It’s around this time of year when Shane and I really start looking forward to grilling for the first time. There were a few days last week that were probably warm enough to justify it, but we already had other (not grill friendly) meals planned. I’m holding out hope we’ll be out there at least once by the first week of April. In the meantime, I’ve been bookmarking tons of new recipes to try. As excited as I am about making those meals, the go-to grill option here has always been burgers, and I don’t imagine that’ll change anytime soon.
When I think burgers, I think fries. They’re like peanut butter and jelly – they belong together! In past years, we’ve rarely eaten french fries because we didn’t have a good recipe for baked fries, and frying just isn’t practical for a whole host of reasons. I was determined to change that this summer and began a quest for the perfect baked fries. There were more than a few failed attempts along the way including way too many soggy fries – ick! Finally, I came across this recipe from America’s Test Kitchen and hit the jackpot. These baked fries are just what I was looking for – golden and crisp on the outside and soft inside. The recipe’s easy too, with just one extra step you may not have seen in other recipes – soaking the wedges in hot water before baking them. We devoured these fries in record time and I can’t wait to enjoy them again with the first grilled burgers of the season 🙂
Oven Fries
from America’s Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook
3 russet potatoes, scrubbed
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon canola oil
kosher salt and black pepper
Preheat oven to 475 F with a rack in the lowest position.
To cut the potatoes into wedges: Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and then cut each of those halves in half lengthwise so you end up with each potato quartered. Slice each quarter into 2 or 3 wedges (lengthwise again), depending on how thick you want your fries.
Add all of the wedges to a large bowl and cover with hot water. Set aside for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, grab a large rimmed baking sheet and coat it with 1/4 cup of the canola oil. Tilt the pan to ensure the oil is spread in an even layer. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper over the oil evenly.
Drain the potatoes and spread them over a dishtowel or layer of paper towels. Dry them thoroughly. Dry the bowl the potatoes were soaking in, and then add the wedges back to the bowl. Toss them with the remaining teaspoon of canola oil. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet and spread them in a single layer. Cover the pan with foil.
Bake for 5 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms of the potatoes are golden brown. Remove the pan from the oven and flip each of the wedges over. Return to the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes longer, or until golden and crisp. Drain the fries on a paper towel-lined plate then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Yum! You have me craving fries for sure!
These fries were awesome! They’ll definitely be great with burgers (and hopefully soon)!
Oven fries are so tasty! Love this recipe.
This is certainly worth a try, although I have to laugh at Test Kitchen when they specify 1 tsp of oil.
Tracey, my boys would love these at every dinner! YUM!
Mm, these look great! Love ATK recipes!
These fries look incredibly tasty. Can’t wait to see those first of the grill season burgers 🙂
so simple, they look perfect
man…these look great. Bookmarked for sure.
fries look fabulous
We both features ATK recipes today! Great minds think alike 😉 Love oven fries, so much easier to make.
I want these now! America’s Test Kitchen recipes almost always are winners.
This is a terrific recipe and I’ve bookmarked it for future use. I’m relatively new to your blog and don’t often comment. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate the food and recipes you share with your readers. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Yum! I make these for hubby (no frying in my house) and he loves them. I usually mix together kosher salt, pepper and a little paprika and sprinkle that over the wedges. Best use for a potato yet!
Yum! I make these for hubby (no frying in my house) and he loves them. I usually mix together kosher salt, pepper and a little paprika and sprinkle that over the wedges. Best use for a potato yet!
Yum! I make these for hubby (no frying in my house) and he loves them. I usually mix together kosher salt, pepper and a little paprika and sprinkle that over the wedges. Best use for a potato yet!
Yum! I make these for hubby (no frying in my house) and he loves them. I usually mix together kosher salt, pepper and a little paprika and sprinkle that over the wedges. Best use for a potato yet!
Yum! I make these for hubby (no frying in my house) and he loves them. I usually mix together kosher salt, pepper and a little paprika and sprinkle that over the wedges. Best use for a potato yet!
Aren’t oven fries just the best?!
These fries look so great! I agree… You can’t have burgers without fries. You have me wanting to break out the grill and make some burgers this week, but there’s actually a chance of snow.
Who doesnt love great oven fries? These look awesome.
I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve made these. They’re fabulous. In addition to the usual salt and pepper, I’ve also sprinkled cajun seasoning on the pan before adding the potatoes. Great with ranch dressing. =)
I looove these oven fries! I made these several weeks ago and they were amazing! 🙂 Gorgeous pics. I didn’t take any because I was too hungry to wait 🙂
I’ve made these fries several times, and they are so so delicious – one of our favorite sides, and you are right – perfect with burgers!
Looks delicious. I’d love it with cajun seasoning too!
Thanks for sharing Tracey. Thanks for testing out recipes to share the winners with us. The fries look great and are begging to be served with a juicy grilled burger! Hopefully one is in your near future. 😉
Someone else posted a French Fry recipe. Now I’m totally craving them. These look incredibly simple. I love that!
Beautiful photos, Tracey! The fries look delicious.
Awesome. I don’t deep fry but I love fries and potatoes in any form.
Omigosh. This makes me want fries.
I just wanted to let you know when i first saw this recipe i printed it out and left it on my kitchen counter. I made them last night and they were definitely a hit in my house! It has been officially moved to the recipe box. =) Thanks for sharing!
These look exactly like the fries I blogged about a few months ago, ha! Looks like I’m not the only one to have found the best fries on Earth. 😉
Thank you for this recipe. I’m currently battling gestational diabetes and I miss my potatoes. My brother made this recipe with worchestershire burgers. It was just the right amount for the three of us in our household and the fries came to 25.5 g carbs (roughly) I am allowed 45 g for dinner. I could still have a glass of milk and a small piece of chocolate! Thanks again.
This is a really good fries recipe. The fries looks delicious! Simple and easy to do. Perfect for a Illinois Basset student like me. Thanks again for a really wonderful recipe!
I just made some of these for the first time. Words can’t begin to describe how delicious these are. I’m still weak in the knees.
Thanks for sharing this recipe (even if it WAS a couple of years ago! lol). My kids & husband LOVED them and probably would have been happy if that’s all we had for dinner last night! I thought they were fantastic as well. We will be making these again FOR SURE!