Recipe Feature: Homemade French Fries

I LOVE homemade fries... when you cut 'em small and fry 'em up in oil...nothing better. HOWEVER, there are serious drawbacks to this method... smelly house, fatty food, cooking fries in small batches so they don't stay hot, dangerous cooking conditions. For those reasons I rarely make the effort. Last week, however, I decided to do things a little differently. I baked AND grilled some fries to compare methods. They come out differently than regular frying, but just as good and a great way to go.


PREP: I sliced the potatoes thin and wide so they wouldn't fall as easily in the grill. Coat in olive oil and season with a seasoned salt, pepper and paprika.

TO BAKE: Spread seasoned potatoes on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for ~30-40 mins. Flip halfway.

TO GRILL: Cook on medium indirect heat on the grill, 10-15 mins or until done. Flip halfway. Keep an eye on them throughout.

RESULTS: The grilled fries had a nice texture to them, were not as greasy and had a nice grill flavor. However, it is really easy to burn the outsides before they are cooked through, which does not taste so good. The baked fries were yummy yummy because none burned - more consistent. If you want that added grill flavor and texture, I would recommend baking them partially then finishing off on the grill. If you're good at grilling, you probably don't have to do this.

Bottom Line: A GREAT alternative to frying your french fries - tasty, healthier, easier, safer, less stinky.