Description
Crispy golden “pizza fries” merge Italian and American comfort cuisines into one irresistible snack. Melted cheese, zesty marinara, and savory toppings create a mouthwatering fusion you’ll crave with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Toppings:
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
Cheese and Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
Base and Garnish:
- 1 pound (1 lb) frozen French fries (or homemade fries)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the fries according to package directions or craft homemade crispy golden potato strips using your preferred cooking method.
- Arrange the cooked fries in a single layer across a sturdy baking sheet, creating a uniform base for toppings.
- Generously drizzle tangy pizza sauce over the fries, ensuring complete and even coverage across the surface.
- Scatter shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly, allowing it to blanket the sauced potato strips.
- Distribute pepperoni slices strategically across the cheese layer for optimal flavor distribution.
- Sprinkle chopped olives and diced bell peppers to enhance the pizza-inspired profile and add vibrant color.
- Transfer the loaded baking sheet into a preheated 400°F oven, allowing the cheese to melt and ingredients to harmonize for 5-7 minutes.
- Watch carefully until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape with slightly crisp edges.
- Extract from the oven and immediately garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and a provocative dusting of red pepper flakes.
- Serve piping hot, presenting these pizza-inspired fries as an irresistible fusion appetizer or casual shared dish.
Notes
- Customize fries by using sweet potato or zucchini fries for a healthier twist on the classic recipe.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like provolone or parmesan to add complexity to the flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free fries and sauce for a celiac-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Opt for turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg