Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy-to-follow recipe for crispy oven-baked French fries topped with delicious caramelized onions. Perfect for satisfying those savory cravings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into strips for fries
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: herbs or spices of your choice (such as thyme, paprika, or garlic powder)
Directions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven is preheating, soak the potato strips in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Then, drain and thoroughly pat them dry using paper towels.
- Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the dried potato strips with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or spices until evenly coated.
- Baking: Spread the seasoned potato strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. This allows them to crisp up evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Caramelizing Onions: While the fries are baking, heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a bit of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onions to aid in the caramelization process.
- Assembly: Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, serve the crispy fries topped with the caramelized onions.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy fries, you can toss them with a tablespoon of cornstarch along with the olive oil and seasonings before baking.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your fries. Try smoked paprika, rosemary, or chili powder for a unique twist.
- Serve the fries with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, aioli, or barbecue sauce, for added flavor.
- To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply omit the optional cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the fries before serving.
- Feel free to add additional toppings such as crispy bacon bits, diced avocado, or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
Enjoy your homemade crispy French fries with caramelized onions, a delicious and satisfying treat for any occasion!