There’s something truly comforting about the golden crunch of Crispy Mashed Potato Fries. After a long day, I find solace in the kitchen, especially when I can transform humble potatoes into a delightful snack that everyone loves. It all started when I was craving something familiar yet fresh. That’s when inspiration struck—what if I could take the classic mashed potatoes and give them a crispy twist?
Using just a handful of ingredients, these fries are not only easy to make, but they pack a punch of flavor. Imagine freshly grated parmesan mingling with perfectly seasoned potato, all wrapped up in a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun side dish, these Crispy Mashed Potato Fries will elevate your meals and turn weeknight dinners into something special. Join me as we dive into this simple recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Mashed Potato Fries
Irresistible crunch: The contrast of a crispy exterior with fluffy, seasoned mashed potatoes makes every bite a delightful experience.
Quick prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in under an hour!
Customize it: Add your favorite spices or dip them in various sauces for a tailored taste adventure.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these fries are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Comfort food upgrade: This recipe transforms traditional mashed potatoes into a fun finger food that everyone can enjoy. So, if you crave something homemade instead of fast food, give these Crispy Mashed Potato Fries a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Crispy Mashed Potato Fries Ingredients
Get ready to make the best Crispy Mashed Potato Fries!
For the Fries
• 500 grams potatoes – Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt – This enhances the flavor while boiling the potatoes.
• ⅓ cup parmesan cheese – Freshly grated gives a rich flavor that melts beautifully.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Fresh ground adds a hint of warmth and spice.
• 4 tablespoons potato starch – This helps achieve that coveted crispiness.
• Fresh parsley leaves – Chopped, they add a bright flavor and color.
For Dusting and Frying
• 1 tablespoon potato starch – Dusting on the surface prevents sticking while shaping.
• Oil for frying – Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable oil for the best frying results.
Enjoy crafting these delicious fries from scratch!
How to Make Crispy Mashed Potato Fries
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Peel and Cut: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into equal-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking and a uniform texture for your fries.
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Boil Potatoes: Place the potato cubes in a pot of salted water and boil until fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that perfect fluffy mash!
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Drain and Mash: Drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly and mash them until there are no lumps. Aim for a smooth consistency that will form the base of your fries.
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Mix Ingredients: Add the fresh ground black pepper, chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and potato starch to your mashed potatoes. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Shape Dough Balls: Divide the potato mixture into two portions and shape each into a ball of dough. This size makes it easy to roll out later.
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Roll and Cut: Dust a little potato starch on your work surface, place each dough ball on it, and roll it out to a ½-inch thick rectangle. Cut the rolled dough into strips to form your fries.
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Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully deep-fry the potato strips in batches for 5-7 minutes, turning them with tongs until they are golden brown on all sides.
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Drain Excess Oil: Once golden, drain the fried mashed potato sticks on a wire rack set over a paper towel or baking sheet. This helps to keep them crispy!
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the fries hot, optionally sprinkled with additional grated parmesan cheese. Their irresistible crunch and flavor will surely delight everyone!
Optional: Pair with marinara or garlic aioli for an extra flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Mashed Potato Fries
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Crispy Mashed Potato Fries fresh for the best flavor. If left at room temperature, they’re best consumed within 2 hours of frying.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, reheat them in an oven rather than a microwave.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked fries on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat cooked fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy goodness.
Crispy Mashed Potato Fries Variations
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own, adding delicious twists to delight your taste buds!
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Sweet Potato Twist: Substitute half the potatoes with sweet potatoes for a hint of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
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Cheesy Jalapeño: Mix diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese into the mash for a spicy kick and cheesy goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Herbed Delight: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in addition to parsley for a fragrant aromatic experience that elevates the flavor profile.
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Vegan Option: Replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that still packs a savory punch. It’s perfect for plant-based diets!
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Crispy Bake: Instead of frying, spray the shaped fries with olive oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes for a healthier option without sacrificing crunch.
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Buffalo Style: Toss the hot fries in buffalo sauce after frying for a tangy, fiery twist. Pair them with a cool ranch dip for the perfect balance!
