Pizza Fries: The Ultimate Comfort Food Combo!

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Crispy fries topped with rich pizza sauce, melted cheeses, and pepperoni—perfect for any gathering!

Introduction: When Two Comfort Food Legends Collide

In the world of comfort food, French fries and pizza are reigning champions. What happens when you combine the crispy, salty, golden crunch of fries with the gooey, cheesy, saucy delight of pizza? You get Pizza Fries—a dish that is indulgent, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.

This fun and flavorful fusion is perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to game-day parties or a movie night snack. It’s also a genius way to use up leftover fries or pizza toppings in your fridge. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, Pizza Fries deliver a perfect balance of savory flavors, crispy textures, and cheesy comfort in every bite.

 Ingredients (Serves 4)

To create this irresistible dish, you’ll need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Most of these you probably already have in your kitchen!

Fries Base:

  • 2 lbs (about 900g) frozen French fries
    You can use crinkle-cut, shoestring, waffle, or steak fries. Just make sure they’re crispy and golden after baking or frying.

Pizza Sauce:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) tomato purée (passata)

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

These ingredients form a quick, flavorful pizza sauce that ties the dish together.

Toppings:

  • ¾ cup (75g) shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 15 slices pepperoni (or more if you like it meatier!)

  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Optional toppings: black olives, jalapeños, red onion, mushrooms, or cooked sausage for variety and customization.

 Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pizza Fries

Let’s break down each stage of the process to help you craft the ultimate tray of cheesy, melty, saucy Pizza Fries.

 Step 1: Prepare the Fries

Estimated Time: 20–25 minutes (or per package instructions)

  • Preheat your oven to the temperature stated on the French fries package—typically around 425°F (220°C).

  • Spread the fries evenly on a large baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them; you want each fry to get crispy.

  • Bake for the recommended time, usually 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

  • Optional: For extra crispy fries, cook them a few minutes longer or use an air fryer.

Pro Tip: Crispier fries hold up better under all the sauce and toppings.

 Step 2: Make the Quick Pizza Sauce

Estimated Time: 5 minutes

While the fries are baking, whip up a quick pizza sauce:

  1. In a small bowl, combine:

    • ½ cup tomato purée

    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

    • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  2. Stir well until fully blended.

  3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a touch of sugar for sweetness.

Pro Tip: Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

 Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Fries

Estimated Time: 5 minutes

Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven.

  1. Transfer the fries to an oven-safe baking tray if needed.

  2. Drizzle or spoon the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the hot fries.

  3. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the sauced fries.

  4. Scatter the sliced bell pepper across the tray.

  5. Add the remaining cheese over the top for a gooey, cheesy finish.

  6. Arrange pepperoni slices generously on top of everything.

Pro Tip: Layering the cheese ensures every fry gets cheesy goodness in every bite.

 Step 4: Bake to Melt and Bubble

Estimated Time: 10 minutes

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if not already hot.

  • Place the tray of assembled fries in the oven.

  • Bake for 10 minutes, or until:

    • Cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

    • Pepperoni edges are crisp.

    • Bell peppers are tender.

Optional: Switch the oven to broil mode for the last minute for an extra bubbly and golden top.

 Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven:

  • Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top.

  • Serve hot and gooey, straight from the tray, or transfer to individual plates.

Optional: Serve with a side of ranch, garlic mayo, or extra pizza sauce for dipping.

 Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

 Calories

  • Per Serving (1 of 4): Approximately 650 kcal
    This will vary depending on the type of fries and amount of cheese or toppings you use.

 Tips for the Best Pizza Fries

Here’s how to elevate your Pizza Fries from great to unforgettable:

1. Use Extra Crispy Fries

Whether baked or fried, make sure your fries are golden and crisp. Soggy fries = soggy pizza fries.

2. Mix Cheese Types

Mozzarella gives you gooey stretch, while cheddar adds flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or provolone.

3. Don’t Overload Sauce

Too much sauce can make the fries soggy. A light, even layer does the trick.

4. Customize Your Toppings

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Try:

  • Veggies: Mushrooms, jalapeños, spinach, onions, olives

  • Proteins: Crumbled sausage, ground beef, bacon bits

  • Cheese: Parmesan, gouda, or even blue cheese for extra flavor

5. Serve Immediately

Like all fries, this dish is best eaten fresh and hot, when the fries are still crispy and the cheese is gooey.

 Serving Ideas

Pizza Fries are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve them:

  • Game Day Snack: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser during football season or Super Bowl parties.

  • Movie Night: A step up from popcorn—kids and adults will both devour them.

  • Casual Dinner: Serve with a side salad to balance the indulgence.

  • Potluck Hit: Bring a tray of Pizza Fries to your next gathering and watch them disappear.

 Can You Make Ahead or Reheat?

Make-Ahead Tips:

  • Fries: Bake them in advance and store in the fridge. Reheat in oven or air fryer before assembling.

  • Sauce: Prepare the pizza sauce up to 3 days in advance and keep in the fridge.

Reheating:

  • Best reheated in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and warm. Avoid the microwave, which makes the fries soggy.

Final Thoughts: Pizza Fries = Pure Joy

Pizza Fries are a celebration of all things indulgent and comforting. They’re perfect for sharing (or not), incredibly fun to eat, and easy to customize. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a late-night snack, or simply combining your two favorite foods, this dish will become a go-to recipe.

Next time you reach for frozen fries, think bigger—think Pizza Fries.

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