Better Than Fries: Crispy, Delicious, and Effortlessly Easy

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Potatoes:

• Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, wash and peel the potatoes. If you prefer a rustic look and extra texture, you can leave the skin on. Once peeled, cut the potatoes into evenly sized wedges or thick slices (about 1/2 inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture.

2. Season the Potatoes:

• Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
• Next, add the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well-coated with the seasoning mixture. The key here is to ensure every wedge gets a good amount of seasoning to maximize flavor.

3. Bake to Perfection:

• Arrange the seasoned potato wedges on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. This allows the heat to circulate evenly and helps them crisp up on all sides.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy on all sides.
• If you prefer extra-crispy potatoes, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.

4. Finish and Serve:

• Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or even a tangy aioli.

Why You’ll Love These Better Than Fries:

1. Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: By cutting the potatoes into wedges and baking them at a high temperature, you achieve the perfect combination of crispy edges and a soft, pillowy interior. It’s the ultimate texture contrast!
2. Full of Flavor: The seasoning blend—garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and rosemary—adds layers of flavor that elevate these potatoes far beyond regular fries. If you’re a fan of garlic bread or roasted potatoes, you’ll love the aromatic flavors these crispy bites deliver.
3. Healthier Alternative: These potato wedges are baked, not fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. You can also control the amount of oil used, and they still come out perfectly crispy.
4. Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the seasonings! Add chili powder for a spicy kick, or experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. The possibilities are endless.
5. Easy and Effortless: You won’t have to deal with the mess of frying oil or waiting for the fries to cook in batches. Simply toss, bake, and serve—it’s that easy! Plus, the whole dish comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Tips for the Perfect Better Than Fries:

1. Cut Evenly: Make sure your potato wedges are cut to a uniform size so they cook evenly. If some pieces are too thick, they may not crisp up as well.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the crispiest results, arrange the potato wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they’re crowded, they’ll steam instead of crisping.
3. Flip Halfway Through: Turning the potatoes halfway through the baking time ensures they cook evenly and become golden brown on all sides.
4. Serve Hot: These crispy bites are best served fresh out of the oven, so they retain their crunch and flavor. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Variations to Try:

• Sweet Potato Version: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to make a deliciously sweet and savory version of this recipe.
• Loaded Fries: Top your crispy bites with melted cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions for a fun twist. It’s like a loaded baked potato, but in bite-sized form!
• Herb Infused: Add a variety of fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or basil to give the potatoes a more vibrant, aromatic flavor.

Conclusion:

These Better Than Fries are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and satisfying—and they’re surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re craving a healthier snack, a tasty side dish, or a fun appetizer for your next gathering, these crispy bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With their delightful crunch, flavorful seasoning, and simple preparation, they’re bound to become your new favorite go-to recipe. So why not ditch the standard fries and try these irresistible, crispy potato bites today?