Smoky Chipotle Parmesan French Fries are a scrumptious snack, appetizer or side. They're subtly spicy, wonderfully smoky, and are crisped to perfection with cheese.
I created these Smoky Chipotle Parmesan French Fries on a whim years ago. Turns out it was the best whim ever, and they've become a regular side dish, appetizer and snack at our house.
I was craving French fries -- not just any French fries, though. I was craving spicy, cheesy fries. I wanted them to be soft and mild on the inside, and golden and crispy on the outside.Â
Really, that's how every good French fry should be.
And this French fry recipe is so flavorful that you don't need to dip them in anything!
Key Ingredients
- Russet potatoes - The high starch content in Russets is part of what makes them crispy after they're cooked, so they're an excellent choice for French fries.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce - Chipotles in Adobo are smoked jalapeño chiles that are canned in a sauce that typically contains tomato puree, paprika, salt, onions, oil, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves and oregano. (A little goes a long way. It's hot.)
- Parmesan cheese - The Parmesan cheese in this recipe should be grated super finely. This way it sticks to the fries really well. If possible, use Parmigiano Reggiano.
How to Make Chipotle Parmesan Fries
These fries are so easy to make, and they're healthier than most fries because they're roasted in the oven and not deep fried.
Mix all of the ingredients together, except the potatoes, in a bowl.
Add the potatoes and mix them into the sauce.
Roast in a very hot oven until golden and crispy.
More detailed instructions are below.
Variations
- Mild version. For less heat, you can just use the adobo sauce and for extra heat be sure you use one of the whole chipotle peppers, and keep a few seeds in there.
- Vegan version. Skip the parmesan or you can use nutritional yeast instead.
Making Them Ahead
You can make the chipotle mixture a day ahead, keeping it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. The potatoes should not be cut, coated and baked until you're getting ready to serve them, as they're at their best right out of the oven.
Other Favorite French Fry Recipes
And here is a delicious handful of even more French fry recipes!
I suggest you make a double batch of these fries, as there never seem to be enough.
Enjoy!
Chipotle Parmesan French Fry Recipe
Ingredients
- 3½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ pounds Idaho Russet Potatoes
Instructions
- Set the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Combine everything except the potatoes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil with the chipotles, Parmesan, paprika, lemon juice and salt, and set it aside.
- Prep potatoes. Peel, wash, and dry the potatoes. Then, cut them into french fry-sized pieces, about ¼ inch sticks. Add the potatoes to the bowl with the chipotle mixture and toss them until they're completely coated.
- Roast and cool. Spread the sauced potato sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer, and place them in the preheated 425°F oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy. They should be flipped about half way through the cooking process, with a flat-bottomed metal spatula. Leave them on the baking sheet to cool.
NOTES
NUTRITION
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GINA RUBEN
If I just want the parmesan and no heat do you recommend I add the lemon juice and the paprika? These look amazing as is, I'm just married to a scardy-cat.
valentina
Hi Gina. Thanks for writing in. Yes, I would still add the lemon and paprika. Enjoy and I hope your husband loves them! 🙂 ~Valentina
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Love chipotle, love parmesan and adore fries so these are basically made for me 😉 I could legit make a meal out of just these fries! Wishing I had a bunch right now to snack on! They look addictive, Valentina!
valentina
Yep, a bit addictive. Not a bad vice if you ask me. 😉 Thanks for checking them out. 🙂 ~Valentina
David Scott Allen
What great flavor - so glad you reposted! I wonder how many other oldies you have on the blog... I should investigate! These fries have so many of my favorite flavors...
2pots2cook
Ticks all the boxes at our house dear 🙂
valentina
Makes me happy. Thank you! 🙂 ~Valentina
David @ Spiced
Oh man, I love baked french fries! I actually make something similar to this using sweet potatoes...holy cow those are delicious. I've always used dry spices though. Now you've got me intrigued with the adobo sauce. What a fun idea! And as you said...no sauce needed here. Looks delicious, Valentina!
valentina
Thanks so much, David. I checked out your sweet potato fries and they also sound fabulous! Must try those, too. 🙂 ~Valentina
Jeff the Chef
These fries look great, sound great (I love chipotle), and I love that they're baked!
valentina
Thanks, Jeff. Hope you give them a go. 🙂 ~Valentina
angiesrecipes
So flavourful and golden brown crunchy...these are some 5-star French fries!!
valentina
Thank you, Angie! Hope you give them a try and enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina
Alina | Cooking Journey Blog
We are addicted to smoked paprika.. and who doesn't love cheese? So happy to find your recipe!
valentina
Me too! I always have to have smoked paprika on hand. Thanks! 🙂
Kristina
Don't these fries just look so tasty! I bet that chipotle flavor gives it just the right kick!
valentina
Yes, love the kick. Thanks!