Easy Oven French Fries

Easy Oven French Fries

When it comes to enjoying a crispy, golden fry, nothing beats the satisfaction of making them at home. Homemade oven french fries are not only delicious but also a healthier, more sustainable option compared to processed, deep-fried alternatives. Here’s why you should swap drive-thru fries for these easy, homemade oven fries by Julie Pace, RDN:

The Benefits of Making Homemade Oven French Fries

Healthier Ingredients

  • Avocado Oil: Unlike the industrial oils used in processed fries, avocado oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and has a high smoke point, making it perfect for baking.
  • Russet Potatoes: You’re in control of the potatoes you use. Russet potatoes are a great choice for their fluffy texture and high nutritional content, including potassium and fiber.

Lower in Unhealthy Fats

  • Traditional deep-fried fries are soaked in unhealthy trans fats or industrial seed oils, which can contribute to inflammation and heart disease. Baking your fries in the oven with avocado oil significantly reduces unhealthy fat content while preserving flavor and crispiness.

No Hidden Additives

  • Store-bought or restaurant fries often come with preservatives, artificial flavorings, and excess sodium. By making fries at home, you know exactly what’s going into your food—simple, natural, and wholesome ingredients.

Customizable to Your Taste

  • With this recipe, you can season your fries exactly how you like. Julie Pace’s mix of oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne offers a flavorful twist. You can adjust the spices to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Family-Friendly and Fun

  • Making oven fries at home can be a fun, interactive activity with kids or family members. It’s an opportunity to bond and enjoy a healthier, homemade treat together.

Nutritional Advantages of Oven French Fries

Homemade oven fries are baked instead of fried, drastically cutting down on calories and unhealthy fats while retaining the satisfying crunch and flavor you love. Here’s how they compare:

AspectHomemade Oven FriesProcessed Fries
CaloriesLower (less oil used)Higher (deep frying)
FatsHealthy fats (avocado)Unhealthy trans fats
AdditivesNonePreservatives, flavors
SodiumModerate (adjustable)Often excessively high

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Easy Oven Fries recipe is thoughtfully crafted to combine nutrition and flavor. The use of simple techniques like soaking the potatoes to remove excess starch and seasoning with a flavorful spice blend ensures the perfect texture and taste. Plus, baking at a high temperature delivers a crispy exterior with a tender interior, rivaling any deep-fried version.

Pro Tips for Perfect Homemade Fries

  • Soak and Dry Thoroughly: Soaking the potato slices removes excess starch, which helps achieve a crispy texture. Be sure to dry them completely before seasoning.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between the fries for even baking and crispier edges.
  • Experiment with Dips: Pair these fries with healthier dipping options like guacamole, hummus, or Greek yogurt-based sauces.

Why I Love These French Fries

Homemade oven fries are a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make alternative to processed, deep-fried options. By using wholesome ingredients and simple techniques, this recipe lets you enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that’s better for your body and the planet. So, preheat your oven, grab your russet potatoes, and treat yourself to a batch of these crispy, golden delights!

Healthy, homemade oven-baked french fries perfectly seasoned and featured on a plate.

Easy Oven French Fries

Julie Pace, RDN
Coated with avocado oil and baked in the oven, these perfectly seasoned fries have the best taste and texture on the inside and out.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, plant-based, vegan
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium russet potatoes washed, peeled, and evenly sliced into 1/4 inch fries
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil

Instructions
 

  • Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge sliced potatoes in it. Let sit for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  • Rinse, drain and dry potatoes with a paper towel.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking pan with unbleached, compostable parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Place potatoes in a dry bowl. Drizzle oil evenly over potatoes. Next, sprinkle potatoes with oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and pepper. Stir potatoes with fork or wooden spoon to make sure they are coated evenly.
  • Transfer potatoes to baking pan leave space between each one.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, then flip potatoes to bake another 15 minutes or until desired crispiness.
  • Remove fro oven. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to plate and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Keyword baked fries, french fries, oven fries
Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob

Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob

Julie Pace, RDN
Sweet, fresh corn on the cob rubbed in homemade herb butter always makes a flavorful, crowd pleasing side dish. Whether its oven-roasted or cooked on the grill, it's always delicious.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, plant-based, vegan
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ears fresh sweet yellow corn on the cob
  • 2 tbsp plant-based butter, softened I used Smart Balance
  • 1 tsp rosemary leaves
  • 1 tsp thyme leaves
  • 1 tsp parsley leaves
  • 2 tsp fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Remove the husks and corn silk.
  • Add the herbs to the softened butter. Mix well.
  • Rub the herb butter on the ears of corn.
  • Place on baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning ears over halfway through cooking.
Keyword corn on the cob recipe, oven roasted corn
Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon Salsa

Julie Pace, RDN
This delicious and refreshing watermelon salsa is quick and easy to make. It's made with sweet watermelon, jalapeno peppers, cucumbers, onions, and avocados. Add in cilantro, mint leaves, and zest of lime & juice for more flavor.
Course healthy snack, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine plant-based, vegan
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups seedless watermelon, diced
  • 2 medium fresh jalapeno peppers, finely diced de-seed
  • 2 medium avocado, diced peeled
  • 1 cup red onion, diced
  • 2 medium seedless cucumbers, diced peeled

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients to a bowl. Toss well and enjoy.

