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Pepperoni Pizza Fries

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Name: Ultimate Loaded Pepperoni Pizza Fries
Total Time: 55 minutes (25 minutes active, 30 minutes baking)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Yield: Serves 4-6 as a shareable appetizer or indulgent main

Introduction: Where Pizza Meets Fries in Crispy, Cheesy Harmony

Forget choosing between pizza and fries. This Ultimate Loaded Pepperoni Pizza Fries recipe is the glorious, shareable hybrid you didn’t know you needed. Imagine a bed of perfectly crispy, golden fries, layered with rich pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and classic pizza toppings, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the ultimate game-day snack, party centerpiece, or fun Friday night dinner. Customizable and crowd-pleasing, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a crispy, cheesy, deeply satisfying masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Fries Base:

  • 2 lbs (about 900g) russet potatoes, scrubbed

  • 3 tablespoons high-heat oil (like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)

  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pizza Toppings:

  • 1 cup (250g) good-quality pizza sauce

  • 2 cups (225g) shredded whole-milk, low-moisture mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 5 oz (140g) sliced pepperoni

  • ½ cup (75g) sliced black olives (optional)

  • ½ cup (75g) sliced green bell pepper (optional)

  • ¼ cup (35g) sliced red onion (optional)

For Finishing & Serving:

  • ¼ cup (10g) fresh basil or parsley, chopped

  • Crushed red pepper flakes

  • Ranch or garlic aioli for dipping (optional)

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet (half-sheet pan)

  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (highly recommended)

  • Sharp knife or mandoline slicer (for consistent fries)

  • Large mixing bowl

  • Paper towels or clean kitchen towels

  • Cheese grater (if grating your own cheese—highly recommended for meltability)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Season the Fries (Time: 15 minutes | Intensity: Medium)

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to a high 425°F (220°C). This high heat is crucial for crispy fries. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Cut the Fries: Slice the scrubbed potatoes into ¼ to ½-inch thick fries. For best results, aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. You can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.

  3. Dry & Season: This is the secret to crispiness. Pat the cut fries completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with the oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly and thoroughly coated.

Step 2: First Bake – Crisping the Base (Time: 25 minutes | Intensity: Low)

Spread the seasoned fries in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd; use two sheets if necessary. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown, crisp on the outside, and tender inside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Layers (Time: 7 minutes | Intensity: Low)

  1. Sauce: Remove the pan from the oven. Immediately and carefully spoon dollops of pizza sauce over the hot fries. Gently spread it into a thin, somewhat uneven layer—you want saucy pockets, not complete coverage.

  2. Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the saucy fries, followed by the grated Parmesan.

  3. Toppings: Artfully scatter the pepperoni slices (for extra flavor and curl, try placing some upright between fries) and any other desired veggie toppings (olives, peppers, onions) over the cheese.

Step 4: Second Bake – Melting & Browning (Time: 8 minutes | Intensity: Low)

Return the loaded pan to the oven. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or just until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starting to develop golden spots. Watch closely to avoid burning the pepperoni.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish & Serve (Time: 5 minutes | Intensity: Low)

Remove the pizza fries from the oven. LET THEM REST for 3-5 minutes. This allows the molten cheese to set slightly, preventing a scalding, messy first bite. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately right on the baking sheet (placed on a trivet) or transfer to a platter with dipping sauces on the side.

Chef’s Notes & Pro-Tips for Success

  • The Potato Secret: Russets are king for fluffy interiors. For even faster prep, you can use a 28-32 oz bag of high-quality frozen french fries (extra crispy style works great). Prepare them according to the package directions for crispiness before adding toppings.

  • Maximize Crispiness: The double-bake method is non-negotiable. The first bake ensures the fries are cooked through and crisp before the moisture-heavy toppings are added.

  • Cheese Matters: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder meltability. For the ultimate gooey, stretchy cheese pull, buy a block of mozzarella and grate it yourself.

  • Customize Your Loadout: Make it a “Supreme” by adding cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, and jalapeños. Go “Hawaiian” with ham and pineapple tidbits. For a “Margherita” twist, use fresh mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes after baking.

  • Make-Ahead & Storage: You can cut and season the fries a few hours ahead, keeping them covered in water in the fridge (dry thoroughly before tossing with oil). Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in an air fryer or toaster oven to regain crispness.

Nutrition Information (Per serving, based on 6 servings, with all optional veggies)

  • Calories: ~520 kcal

  • Total Fat: 34g (Saturated Fat: 13g)

  • Cholesterol: 65mg

  • Sodium: 1180mg (Note: Sodium content is significant due to pepperoni, cheese, and sauce. You can reduce-sodium ingredients to lower this.)

  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g

  • Dietary Fiber: 4g

  • Sugars: 4g

  • Protein: 20g

Nutritional information is an estimate provided by a recipe calculator. Actual values will vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact quantities used, and customizations.

The Final Serve: More Than Just a Snack

This Ultimate Loaded Pepperoni Pizza Fries recipe is a celebration of comfort food fusion. It takes the universal joy of crispy potatoes and layers it with the beloved flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza, creating a dish that’s inherently fun, communal, and deeply satisfying. The careful process—from drying the potatoes to the double-bake method—ensures a textural triumph where every bite offers a perfect balance: the sturdy crunch of the fry, the tangy-sweet sauce, the stretchy cheese, and the spicy, salty punch of pepperoni. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and the easiest way to become the hero of any casual gathering. Just be warned: once you serve these, you’ll be asked to make them again and again.

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