Hand-Cut Oven Fries

Can “French fries” be light(er), healthful, and still scrumptious? Yes—when they’re not actually deep-fried.

Hand-cutting earthy, nutritious fresh potatoes, tossing with just a drizzle of olive oil, and baking them to tender, golden goodness results in a dish that looks like French fries, tastes like French fries, and even invites kids like French fries—but without so much fat (and no grown-up guilt).

Keep it as simple as it gets: potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper. Nothing else needed—except maybe homemade ketchup?

Serves 4-5

Ingredients

• 3 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed
• olive oil, for drizzling
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper 

Medium Russet Potatoes

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut a bit of the rounded ends from the potatoes, then cut a thin slice from 2 rounded sides. Cut each potato lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick slices. Cut each slice into 3-4 sticks.

Cut off the Rounded Ends 

Cut off 2 Rounded Sides

Cut into 1/3-Inch-Thick Slices

Cut Each Slice into 3-4 Sticks

1. Place the potato sticks in a large bowl and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
2. Spread the potatoes on the baking sheet in an even layer. Bake 15 minutes. Turn and bake an additional 12-15 minutes (depending on size) until golden brown on the outside and tender inside.

Fries Tossed with Oil, Salt, and Pepper
 

Fries Ready to Bake
 

Fries after Turning 

Baked Fries

Transfer to a bowl, season with more sea salt to taste, and serve.

Hand-Cut Oven Fries