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This hearty Greek fries recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into a Mediterranean-inspired delight that works equally well as a side dish or casual appetizer. The combination of aromatic herbs and bright toppings creates a crave-worthy dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table.
I first made these Greek fries for a family movie night when we were watching Mamma Mia, and they've become our go-to comfort food ever since. The combination of herbs and feta cheese transforms ordinary potatoes into something truly special that everyone requests again and again.
Ingredients
- Yukon Gold Potatoes perfect for their naturally buttery flavor and ideal texture that gets crispy outside while staying creamy inside
- Olive Oil provides authentic Mediterranean flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden exterior
- Oregano adds the quintessential Greek herb profile that makes these fries distinctive
- Dried Dill brings a bright herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the potatoes
- Garlic Powder infuses the fries with savory depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have
- Red Onion adds a crisp peppery bite that balances the richness of the fries and feta
- Fresh Parsley brings color and freshness to cut through the richness
- Feta Cheese creates the perfect salty finish that makes these fries truly Greek
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare The Oven
- Heat your oven to 425°F to ensure proper crisping of the fries. This high temperature is essential for achieving the golden exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.
- Cut The Potatoes
- Wash potatoes thoroughly but keep the skins on for extra fiber and that rustic texture. Cut them into consistent 1/3-inch sticks, ensuring they're all roughly the same size for even cooking. Keeping them uniform means no undercooked or burnt pieces.
- Soak The Potatoes
- Place cut potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes. This crucial step removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. After soaking, drain them thoroughly and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Any lingering moisture will create steam in the oven and prevent proper crisping.
- Season Generously
- Toss potatoes in olive oil to coat evenly, then add salt, oregano, dried dill, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands to ensure every piece gets covered with this flavorful mixture. The herbs will toast slightly during baking, intensifying their flavor.
- Arrange And Bake
- Line your baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Spread potatoes in a single layer, giving them plenty of space. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each fry carefully to ensure even browning on all sides before returning to the oven for another 6-8 minutes.
- Add The Toppings
- While still hot from the oven, transfer fries to your serving dish and immediately sprinkle with the chopped parsley, red onion, and crumbled feta. The residual heat will slightly warm the toppings and help the feta begin to soften ever so slightly.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the feta cheese gets slightly warm and begins to melt just a tiny bit over the hot fries. My family has a tradition of making these whenever we have a Mediterranean-themed dinner night, and watching everyone dive in for seconds always makes me smile.
Make-Ahead Options
These Greek fries are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can prep ahead to save time. Cut the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance and store them completely submerged in cold water in the refrigerator. This prevents browning while also beginning the starch-removal process. Just be sure to drain and thoroughly dry them before seasoning and baking.
Clever Substitutions
If Yukon Gold potatoes aren't available, Russet potatoes make an excellent substitute but may need a slightly longer baking time due to their starch content. Sweet potatoes can also work for a different flavor profile altogether.
For a dairy-free version, replace the feta with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or dairy-free feta alternative. The herbs and spices will still provide plenty of flavor even without the cheese.
Dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe, but if you have fresh herbs on hand, double the amounts called for and add half with the oil mixture and reserve half for sprinkling on top after baking for bright, fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Greek fries pair beautifully with grilled chicken souvlaki or lamb gyros for an authentic Greek meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a Greek salad and warm pita bread.
For an impressive appetizer spread, offer these fries with a trio of dipping options: classic tzatziki, garlic aioli, and a simple lemon-oregano olive oil. Let guests customize their experience.
The fries also make an excellent base for a Greek-inspired loaded fries dish. Top with shredded rotisserie chicken, extra feta, sliced Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki for a satisfying one-dish meal.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different type of potato for these Greek fries?
Yes! While Yukon Golds provide the perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior, you can substitute with russet potatoes for extra crispiness or red potatoes for a firmer texture. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as different varieties may cook faster or slower.
- → Why soak the potatoes in cold water?
Soaking removes excess starch from the potatoes, which helps them become crispier when baked. The cold water also prevents the potatoes from oxidizing and turning brown before cooking. Don't skip thoroughly drying them afterward for maximum crispiness.
- → Can I make these Greek fries in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size, but they'll turn out deliciously crispy with less oil.
- → What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you're not a fan of feta, try using crumbled goat cheese, grated Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Each will provide a different flavor profile while maintaining that savory topping element.
- → How can I make these fries spicier?
To add heat, incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mixture. Alternatively, drizzle with a spicy aioli or sprinkle with a hot paprika before serving. A dash of hot sauce mixed into tzatziki also creates a wonderful spicy-cool contrast.
- → Can I prepare these Greek fries ahead of time?
For best results, bake the fries just before serving. However, you can cut the potatoes and soak them up to 24 hours in advance (refrigerated in water). The herb and spice mixture can also be prepared ahead. Add toppings only after baking for maximum freshness and texture.