Smoky Chipotle Parmesan French Fries

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. 

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!

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