Notes

Optional- Add in 3/4 cup cilantro leaves and/or 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves with zest and juice of one lime.
Keyword salad, watermelon
Easy Apple Pie Bites

Easy Apple Pie Bites

Love the rich, warm flavors of apple pie but want to skip the extra sugar and fat? This Apple Pie Bites Recipe is the perfect solution! Made with flaky phyllo shells and filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, this recipe gives you all the indulgent taste of traditional apple pie in a healthier, bite-sized form. Best of all, they’re ready in just 15 minutes, making them a quick and guilt-free snack or dessert.

Why Make These Apple Pie Bites?

  1. Healthier Alternative: By swapping traditional pie crust for phyllo shells and reducing sugar, these bites are lower in calories and fat.
  2. Quick & Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep and cook time, this recipe is ideal for busy schedules or sweet cravings.
  3. Versatile Treat: Enjoy these apple pie bites as a healthy dessert, a sweet snack, or a delightful addition to any gathering.

Ingredients For this Apple Pie Bites Recipe

  • Apples: Honeycrisp apples bring natural sweetness and crisp texture.
  • Spices: Ground cinnamon adds warmth, and lemon zest brightens the flavor.
  • Sweetener: Organic brown sugar or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
  • Phyllo Shells: Light and flaky, these shells keep the bites perfectly portioned.

Instructions:

  1. Dice apples and combine with cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon zest, sweetener, and vanilla in a skillet. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
  2. Bake phyllo shells at 325°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them.
  3. Fill each shell with the warm apple mixture.
  4. Optional: Top with chopped pecans or dairy-free whipped cream. Serve and enjoy!

Why I Love This Apple Pie Bites Recipe

These apple pie bites are the perfect way to satisfy your dessert cravings without all the excess sugar and fat. With natural ingredients and a quick prep time, they’re an easy and delicious option for any occasion. Try them today and enjoy the comforting flavors of apple pie—minus the extra sugar and calories!

Want to learn more about plant-based or vegan nutrition? Contact Julie Pace, RDN for personalized guidance on how to transition to more plant-based eating.

A plate of flaky phyllo cups filled with apple pie filling, ready to serve as a healthy dessert.

Easy Apple Pie Bites

Julie Pace, RDN
These flavorful, flaky phyllo shells filled with warm cinnamon apples taste just like an apple pie, but with less calories, fat, and sugar. Ready to eat in 15 minutes or less which makes them a quick and healthy snack or dessert.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine plant-based, vegan
Servings 7

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium apples, diced I used Honeycrisp, Organic
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 Tsp cinnamon, ground
  • 2 tso lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup organic brown sugar if needed, can substitute for 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 pkg Phyllo shells I used Athens

Instructions
 

  • Core and dice apples.
  • Heat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Heat a skillet to low heat and add apples, cornstarch , cinnamon, lemon zest, brown sugar, and vanilla.
  • Let simmer, stirring frequently until mixture thickens and is well combine.
  • Place phyllo cups in the oven on baking pan for 3-4 minutes until crisp. Remove from oven.
  • In each shell, fill the apple pie mixture and enjoy!
  • Optional- Top with chopped pecans or dairy free whipped cream.
Keyword apple pie, apples

Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic

Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic

Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic

Julie Pace, RDN
A quick, easy and delicious side dish that's ready in 15 minutes or less. It's made with 4 simple ingredients including fresh asparagus, fresh garlic, lemon, and pepper.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound asparagus spears fresh
  • 2 tbsp olive oil can use water instead
  • 3 -4 cloves fresh garlic, choped
  • 1/2 lemon juice and/or zest
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place saute skillet over medium heat.
  • Add in olive oil or vegan butter.
  • Add asparagus and saute 3-5 minutes.
  • Saute until done to likeness or slightly tender.
  • Add chopped garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
  • Add lemon juice or zest and saute for one minute.
  • Remove from heat and enjoy!
  • Optional, sprinkle with vegan parmesan, if desired.
Keyword Asparagus, gluten free