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Garlic Parmesan Fries: Add minced garlic to the mash and sprinkle with extra parmesan before serving to enhance the comfort food charm.
With these variations, you’ll always have a new way to enjoy your Crispy Mashed Potato Fries!
Expert Tips for Crispy Mashed Potato Fries
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Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy varieties like Russets for the fluffiest texture. Waxy potatoes can lead to a gummy mash, which won’t fry as well.
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Mash Thoroughly: Ensure your boiled potatoes are completely lump-free before mixing in other ingredients. Any lumps can affect the frying process and the final texture of your fries.
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Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the fryer. Frying too many fries at once can drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy results instead of crispy mashed potato fries.
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Temperature Check: Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C). This ensures a golden exterior while cooking the inside evenly.
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality. Pre-grated options often contain additives that can affect taste and texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Mashed Potato Fries are a delightful option for meal prep! You can prepare the potato mixture and shape it into dough balls up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them refrigerated in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your fries, simply roll out the dough and cut it into strips before frying. To maintain quality and prevent sogginess, be sure to dust the dough lightly with potato starch before storing. Frying can be done directly after cutting, and you’ll have delicious, golden fries that taste just as good as freshly made, saving you time without sacrificing flavor!
What to Serve with Crispy Mashed Potato Fries?
Transform your snack time into an unforgettable feast with these delightful pairings that complement your crispy creation beautifully.
- Garlic Aioli: This creamy dip adds a rich, garlicky flavor that elevates the fries to new heights. A perfect match for the crispy texture!
- Marinara Sauce: The tangy sweetness of marinara balances the saltiness of the fries, creating a classic Italian comfort food combo.
- Zesty Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy side that enhances the richness of the fries while cleansing the palate with its tangy dressing.
- Spicy Ketchup: Add a kick with spiced-up ketchup; it’s a playful and familiar companion that everyone will love.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Bright greens and vibrant veggies not only add color but also a fresh contrast, making your meal hearty and wholesome.
- Smooth Creamy Polenta: Serve with creamy polenta to ramp up the comfort level—its soft texture juxtaposes the crispy fries deliciously!
- Creamy Mac and Cheese: Indulge in cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly, appealing to all ages and tastes—a crowd-pleaser for any gathering!
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio can cut through the richness, enhancing the overall dining experience as you savor the fries.
Crispy Mashed Potato Fries Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right potatoes for my Crispy Mashed Potato Fries?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose starchy potatoes like Russets. They yield a fluffy texture when mashed, which is perfect for frying. Waxy potatoes, on the other hand, can lead to a gummy mash, which won’t crisp up well.
How should I store leftover fries?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain their delicious crunch, place them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes instead of using a microwave.
Can I freeze my Crispy Mashed Potato Fries?
Certainly! To freeze, first prepare the fries, but don’t cook them. Lay the uncooked fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid—this usually takes about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored like this for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, fry them straight from frozen!
What should I do if my fries aren’t crispy enough?
Very! If your fries aren’t achieving that desired crunch, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, ideally around 350°F (175°C). Frying in smaller batches can also prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low. Additionally, ensure you’ve thoroughly mashed the potatoes without lumps, as any inconsistency can affect the frying process.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Definitely! If you’re making these fries for guests, be aware of dietary restrictions. The recipe contains dairy due to the parmesan cheese, so consider using a dairy-free alternative if you’re serving someone with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy. Also, watch out for potential allergies with potato and any additional dips you may choose to serve alongside.
Crispy Mashed Potato Fries That'll Change Snack Time Forever
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into equal-sized cubes.
- Place the potato cubes in a pot of salted water and boil until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the boiled potatoes and mash them until smooth.
- Add black pepper, chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and potato starch to the mashed potatoes; mix well.
- Divide the mixture into two portions and shape each into a ball of dough.
- Dust potato starch on a work surface, roll each dough ball to ½-inch thick, and cut into strips.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to about 350°F (175°C) and deep-fry the strips for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain excess oil on a wire rack set over a paper towel.
- Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with additional parmesan cheese.