Proving that baked fries can be delicious, these oven baked fries are topped with gravy, Parmesan and aged cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.

oven baked fries with cheese and gravy in small skillet

This one’s a follow-up on yesterday’s Poutine recipe – an alternate take on the classic. I’m not usually one to go for a lightened-up version of anything. I’m more inclined to eat the real thing less often or in smaller servings. That said, there are a number of reasons to recommend this adaptation of classic poutine.

First, even though I have a deep fryer, let’s be honest – deep frying is messy and smelly, despite the nice results. Sometimes, I’m just not up for it. Having a good, oven-baked option for fries is always good.

Secondly, I know cheese curds aren’t always readily available for everyone. This combination of Aged Cheddar and Parmesan is lovely and the sharp flavours means you don’t need a lot of it. Then there’s the fresh herbs, a combination of fresh, flat-leafed parsley with a bit of cilantro. It really rounds out this dish.

And last, but not least, this dish is really delicious. Sure, it’s not classic and it’s not fried, but I have to tell you, it’s very satisfying and I definitely recommend it for some comforting food with a little less guilt.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Potatoes – Russet potatoes (baking potatoes) are recommended for the best results.

Gravy – I have included a gravy recipes, but you can certainly use a store-bought gravy if you like.

Old White Cheddar – I recommend a old white cheddar, as it has the most flavour.

Recipe Tips

  • Fries are always best enjoyed freshly made and don’t tend to keep well.
  • You can make the gravy ahead and refrigerate. Simply re-warm to serve.
  • I’ve use Parsley and Cilantro here, but you can use any herbs or skip them, if you prefer.

oven baked fries with cheese and gravy in small skillet

oven baked fries with cheese and gravy in small skillet

Get the Recipe: Oven-baked Fries with Cheese and Gravy

Comfort food lightened up a bit. These oven baked fries are delicious and easy. Combined with a bit of gravy, cheese and fresh herbs, it's sure to satisfy with out the deep frying part.
5 stars from 2 ratings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 people

Ingredients

Homemade Gravy (or use store-bought gravy):

  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 20 oz beef broth
  • 10 oz chicken broth
  • Pepper, to taste

Oven-baked fries:

  • 2 lbs Russet potatoes, (3-4 medium)
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 2-3 Tablespoons vegetable, canola, sunflower or olive oil

Toppings:

  • 1/2 cup old white cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leafed parsley, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the gravy: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring regularly, for about 5 minutes, until the mixture turns golden brown. Add the garlic and cook for a further 30 seconds.
  • Add the beef and chicken broth and bring to a boil, stirring with a whisk. Stir in the cornstarch and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Season with pepper. Taste and add additional salt, if necessary, to taste. Make ahead and re-warm or keep warm until your fries are ready.
  • For the oven-baked fries: Wash the potatoes well and cut into uniform sticks about 1/2-inch thick. (*I like to remove the skin only from the sides and the ends. That way I end up with a rough rectangle with a bit of skin here and there. The rectangle is easier to cut into slices, and then to cut each slice into sticks.)
  • Put the cut potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover by 2 inches . Add the vinegar. Bring the pot to the boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain, then spread the potatoes out on some paper towel to absorb moisture. Move them to a wire rack, in a single layer, and allow them to dry completely, about 30 minutes. Make sure your potatoes are thoroughly dry before baking.
  • Preheat oven to 435 ° F. with the racks in the upper and lower third of the oven. Place dried potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat thoroughly. Spread potatoes evenly onto two baking sheets. Leave some space between, if possible and be sure they are in a single layer.
  • Bake 15 minutes then, turn the fries over and rotate the baking sheets top to bottom. Bake an additional 20 – 30 minutes, rotating pans top to bottom once more, until uniformly golden brown.
  • To serve: In a large bowl, toss fries with hot gravy to coat. Sprinkle with cheeses and fresh herbs. Toss to combine. Season with freshly ground pepper and a bit of salt. Serve immediately.
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Course: Snack
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 478kcal, Carbohydrates: 51g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 901mg, Potassium: 1078mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 595IU, Vitamin C: 17.9mg, Calcium: 121mg, Iron: 2.8mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @seasonsandsuppers on Instagram or tag #seasonsandsuppers.