Loaded Pizza Fries Recipe

Frozen french fries: The base of the dish, providing a crispy and golden foundation.

Marinara sauce: Adds a rich and tangy tomato flavor, reminiscent of classic pizza.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy layer.

Sliced pepperoni: Adds a savory and slightly spicy kick, typical of traditional pizza.

Chopped green bell pepper: Provides a fresh, crunchy texture and a pop of color.

Sliced black olives: Contributes a briny, slightly salty flavor that complements the other toppings.

Chopped fresh basil: Optional garnish that adds a burst of freshness and a hint of herbal aroma.

To achieve perfectly crispy french fries, make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the fries will cause them to steam rather than bake, resulting in a less crispy texture. Additionally, consider flipping the fries halfway through the baking time to ensure even crispiness.

• frozen french fries - Substitute with sweet potato fries: Sweet potato fries add a different flavor profile and are slightly healthier due to their higher fiber content.

• marinara sauce - Substitute with alfredo sauce: Alfredo sauce provides a creamy texture and a rich flavor, offering a different take on the classic pizza taste.

• shredded mozzarella cheese - Substitute with shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a sharper taste and melts well, adding a different dimension to the dish.

• sliced pepperoni - Substitute with cooked crumbled sausage: Sausage offers a different texture and flavor, making the dish heartier.

• chopped green bell pepper - Substitute with chopped red bell pepper: Red bell peppers are sweeter and add a vibrant color to the dish.

• sliced black olives - Substitute with sliced green olives: Green olives provide a tangier taste compared to black olives, adding a different flavor profile.

• chopped fresh basil - Substitute with chopped fresh parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and can be used as a garnish to add a touch of color and freshness.

• Allow the loaded pizza fries to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the fries soggy.
• Transfer the cooled fries to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, consume within this timeframe to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly again.
• For freezing, place the cooled fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from clumping together.
• Once frozen, transfer the fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen fries on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• For added freshness, garnish with freshly chopped basil after reheating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread the leftover loaded pizza fries evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the fries loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the fries are heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to let the fries crisp up.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover loaded pizza fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to make sure the cheese is melted and the fries are hot and crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover loaded pizza fries on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the fries with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If the cheese isn't fully melted, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the leftover loaded pizza fries in the skillet in a single layer.
  4. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Ensure the cheese is melted and the fries are hot before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the french fries and melt the cheese on top of the loaded fries.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread out the frozen french fries in a single layer for even baking.

• Small saucepan: Used to warm the marinara sauce over medium heat.

• Spatula: Handy for spreading the marinara sauce evenly over the baked fries.

• Cheese grater: Essential for shredding the mozzarella cheese if it's not pre-shredded.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the green bell pepper and slicing the black olives.

• Chef's knife: Used for chopping the green bell pepper and slicing the black olives.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients like marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped green bell pepper.

• Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the loaded pizza fries once they are ready to be served.

• Tongs: Useful for handling the hot fries when arranging them on the serving platter.

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven while you gather and prepare your ingredients to save time.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded mozzarella to cut down on prep time.

Microwave the sauce: Warm the marinara sauce in the microwave instead of on the stove.

Layer efficiently: Arrange toppings while the fries are still hot to ensure even melting.

Chop in advance: Pre-chop the green bell pepper and olives to streamline the assembly process.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.