Greek Fries

Greek Fries are a delightful twist on traditional fries, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. These baked, herb-infused potatoes are not only crispy but also topped with fresh ingredients like red onion, parsley, and crumbly feta cheese. Perfect for parties, casual dinners, or as a snack, Greek Fries are sure to impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
• Flavorful Twist: The combination of dill and oregano gives these fries a unique taste that stands out.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a side dish or enjoy them as a snack with tzatziki or aioli.
• Healthy Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these Greek Fries offer a guilt-free indulgence.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before starting your Greek Fries.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Essential for even cooking and achieving that perfect crispiness on your fries.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes for easy cleanup after baking.

Ingredients

To create delicious Greek Fries, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Fries

• 4 large Yukon Gold Potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For Toppings

• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 medium red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• Tzatziki, aioli or lemon wedges (optional)

How to Make Greek Fries

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your fries cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash the potatoes thoroughly while keeping the skins on. Cut them into 1/3-inch wide sticks, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.

Step 3: Soak the Fries

Place the cut fries in a large bowl filled with cold water. Soak them for 10 to 15 minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, drain and dry them thoroughly with a towel.

Step 4: Season the Fries

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked fries with olive oil, salt, oregano, dill, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until fully coated.

Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned potatoes out in an even layer to ensure they bake properly without steaming.

Step 6: Bake the Fries

Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Carefully flip them over and return them to bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Once baked, transfer your fries to a serving plate. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese generously over the top.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve your Greek Fries immediately alongside tzatziki sauce, aioli, or lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy warm for the best flavor!

How to Serve Greek Fries

Greek Fries are a versatile and tasty dish that pairs well with various sides and dips. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal experience.

With Dips

• Tzatziki: This cool, creamy yogurt dip adds a refreshing flavor that complements the spices in Greek fries.
• Aioli: A garlicky mayonnaise-based sauce that brings richness and depth to each bite.
• Lemon Wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the fries enhances their flavor with a zesty twist.

As a Snack or Appetizer

• Party Platter: Serve Greek fries alongside other appetizers like hummus and stuffed grape leaves for a Mediterranean-themed gathering.
• Game Day Snack: Perfect finger food for watching sports, these fries will keep everyone satisfied.

In a Wrap or Bowl

• Gyro Wrap: Add Greek fries into a wrap with grilled chicken or lamb, tzatziki, and fresh veggies for a hearty meal.
• Mediterranean Bowl: Layer Greek fries in a bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and feta cheese for a healthy, filling option.

How to Perfect Greek Fries

To achieve the best Greek Fries, follow these tips to ensure they are crispy and flavorful.

• Soak the Potatoes: Soaking cut potatoes in cold water removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
• Use High-Quality Oil: Choosing extra virgin olive oil not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve the perfect golden color.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Spreading fries evenly prevents steaming and ensures even cooking for maximum crispiness.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Turning the fries midway allows for even browning on all sides.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Fries

Greek Fries can be complemented wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and herbs make a colorful addition to your plate.
3. Hummus Platter: Creamy hummus served with pita bread or veggie sticks is perfect alongside Greek fries.
4. Stuffed Grape Leaves: Tender grape leaves filled with rice and herbs offer a unique taste that pairs well with fries.
5. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed salad of chickpeas, parsley, onion, and lemon dressing adds freshness to the meal.
6. Feta Dip: Creamy feta blended with herbs creates a delicious spread perfect for dipping or drizzling over fries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Greek Fries can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Skipping the soaking step: Not soaking the potatoes can lead to soggy fries. Soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
• Using the wrong potato type: Choosing low-starch potatoes will yield a less fluffy fry. Stick with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for the best texture.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many fries on one tray will steam instead of roast them. Spread the fries out in a single layer for even cooking.
• Not preheating your oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure crispy and golden fries.
• Neglecting seasoning: If you skip the spices, your fries may taste bland. Make sure to season generously for full flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Greek Fries

• Allow baked fries to cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Greek Fries

• Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but they may become soft.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Greek Fries:

Can I make Greek Fries without feta cheese?

Yes! You can omit feta cheese or substitute it with another cheese like goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a dairy-free version.

What is the best way to cut potatoes for Greek Fries?

Cutting potatoes into uniform sticks around 1/3-inch thick ensures even cooking and crispiness throughout.

Can I add other spices to my Greek Fries?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder for additional flavor.

How do I make these Greek Fries healthier?

You can reduce the amount of olive oil used or consider air frying them instead of baking for fewer calories.

Are Greek Fries suitable for meal prep?

Yes! They store well and can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for quick snacks or side dishes throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Greek Fries are a delightful twist on traditional fries, bursting with flavor from herbs and spices. They are versatile and can easily be customized with different toppings or dips. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!