Recipe: Oven Baked Fries

I've been on hiatus for 3 weeks caring for our new precious baby, but I'm back! Today I decided to try out oven baked fries again. I've tried them in the past and can't seem to get the recipe right. Actually, it's not the 'recipe' per se, more like the heat and timing!

Here's how they look. Not as crispy brown as I'm hoping for, but I'm getting closer!! I added some notes to the end that I'll use next time around to improve the results. 

Ingredients: 

2 russet potatoes

Olive oil

Salt

Thyme

Ketchup

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425. Prep a dark cookie sheet (browns better) with a thin layer of olive oil. When it gets to about 350, put the cookie sheet in the oven. 

2. Cut the potatoes into 4-5 flat slices long-ways, then cut each slice into 4 stripes. I'd say mine are about 1/4" x 1/4". 

3. Lay the potato strips on paper towel to get excess moisture off the potatoes. Blot off the tops. Mix the potatoes in a bowl with a bit of olive oil and salt. 

4. When the oven is ready, take out the hot pan, and spread the potatoes out so none touch. 

5. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 min, flipping after one side is golden. 

6. Once done, take the fries off the pan and place onto paper towel. Sprinkle with more salt and thyme. Serve with ketchup. 

Observations and Notes:

- I turned up the heat after 10 or 15 minutes, when I flipped them. I went to 450 and think next time I may start at that temp

- I may cut them thinner next time because the thin ends were perfectly crisp!

- My potatoes were a bit older so a tad soft. Fresher potatoes would work better.