Crispy Baked Garlic Matchstick Fries with Fresh Herbs

Prep: 5 minCook: 25 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Crispy Baked Garlic Matchstick Fries with Fresh Herbs

These crispy oven-baked potato fries are cut into thin matchstick strips and seasoned with garlic powder, then topped with sautéed fresh garlic and optional rosemary. The double garlic treatment creates layers of flavor while the matchstick cut ensures maximum crispiness. Perfect as a side dish for burgers, steaks, or casual dinners when you want something more interesting than regular fries but healthier than deep-fried versions.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, scrubbed clean and dried
    yukon gold potatoes1:1starchy

    slightly different texture

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup olive or avocado oil
  • 1 pinch sea salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    onion powder1:1allium

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    onion powder1:1allium

    different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 1 sprigs fresh rosemary, roughly chopped(optional)
    dried rosemary1:3herb

    use less dried

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 450 degrees

  2. 2

    Chop potatoes into matchsticks by halving, halving once more, then cutting into wedges and then strips

  3. 3

    Line two baking sheets with foil or parchment paper and generously spray with nonstick spray

  4. 4

    Add fries plus oil and seasonings and toss to coat

  5. 5

    Arrange fries in single layer making sure they aren't touching too much

  6. 6

    Bake for 25-35 minutes, tossing at least once to ensure even baking

  7. 7

    In the last 10 minutes of cooking, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil and minced garlic

  8. 8

    Sauté garlic, stirring frequently, until just slightly brown

  9. 9

    Remove garlic from heat and set aside

  10. 10

    When fries are finished, remove from oven, sprinkle again with sea salt, and spoon warm garlic on top

  11. 11

    Toss to coat and serve immediately

  12. 12

    Add rosemary if using

Tips

Tip 1

Make sure fries aren't touching on the baking sheet to ensure even crisping and browning.

Tip 2

Sauté the fresh garlic just until lightly brown to avoid bitterness while developing flavor.

Tip 3

Serve immediately while hot for best texture and crispiness.

Good to Know

Storage

Best served immediately but can be reheated in oven at 400F for 5-7 minutes

Make Ahead

Can prep potatoes and store in water up to 2 hours before cooking

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot and crispy

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcrowd the pan or fries will steam instead of crisp

Watch

Don't burn the garlic or it will taste bitter

Substitutions

olive oil→
vegetable oil1:1neutral

basic substitute

Full guide →
russet potatoes→
yukon gold potatoes1:1starchy

slightly different texture

Full guide →
fresh rosemary→
dried rosemary1:3herb

use less dried

Full guide →
garlic powder→
onion powder1:1allium

different flavor profile

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use other types of potatoes for these fries?

Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content which creates the crispiest exterior, but yukon gold can work as a substitute with slightly different texture.

What if I don't have fresh garlic for the topping?

You can skip the fresh garlic sauté step and just use the garlic powder seasoning, though you'll miss the aromatic fresh garlic flavor.

How long will these keep and can I reheat them?

These are best served immediately but can be stored in refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in a 400F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.