In the world of potato side dishes, French fries and mashed potatoes get a lot of love. They’re both incredibly versatile and downright tasty. But this recipe for cottage fries is right up there on my Top-10 list of potato dishes! And a few basic ingredients delivers a healthier option to french fries. Cottage fries are also insanely versatile. You can partner them with anything from hamburgers to roast turkey or serve them with a bevy of dips for a showstopping appetizer spread. And they are SO easy to make, requiring just a few minutes of prep time. Which means less kitchen time and more friends and family time!

Recipe Ingredients

How to Make Cottage Fries

Preheat your oven to 400°F/205℃, placing the oven rack in the middle position. Prepare the Baking Sheet – Line a large baking sheet with a sheet of parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking oil. Wash and scrub the potatoes clean under running tap water to remove all dirt, especially if you’re not peeling the skin. (Photo 1) Slice them crosswise into rounds about ¼-½ inch thick. Place the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water as you slice them. This step removes excess starch that can make them stick together and makes them fluffier. Let them sit in water for about 5 minutes. (Photos 2-3) Season – Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels. Add olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to thoroughly coat every potato slice. (Photos 4-5) Layer – Arrange seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between the potatoes so they get nice and crispy while baking. (Photo 6) Bake until golden on the outside and puffy on the inside, about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway using metal tongs. Serve immediately with your chosen dipping sauces, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

Tips and Tricks

Make-Ahead Instructions

Cottage fries are best served hot and fresh right from the oven. But I get it because it might be game day, and you don’t want to miss all the fun. So, you can prepare the fries earlier in the day and bake them halfway. Then pop them back in the oven when you’re ready to eat and complete the baking process.

Serving and Storage Instructions

These guys are super easy to store and freeze. Keep leftover cottage fries in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat them by baking them on a baking sheet in the oven for 5-6 minutes at 350℉/177℃. If frozen, increase the baking time to 7-8 minutes at the same temperature, flipping the potatoes halfway through.

What to Serve With Cottage Fries

These thick, round fries make for the ultimate dipping experience! My favorite dips include beer cheese dip, Buffalo chicken dip, and mustard BBQ sauce for a delicious appetizer buffet. Or serve them as a quick side to Philly cheese steak sloppy joes, or a chicken sandwich.

More One-of-a-Kind Potato Recipes to Try

Conclusion

Crispy and savory on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, these cottage fries will become your new favorite potato go-to! What do you serve your cottage fries with? Leave me a comment below with your ideas!

Watch How to Make It

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