Want a french fry recipe for when you’re craving salty and crunchy? Pesto fries are drizzled with a buttery pesto sauce and make a great snack or side dish.
Who doesn’t love a big pile of hot, crispy french fries? They are like a really great little black dress, they go with everything and can be dressed up with a few accessories. The ‘accessories’ for these fries happen to be a delicious parmesan pesto sauce that is drizzled on and then baked in. Sprinkle with more cheese and you’ve got a great dish for this Mitten Movie Night.
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This pesto fries recipe is inspired by a hot dog food truck that we had dinner from at our local energy cooperative customer appreciation day. I was sad that I didn’t get the name of it because if I had, I probably would be following it like a Grateful Dead groupie.
While waiting in line to order the smell coming out of the food truck was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Once I was up to the window I ordered a bacon-wrapped hot dog and for the side, pesto fries. They came out piping hot and loaded with pesto, and cheese and tasted even better than I expected.
I locked the flavors away in my mind and knew that like most wonderful things I eat, I had to come home and recreate this Pesto Fries recipe and pair it with some great craft beer.
Ingredients
This french fries recipe has-
- Frozen French fries. I like to use thin and crispy frozen French fries that I cook in the air fryer. But you can use other types like crinkle, steak, or thick cut.
- Melted butter, prepared pesto, garlic, and parmesan cheese. A simple sauce to drizzle over the hot French fries.
What movie or TV show pairs well with fries and beer?
I’m sure you have probably heard of a little show that is sweeping the horror scene called, The Haunting of Hill House. While Halloween is over, this show will keep you in the creeps for a long time. My recommendation, when you start watching, is to plan for a binge session because you will NOT be able to turn away.
What beer pairs well with pesto fries?
The beer: Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ from Lagunitas.
Lagunitas is a brand that we have on hand at our house fairly regularly. This beer, in particular, is one of my husband’s favorites and can usually be found in a mixed case at Costco with other ones, like Hazy Wonder.
Visit YouTube for a video of how to make these
Pesto Fries
How to make pesto fries step-by-step
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees or to the temperature that is on the package of fries.
On a sheet pan, place parchment paper. Spread the whole bag of frozen french fries to the pan in a single layer.
Cook according to package directions, mine took about 30 minutes flipping halfway through.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, make the pesto sauce that goes on top.
In a heatproof cup or glass measuring cup, melt the butter.
To the melted butter add the minced garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Then the prepared pesto sauce.
Finally, pour in the olive oil. Stir to combine completely.
Take the French fries out of the oven and pour the pesto sauce over the fries. Put back into the oven for 5 minutes.
Take out and serve individually with parmesan-Romano cheese sprinkled on it.
FAQ’s
Can you make the French fries in the air fryer instead of the oven?
Yes. Cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes so that the fries don’t stick to the bottom.
Can I use homemade pesto in this recipe?
Yes. There is a great recipe from Love and Lemons that is one of my favorites to make.
Storage
Place any leftovers in a covered container and refrigerate. Eat within 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 6 minutes. Sprinkle more parmesan on top before serving.
Looking for a dish to serve with these parmesan pesto fries?
And here you are……
From our home in the Bottom Left of the Mitten to yours ~ Enjoy!
Pesto Fries
Equipment
- large baking sheet
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 28 ounce bag of french fries cooked according to package directions
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup parmesan-romano for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees or to the temperature that is on the package of fries.1 28 ounce bag of french fries
- On a sheet pan, place parchment paper. Spread the whole bag of frozen french fries to the pan in a single layer.
- Cook according to package directions, mine took about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, make the pesto sauce that goes on top.
- In a heatproof cup or glass measuring cup, melt the butter.1/4 cup butter
- To the melted butter, add the minced garlic and Parmesan cheese.2 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup parmesan-romano
- Add the prepared pesto sauce.2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
- Finally, pour in the olive oil. Stir to combine completely.1/4 cup olive oil
- Take the french fries out of the oven and pour the pesto sauce over the fries. Put back into the oven for 5 minutes.
- Take out and serve individually with parmesan-romano cheese sprinkled on it. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Tips for making this recipe:
- To store: add to a covered container and refrigerate. Reheat the fries in the oven or air fryer.
Originally published in November of 2018. Updated post in June of 2021.
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Last Updated on April 16, 2023 by Erin@BottomLeftoftheMitten
I love pesto on anything! These fries look amazing!
Thank you, Tayler! I agree pesto does go on everything.
Now these sound amazing! I would have never thought to make something like this, but I love friend and pesto – will be trying soon!
Thank you, Lauren! I hope you like it.
Yum! The combination of pesto, cheese and anything else is win for me! These look delicious – th thanks for sharing 🙂
I agree it’s a great combo. Thank you, Tara.
These fries look delicious! I also love the beer pairing that you suggested to go along with the fries. Sounds like the perfect Friday night!
Thank you, Kelly! Carbs do make Friday even better :’)
OMG, that pesto!! I’ll take hot crispy fries any time… and now I’ve GOT to try them with this pesto!
Thank you so much, Catherine! I hope you enjoy it.
What a great way to make fries! My family is going to love this recipe. I can’t wait to make this to go with our burgers tomorrow night! Excited!
Wonderful, Beth! I hope you all love them.
These are my kind of fries! They turned out perfectly crisp, and the pesto was the perfect gourmet touch. I don’t know why I haven’t been enjoying my fries with pesto until now!
the pesto adds a TON of flavor. Thank you, Amanda!
This sounds amazing – combining fries and pesto! What a fun and delicious side dish for chicken or burgers.
They are perfect with burgers! Thanks, Biana.
I’ve had Parmesan fries but never with pesto added. What a great idea to add some extra flavor!
Yes, the pesto really adds a delicious layer of flavor. Thank you, Lauren!
I love french fries and I love pesto, but I’d never thought of putting them together! Thank you for this great idea, going to try it this week 🙂
I hope you like them! Thank you!