This dish was inspired by one of my favorite restaurants in the city I attend med school! They have amazing feta fries and feta cheese on fries is amazing! The saltiness of the cheese tastes so good with the fries! I highly recommend you try this healthier version of the dish! Even though these fries are baked, they are super crunchy and you will NOT feel disgusting and bloated after (unless you use too much cheese and are lactose intolerant like me, which then... it's worth it for the cheese).
The secret to getting super crunchy french fries with a fluffy inside with baking is brining them beforehand! This allows for some of the starch to be released and broken down, allowing for the fries to become crispy on the outside and remain moist and fluffy on the inside. The brine consists of acid, white vinegar, and salt. I found that this combo allows for the best brining process. I used Russet potatoes. They are known for being great for baking because they become really fluffy on the inside when baked because of their unique starch properties.
It is so important to dry to fries well before baking and also spray them with a little bit of oil. I like using spray oil because it coats them evenly and lightly. I understand not everyone likes using it, so instead toss the fries in 2 tsp of canola oil.
These fries are baked at a very high temperature, 450F. This is important to mimic frying the fries. Frying allows for food to be cooked at a very high heat through direct contact. Ovens work through convection, which is air circulating around the food at a high temperature. In order for convection to have a similar effect to frying, it must be done at a high temperature.
This recipe is so fun to make! You can top it with anything! It is perfect for when you have guests over! Everyone will love you for making something so yummy and NOT super unhealthy! Let me know what you think when you try it out and ENJOY!
mmmmmm yummmyyy