If you have been searching for a fun and irresistible snack that combines the crispy goodness of fries with the cheesy, savory flavor of pizza, look no further than this incredible Baked Pizza Fries Recipe. It’s everything you love about pizza transformed onto a bed of golden fries, layered with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni slices. This dish not only makes the perfect party appetizer or game-day treat but also a delightful, comforting indulgence that’s super simple to whip up. Trust me, once you try these fries, they will quickly become your go-to snack or side that everyone will be asking for again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Pizza Fries Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a key role: the fries provide a crispy, satisfying base, the marinara introduces a zesty tomato kick, cheeses bring that irresistible gooey texture and rich flavor, and the pepperoni offers a perfectly spiced topping. Together, they create a harmonious dish bursting with color, texture, and taste.
- 2 pounds frozen french fries: Using frozen fries ensures crispiness and saves precious prep time.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: A tangy, flavorful tomato sauce that’s the heart of the pizza flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give you that classic stretch and cheesiness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty complexity that complements the mozzarella.
- 16 slices pepperoni: Brings a nice spiced and savory element with a little bit of crispiness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Offers a burst of freshness and a pop of green color to finish it off.
How to Make Baked Pizza Fries Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature is ideal for getting the fries nice and crispy without burning them. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and to ensure fries don’t stick during baking.
Step 2: Bake the Fries
Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so each fry can cook evenly and get perfectly crispy. Bake them for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy. This gives a sturdy base for all the delicious toppings to come.
Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce
Carefully remove the fries from the oven and spread the marinara sauce evenly over the top. Don’t skimp here—this sauce is what brings the classic pizza flavor and a juicy kick that ties everything together.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Cheese
Next, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Mozzarella melts into that irresistible gooey texture while Parmesan adds flavor depth that’s simply unbeatable.
Step 5: Layer on the Pepperoni
Place the pepperoni slices evenly across the cheesy fries. As they bake, these will crisp slightly around the edges, adding a deliciously savory crunch that’s essential for an authentic pizza experience.
Step 6: Final Bake and Garnish
Return the loaded fries to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When you take them out, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish and a vibrant color contrast that makes the dish pop beautifully.
How to Serve Baked Pizza Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley not only enhances the look but introduces a delicate freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. You can also consider topping with a pinch of chili flakes if you love a little heat or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil for extra aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw will round out the meal perfectly by cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Baked Pizza Fries Recipe in a large, rustic wooden bowl for a cozy feel or portion them out in individual mini skillets or ramekins for a charming party presentation. Offering different dipping sauces like ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup also gives guests delicious options to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The fries may lose a bit of their initial crispness but warming them properly can restore much of the texture and flavor.
Freezing
For freezing, arrange the baked fries on a lined tray and flash freeze them until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to reheat portions individually as needed. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat the fries in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisped to your liking. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that crispy texture; the oven does the job much better here.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Freshly cut fries can be used, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time to get crispy. Just make sure they’re sliced evenly and pat them dry to remove excess moisture for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the pepperoni or replace it with vegetarian-friendly toppings like roasted veggies or vegetarian sausage slices. The cheese and marinara will still create an amazing pizza flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can experiment with cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of feta for a twist, but mozzarella and Parmesan provide that classic pizza cheese balance that melts and flavors perfectly.
What dipping sauces go well with baked pizza fries?
Marinara is always a winner, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even honey mustard are fantastic companions that add extra layers of flavor.
How do I get the fries crispy when reheating?
Reheat the fries in a preheated oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. This will help restore their crispiness while keeping toppings intact and melted cheese delicious.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delightful and crowd-pleasing Baked Pizza Fries Recipe that brings the best of two favorites into one glorious dish. It’s simple, fun, and absolutely delicious—perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself. So next time you crave a hearty snack with all the comforts of pizza, give this recipe a try and watch it become one of your new favorites as well!
Print
Baked Pizza Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Pizza Fries combine crispy baked French fries with classic pizza toppings like marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack is perfect for sharing and delivers all the flavors of your favorite pizza in a fun, fork-free form.
Ingredients
Fries
- 2 pounds frozen french fries
Pizza Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 slices pepperoni
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking the fries until crispy.
- Bake Fries: Arrange the frozen fries in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Bake them for about 20 minutes until they become golden and crispy, forming the perfect base.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Remove the fries from the oven and evenly spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over them, creating a flavorful layer.
- Layer Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese atop the sauced fries, then top with 16 slices of pepperoni for that classic pizza taste.
- Bake Again: Return the loaded fries to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and pepperoni to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the pizza fries with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to add a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Using frozen fries helps achieve a crispy texture, but you can use homemade fries if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes with the marinara sauce.
- Vegetarian option: omit pepperoni or replace with vegetarian pepperoni slices.
- Serve with extra marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Make sure fries are spread in a single layer to ensure even baking and crispiness.
