Crispy Pizza Fries Recipe

Crispy Pizza Fries Recipe: A Fun Twist on Two Favorites

Fries take a delightful detour with this crispy pizza fries recipe that blends two favorite comfort foods into one mouthwatering dish.

The golden, crunchy potato strips arrive loaded with classic pizza toppings that sing with savory flavor.

Melted cheese cascades over each fry, creating irresistible bites packed with marinara and herb notes.

Crisp edges and soft centers make these fries a textural dream for snack enthusiasts.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this recipe transforms ordinary fries into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

You’ll want to make extra because these pizza fries disappear faster than you can say “cheese.” Serve these as an appetizer or game-day snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients needed for Pizza Fries?

The key ingredients include frozen french fries, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, pepperoni, and fresh parsley for garnish.

  • Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen ones?

Yes, you can use homemade fresh potato fries. Just adjust the initial baking time to 35-40 minutes to ensure they’re crispy and golden brown.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, the recipe includes pepperoni. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with vegetarian pepperoni alternatives.

Why Pizza Fries Are a Hit

  • Whip up these pizza fries in minimal steps, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings without complex cooking techniques.
  • Cleverly combine classic pizza and french fry elements into one mouthwatering dish that breaks traditional recipe boundaries and delights taste buds.
  • Easily swap pepperoni for vegetarian toppings, experiment with different cheese blends, or add personal favorite pizza ingredients to make this recipe uniquely yours.
  • Designed to impress at gatherings, potlucks, game nights, or casual family dinners with its irresistible cheesy, crispy appeal that appeals to all ages.

Pizza Fries Ingredient List

Fries Base:
  • Frozen French Fries, Fresh Potatoes: The foundation of the dish that provides a crispy and golden texture.
Cheese Layer:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Essential ingredients that create a rich and melty topping for the fries.
Meat Topping:
  • Pepperoni Slices: Adds a classic pizza flavor and additional protein to the dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Marinara Sauce: Provides a traditional pizza taste and moisture to the fries.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cooking and prevents sticking on the baking sheet.
Optional Serving Accompaniments:
  • Pizza Dip Sauce: Offers extra flavor for those who want additional dipping options.

Pizza Fries Prep Tools

  • Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for evenly spreading fries and toppings.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface for easy cleanup and preventing fries from sticking.
  • Oven: Essential for baking and melting cheese.
  • Cheese Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Cutting Board: For chopping parsley.
  • Knife: Sharp tool for slicing pepperoni and chopping herbs.
  • Spatula or Serving Tongs: For transferring hot pizza fries from sheet to plate.

Pizza Fries How-To Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect crispiness.

Step 2: Spread Out Crispy Potato Strips

Arrange frozen french fries in a single layer across the baking sheet.

Make sure they’re not overlapping to ensure maximum crunchiness.

Bake until golden and crisp, following package guidelines.

For homemade potato strips, plan for slightly longer baking time.

Step 3: Layer Pizza Goodness

Pull out the baked fries and transform them into a pizza-inspired masterpiece.

Add toppings in this order:
  • Marinara sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Pepperoni slices

Step 4: Melt And Bubble

Return the loaded fries to the oven.

Bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese turns gooey and slightly bubbly.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve immediately with extra marinara or pizza dipping sauce on the side for maximum enjoyment.

Pizza Fries Tips and Tricks

  • Select thick-cut frozen fries for maximum crispiness and better cheese adherence.
  • Use a ladle or spoon to evenly distribute marinara sauce, preventing soggy spots on the fries.
  • For perfectly melted cheese, switch to broil mode during the final 2-3 minutes of baking.
  • Experiment with different meats like sausage or bacon, or add vegetarian options like bell peppers and olives.
  • Replace regular fries with sweet potato fries or use gluten-free frozen fries for a dietary-friendly version.

Pizza Fries Flavor Options

  • Gluten-Free Pizza Fries: Replace regular fries with sweet potato or zucchini fries, use gluten-free marinara sauce, and top with dairy-free cheese for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Mediterranean Version: Swap pepperoni with roasted bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and crumbled feta cheese, adding a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Substitute marinara with salsa, use pepper jack cheese, and top with jalapeños and crispy bacon bits for a fiery southwestern kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace potato fries with roasted cauliflower florets, maintain the classic pizza toppings for a lighter, low-carbohydrate option.

Serving Pizza Fries at Home

  • Pizza Fries Party Platter: Create a fun, shareable spread by arranging the fries on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls and garnish with extra herbs.
  • Game Night Delight: Serve these crispy cheesy fries during sports events or movie nights as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love grabbing.
  • Dipping Sauce Variety: Offer multiple sauce options like ranch, garlic aioli, spicy marinara, or blue cheese to let guests customize their pizza fries experience.
  • Lunch Box Surprise: Pack cooled pizza fries in lunch containers with a small sealed sauce container for a midday treat that breaks from traditional sandwich routine.

Storing Pizza Fries Properly

  • Store leftover pizza fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Restore crispiness by preheating oven to 375°F. Spread fries on a baking sheet and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crisp.
  • Revive pizza fries quickly in air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. Ensure even heating by shaking basket midway through cooking.
  • Skip microwave reheating as it makes fries soggy and ruins their crispy texture. Stick to oven or air fryer methods for best results.
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Crispy Pizza Fries Recipe

Crispy Pizza Fries Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy pizza fries blend Italian and American flavors into a mouthwatering fusion snack. Crunchy potato wedges topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and pepperoni create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 16 slices pepperoni

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) frozen french fries (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Complementary Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal fry cooking.
  2. Spread frozen french fries in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown, following package cooking guidelines. For fresh potato slices, extend baking time to 35-40 minutes.
  3. Remove fries from oven and generously coat with marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage across the crispy surface.
  4. Evenly distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauced fries, creating a rich cheese layer. Strategically place pepperoni slices across the cheese for maximum flavor distribution.
  5. Return baking sheet to oven and continue cooking for 15 minutes or until cheese becomes completely melted and slightly bubbly.
  6. After removing from oven, immediately garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous touch.
  7. Serve piping hot, accompanied by additional marinara sauce or preferred dipping sauces to enhance the culinary experience.

Notes

  • Customize Texture by selecting crispy frozen fries or cutting fresh potatoes into uniform, thin strips for consistent crunch.
  • Prevent Sogginess by patting potato slices dry with paper towels before baking, ensuring maximum crispiness and golden-brown edges.
  • Elevate Dietary Options by substituting regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives or using turkey pepperoni for a lighter protein version.
  • Enhance Flavor Variations by experimenting with different cheese blends like provolone, adding red pepper flakes, or incorporating Italian herbs for a personalized pizza fries experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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