golden brown, crispy French fries on a baking sheet

Meal prepping

french fries: a crowd pleasing meal prep

By Evelyn Reed

Published: 07 Mar 2025

These aren't your average frozen fries, folks. We're talking homemade, crispy, golden perfection—the kind that makes you want to dance with glee. I’ve tried lots of different methods, from super thin to extra thick, and this recipe is my tried-and-true winner for a reason.
Close up of a basket of homemade french fries
This recipe isn't just about the fries themselves; it's about the whole experience. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as they bake or fry—it's pure happiness! Then there's the satisfaction of making something so simple, yet utterly delicious, from scratch. Plus, you get to control the seasoning, making them exactly to your liking. What's not to love?
A family enjoying a meal with a large serving of french fries

Required Equipments

  • Large bowl
  • Potato peeler or knife
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Paper towels
  • Large skillet or deep fryer (optional)

French-Fries:-A-Crowd-Pleasing-Meal-Prep

This recipe shows you how to make perfectly crispy homemade French fries, whether you prefer baking or frying. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 2 servings servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Wash and peel the potatoes: Give your potatoes a good scrub. Peeling is optional; some people love the skins! If peeling, use a potato peeler or a sharp knife to remove the skin. Pat them dry with paper towels--this is super important for crispy fries!
  2. Cut the potatoes: Cut the potatoes into fries. Aim for uniform thickness (about 1/2 inch) for even cooking. I like to make mine a bit chunky, but thinner fries cook faster. It's totally up to you!
  3. Soak the potatoes (optional): Soaking the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to a couple of hours) helps remove excess starch. This leads to crispier fries. Don't skip this step if you want maximum crispiness!
  4. Drain and dry the potatoes: After soaking, thoroughly drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Again, dryness is key to crispiness!
  5. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you are baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  6. First bake (optional): For extra crispy fries, you can par-bake them. Arrange the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are slightly softened but not browned.
  7. Fry the fries (optional): If you're frying (either deep-frying or pan-frying), heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the fries in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. If baking, skip this step!
  8. Second bake/fry (optional): If you par-baked, add the fries to the hot oil (or back to the oven) for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. If not par-baked, you may need to cook them longer—until they're golden and cooked through.
  9. Season and serve: Remove the fries from the oven or oil and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Season immediately with salt and any other desired seasonings. Serve hot and enjoy!

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or other spices to taste.
  • Make sure your oil is at the right temperature for frying. Too hot, and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool, and they'll be greasy and not crisp.
  • If using a deep fryer, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 250 kcal

Protein: 3 g

Fat: 12 g

Carbohydrates: 35 g

Fiber: 2 g

Calcium: 10 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The simplest things are often the most delicious, and few things bring joy like a perfectly crispy French fry.

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