment by adding other favorite pizza toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for added flavor and variety.

• Watch Baking Times Carefully: Keep an eye on them while baking to prevent overcooking. You want melted cheese without burnt edges.

• Garnish Right Before Serving: Add garnishes like parsley right before serving. This keeps them fresh and vibrant for presentation.

• Serve Immediately: Enjoy Pizza Fries hot out of the oven for the best taste and texture. They are most delicious when served fresh!

Best Side Dishes for Pizza Fries

Pizza Fries can stand alone as a meal but pair wonderfully with other dishes too. Here are some great side options to complement this cheesy delight.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness to balance out the richness of Pizza Fries.

2. Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery garlic knots are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce alongside your cheesy treats.

3. Buffalo Wings: Spicy buffalo wings offer a nice contrast to the mild flavors of Pizza Fries, creating a fun flavor explosion.

4. Mozzarella Sticks: Deep-fried mozzarella sticks are another cheesy option that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce.

5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, which helps cut through the richness of the fries.

6. Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings provide an extra crunch factor that complements the texture of Pizza Fries beautifully.

7. Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables can elevate your meal into an Italian feast.

8. Potato Wedges: For potato lovers, serve crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs as another starch option alongside your pizza fries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When creating your Pizza Fries, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the baking time: Ensure you follow the baking instructions carefully for crispy fries. Over or under-baking can lead to soggy results.

• Overloading with toppings: While it’s tempting to add more cheese and pepperoni, too many toppings can make the fries soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best texture.

• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven for consistent results.

• Ignoring the fries’ thickness: Different types of fries (thin vs. thick) may require different cooking times. Adjust as needed to ensure they cook through properly.

• Using cold marinara sauce: Cold sauce can cool down your fries too quickly. Warm it up slightly before spreading it on your fries for better melting cheese.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pizza Fries in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pizza Fries

• For longer storage, freeze Pizza Fries in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pizza Fries

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals (about 30 seconds) until warm, but note that this might make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil, then add the fries and cover until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Pizza Fries?

Pizza Fries are a delicious twist on traditional fries, topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and pepperoni. They make an excellent appetizer or snack!

How can I customize my Pizza Fries?

You can customize your Pizza Fries by adding different toppings like olives, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for some spice. Experiment with various cheeses too!

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh potatoes, slice them into fry shapes and adjust the baking time accordingly—about 35-40 minutes at 375°F should work well.

How do I keep my Pizza Fries from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, do not overload them with sauce or toppings and ensure they are baked long enough beforehand for optimal crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Fries are not only cheesy and delicious but also incredibly versatile! You can easily adapt them with various toppings or sauces based on your cravings. Give this recipe a try for an irresistible snack everyone will love!