Crispy Garlic Parmesan Bread Fries
Scooped straight from the pan, these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Bread Fries are golden, crunchy strips of white bread brushed with garlic butter and coated in salty Parmesan. Serve them hot from the baking sheet with marinara for dipping. The whole recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Bread Fries Ingredients
- 8 slices white sandwich bread — Plain white sandwich bread bakes up light and crisp on the outside while staying soft in the center. Cut the slices into thick strips so the fries hold their shape.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted) — Melted butter carries the garlic and seasonings and helps the bread turn golden. Melt it fully so it coats the strips evenly.
- 2 tbsp olive oil — Olive oil adds richness and helps the coating cling to the bread without burning in the oven.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) — Fresh minced garlic gives the bold, savory flavor this dish is known for. Mince it finely so it spreads through the butter.
- 1 tsp garlic powder — Garlic powder adds an even, toasty garlic note that reinforces the fresh garlic.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning — Italian seasoning brings classic herbal flavor that pairs well with Parmesan.
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano — Oregano adds a slightly sharp, earthy note that rounds out the herbs.
- 1/2 tsp paprika — Paprika adds mild warmth and a rich golden color to the crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt — Salt seasons the bread and brings out the flavor of the cheese and garlic.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper — Black pepper adds gentle heat that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan — Parmesan provides the salty, nutty flavor and the cheesy crust. It is divided between the coating and the final topping.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley — Chopped fresh parsley is added at the end for color and a bright, clean finish.
How To Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Bread Fries
- Cut the bread and mix the garlic butter. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut each bread slice into thick strips about 1 inch wide so they bake at the same rate. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture looks uniform. Thin strips dry out and brown too fast, so keep them thick.
- Coat the bread strips. Add the bread strips and half of the grated Parmesan to the garlic butter mixture. Toss gently until every strip is evenly coated, lifting the strips from the bottom of the bowl so the butter reaches all sides. Pro Tip: I’d work quickly once the strips are coated. If they sit in the butter too long, they become soggy and heavy instead of crisp.
- Arrange on the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange the seasoned bread strips in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Crowded strips steam instead of crisping, so use two sheets if needed. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake until golden and crispy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are golden and crisp. Watch the last few minutes, since the Parmesan can darken quickly. Pro Tip: Pull the pan out once the cheese is deep golden, not dark brown, to avoid bitterness. Garnish and serve. Scatter the chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan over the hot fries. Serve right away while they are at their crispiest.
How To Serve And Store
Serve these fries warm with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping. They also pair well with a simple green salad or a bowl of soup.
In The Fridge
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 4 to 5 minutes to bring back some crunch. Microwaving makes them soft.
In The Freezer
These fries are not recommended for freezing, because the bread becomes soft and chewy when thawed. It is best to make only what you plan to eat the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make these ahead of time?
You can cut the bread and mix the garlic butter up to 4 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Coat and bake them just before serving so the strips stay crisp.
Why are my bread fries soggy?
Soggy fries usually mean the strips were crowded on the pan, left sitting in the butter too long, or cut too thin. Use a single layer with space between each strip, coat them quickly, and keep the slices thick.
How do I know when they are done?
They are done when the edges are golden and crisp and the Parmesan has melted into a browned crust. The fries should feel firm, not squishy, when you press one lightly.
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- Ham and Swiss Fried Zucchini Stacks Recipe
Follow Hailee Recipes on Pinterest for more easy weeknight sides you can make with pantry staples. Follow Hailee Recipes on Pinterest
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Bread Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the bread slices into thick, even strips. Whisk the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Toss the bread strips with the garlic butter mixture and half of the grated Parmesan until evenly coated, then work quickly.
- Arrange the seasoned bread fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between strips, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crispy. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve right away.
