Transform crispy french fries into an irresistible pepperoni pizza fries feast that combines two comfort food favorites!
Quick Answer: Make pepperoni pizza fries by baking seasoned french fries until crispy (20-25 minutes at 425°F), then top with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. Return to oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and pepperoni crisps.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Appetizer/Main Dish
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American Fusion
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: None
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect crispy-cheesy texture with classic pizza flavors
- Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work
- Great for game day, parties, or casual dinners
- More budget-friendly than ordering delivery
- Easily customizable with different toppings
Quick Benefits
Pepperoni pizza fries deliver the best of both worlds – crispy potato base loaded with melty cheese, zesty sauce, and crispy pepperoni. Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 26 oz frozen fries
- 24 oz jar tomato sauce
- 10-15 slices pepperoni
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, divided
Instructions
- Cook the frozen fries according to package instructions. For best results, use an air fryer or your preferred method.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, pour in the tomato sauce and heat until warmed through.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomato sauce and season with half of the Italian seasoning.
- Layer the pepperoni slices evenly on top of the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the cheese to melt fully. Meanwhile, place the cooked fries in a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Transfer the seasoned fries to a serving platter, laying them out in a single layer. Carefully pour the warm sauce, melted cheese, and pepperoni mixture evenly over the fries. Serve warm.
You Must Know
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – fries need space to crisp
- Pat frozen fries dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness
- Use pre-shredded cheese for faster melting
- Watch closely during final bake to prevent burning
- Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving to prevent cheese burns
Serving Suggestions
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Caesar salad on the side
- Cold beer or Italian soda
- Garlic knots
- Extra marinara sauce for dipping
Creative Variations
- Supreme style: add bell peppers, onions, and olives
- BBQ chicken: swap marinara for BBQ sauce and use chicken instead of pepperoni
- Mexican style: use taco seasoning and top with Mexican cheese blend
- Buffalo style: add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles
Cultural Notes
This fusion dish combines American-style loaded fries with Italian pizza toppings. While not traditional to either cuisine, it represents the creative comfort food innovations popular in modern American casual dining and food truck culture.
Pro Tips
- Use thick-cut fries for better structure
- Layer cheese both under and over toppings
- Broil for 1 minute at the end for extra crispy tops
- Use pizza-style mozzarella for best melting
- Season fries while hot for better flavor absorption
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade fries for pepperoni pizza fries?
A: Yes, fresh-cut fries work great! Double-fry them for extra crispiness.
Q: How do I prevent the fries from getting soggy?
A: Use less sauce and ensure fries are crispy before adding toppings.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, cook fries at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, then add toppings and cook 3-4 minutes more.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Not recommended as the texture will suffer significantly.
Health Benefits
While pepperoni pizza fries are an indulgent treat, you can make them healthier by using oven-baked fries, part-skim mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni. Adding vegetable toppings increases nutritional value while maintaining great flavor.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 520 • Carbs: 45g • Protein: 22g • Fat: 28g • Sodium: 980mg
Notes
For best results, serve immediately while cheese is hot and fries are crispy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Pepperoni Pizza Fries
Transform crispy french fries into an irresistible pepperoni pizza fries feast that combines two comfort food favorites!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, serve immediately while cheese is hot and fries are crispy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.