Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries

By CheeseDiva

The key to homemade, baked garlic Parmesan fries is a simple two-step cooking process. After slicing your potatoes to size, blanch them in salted water for a few minutes to start the cooking process. Par-cooking the fries is an essential step that should not be skipped; it is how oven-baked fries get a crisp crust with a light, fluffy interior. A quick dip in an ice bath stops the cooking process.

Ingredients

• 8 cups (2 quarts) water
• 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 4 potatoes)
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (3 ounces)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• Ketchup, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Arrange 2 racks to divide the oven into thirds and heat to 425°F. Meanwhile, bring the water to a boil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water; set aside.
You can peel the potatoes if desired, but the skins add texture and flavor to the fries. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick planks. Stack 2 of these planks on top of each other, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick sticks or batons.
Add 1/4 of the potatoes to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the blanched potatoes to the ice water bath to shock the potatoes and halt the cooking process. Continue blanching and shocking potatoes in 3 more batches.
Remove the chilled potatoes from the ice bath and spread them into a single layer on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Pat completely dry with more paper towels or another kitchen towel. Transfer to a large bowl.
Mix the Parmesan, salt, and garlic powder together in a small bowl. Drizzle the oil over the potatoes and toss to coat. Sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the fries and toss again until evenly coated.
Coat 2 rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray. Transfer the fries to the baking sheets and arrange in a single layer. Bake, flipping the fries halfway through, until golden-brown, 25 to 28 minutes. Transfer the fries to a serving bowl, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot with ketchup if desired.\\