Ingredients:

  • For the Fries:
    • 4 large russet potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch fries
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Pizza Toppings:
    • 1 cup pizza sauce
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
    • 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
    • 1/4 cup diced red onion
    • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
    • 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Equipment:

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Oven
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare the Fries:
    • Wash and peel the potatoes (optional, you can leave the skin on for extra texture). Cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries.
    • Place the cut fries in a large bowl and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
    • In the same bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Bake the Fries:
    • Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  4. Add Pizza Toppings:
    • Remove the fries from the oven and push them closer together on the baking sheet to form a single layer.
    • Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over the fries.
    • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
    • Evenly distribute the pepperoni, green bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and mushrooms over the cheese.
    • Sprinkle dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) on top.
  5. Bake Again:
    • Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
    • Serve hot, optionally with a side of extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips:

  • Crispy Fries: Soaking the potatoes removes starch, ensuring crispier fries. Don’t skip patting them dry.
  • Customization: Feel free to swap toppings for your favorites, like sausage, jalapeños, or extra cheese.
  • Make Ahead: Fries can be prepped and seasoned in advance, stored in the fridge, and baked when ready.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, serves 4):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 15g