If you are looking for a quick and easy snack or an easy side dish then look no further. These sliced potato cottage fries are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Delicious served with your favorite dip and ready within 30 minutes.
This has been a long-standing favorite snack of mine as it's so simple to make and can easily be adapted to include the flavors that I am craving at the time. Cottage fries also make a tasty appetizer, or side dish, and are always great for game day or family gatherings served with dip.
If you are looking for delicious dishes and snacks to serve at gatherings you will also love this Mississippi mud potatoes dish which is the ultimate comfort food, or these French fried onions, gluten free sausage rolls and Chapli kababs which also go really well served with a dip.
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⭐ Why we love this recipe
- Simple and easy to make - No need for any high-end kitchen tools for this recipe, and it's incredibly easy to prepare.
- Healthier option - looking for a healthier swap for your regular french fries or fried potatoes these baked cottage chips are a great choice.
- Easy side dish or snack - They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or as a snack.
- Comfort food - Perfect to serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a cozy night in or movie night.
- Gluten free & dairy free - These crispy cottage fries are naturally gluten and dairy free.
What are Cottage fries?
Cottage fries are a healthy alternative to home-fried potatoes that are deep-fried as they are baked in the oven. Usually sliced into thin potato rounds or wedges and coated with seasoning they are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Why they are called cottage fries is a bit hazy some say it is thought to have originated from the fact that they were commonly served in rural, cottage-style restaurants or diners others say it is due to the fact that they are shaped like cottage roof shingles.
📋 Ingredients Notes
- Large Potatoes - Cottage fries are at their best when using starchy potatoes. I used Maris Piper potatoes to make sliced potato fries but you can use your preferred starchy potato.
- Olive oil - Used to coat the sliced potato fries. You can also use your preferred oil.
- Dried herbs - This provides flavor. I used a mix of thyme, oregano, and rosemary. I have included other flavor variations that work well, See variations below.
- Salt and pepper - Use kosher salt and black pepper
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and measurements.
⚡ Substitutions & Variations
This recipe is easily adaptable to make various flavors of home fries. I have included a few suggestions that I have made in the past.
- Spicy - Add little chili flakes to make a spicy cottage fry.
- Garlic - If you are a fan of garlic add ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Piri Piri - We do love adding piri piri seasoning and you could add ¼ teaspoon of piri piri seasoning.
- Parsley - We usually always garnish with chopped parsley after they have been removed from the oven.
This recipe is easily adapted for you to use your preferred spices or herbs. I would love to hear in the comments if you tried the recipe using other flavors.
What's the best type of potato to use?
When making baked cottage fries it is preferred to use a starchy potato. Starchy potatoes are best used for baking and frying. They produce an even golden color on the outside and remain fluffy on the outside due to the high starch content.
Some varieties of starchy potatoes
- Maris Pipers - has a dry and floury texture, which makes it ideal for a variety of dishes such as these cottage chips, roast potatoes, and mashed potatoes. Maris Piper potatoes have creamy white flesh and a golden skin that is relatively smooth
- Russet potatoes - are starchy potatoes, which means that they have a high starch content and a dry, fluffy texture when cooked. This makes them perfect for baking, mashing, and frying. Russet potatoes are known for their brown, rough skin and white flesh.
- King Edward - has a fluffy texture and a rich, buttery flavor, which makes them a favorite for many people. They are a popular variety of potatoes for roasting, boiling, and making potato chips. King Edward potatoes have light red skin and creamy white flesh, with a slightly waxy texture.
- Desiree - has a rich, buttery flavor and a fluffy texture and is commonly used for cooking and baking. Desiree potatoes have smooth, red skin and creamy yellow flesh.
Potatoes provide important nutrients like carbohydrates, dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Potatoes are a good source of antioxidants, especially when consumed with the skin. Just another great reason to make these fries!
🔪 Step by Step Instructions
Below is a brief step-by-step process with photos of how to make Cottage fries. See the recipe card below for more detailed recipe instructions.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas mark 7. Slice the potatoes evenly approx. ¼ Inch thick and pat dry with kitchen paper (See image 1).
Step 2: Place the potato slices into a large bowl and add the olive oil. With your hand mix the potatoes in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the oil. Add the dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the potato slices and mix well until they are all evenly coated (See image 2).
Tip: If you prefer your sliced potatoes a little thicker you can slice them ½ inch thick.
Step 3: Lay the potato slices flat on a lightly greased baking sheet and place them in the oven for 10-15 minutes (See image 3). You may need to use two baking trays dependent on the size of your potatoes.
Step 4: Carefully remove and turn over the potato slices and place them back in the oven for a further 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Tip: The time needed in the oven will depend on how thick the potatoes have been sliced. If they require a little longer in the oven continue to flip the potato fry until they are crispy on the outside but you still want them to be soft and fluffy on the inside.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Cottage potatoes go really well with Ketchup, Garlic dip, favorite dressing, Sour cream & onion dip.
💡 Pro Recipe Tips
- Tip #1: Use a sharp knife to make it easier to get clean even slices of potato rounds.
- Tip #2: If slicing the potatoes ahead of time place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent the potatoes from spoiling.
- Tip #3: Be sure to pat dry the sliced potatoes with kitchen paper or a clean kitchen towel before adding the oil and seasonings. Drying the potatoes will remove any excess moisture on the surface of the potato this can result in potatoes that are not as crispy on the outside and may take longer to cook through.
- Tip #4: Lightly greasing the baking sheet is important because it helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the surface of the sheet during the cooking process. If you skip this step the potato slices will stick to the baking sheet making it harder to turn halfway through cooking and they may break apart or tear, resulting in them being unevenly cooked.
🍔 What to serve with cottage fries
Cottage fried potatoes are so versatile and can be served as a snack with whipped feta dip or your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish that can be served with a wide range of main courses.
Some suggested options for serving with round fries
- Burgers - Fries are a classic side dish for burgers, whether they're beef, chicken, veggie, or even with my chapli kababs.
- Sandwiches - Can be served alongside sandwiches of all kinds, from grilled cheese to club sandwiches.
- Fried chicken - Fries are a classic side dish for fried chicken and the crispy texture of the fries pairs well with the crunchy exterior of the chicken.
- Gluten free Cauliflower cheese - Serving alongside cauliflower cheese makes for a hearty comfort food family meal that is also vegetarian. Perfect for meat-free Mondays!
- Salads - The cottage Fries can also be served as a fun and unexpected addition to a summer salad, providing a crispy texture and flavor. See my gluten free picnic recipes for some more ideas.
- Steak bakes - They are a great accompaniment for savory hand pies as they also make the perfect finger food.
❓ Recipe FAQs
Yes to make air fryer cottage fries follow the recipe as directed and place them in the air fryer shaking halfway through.
Homemade cottage fries are gluten free, dairy free, vegan, and whole 30. Be sure to check the label of any seasoning used to be sure it is suitable for your diet.
Yes, this recipe is easily adapted to suit your tastebuds. I have also added some flavor variations above if you are looking for a little inspiration.
Yes, If you require a larger amount of cottage fries you can scale up and double the recipe as required but you will require additional baking sheets. For a smaller batch, you can half the recipe quantity. Bake in the oven as directed in the recipe card.
🍟 More snack and side dishes
📖 Recipe
Sliced Potato Cottage Fries
Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and all information is approximate.
Equipment
- Baking sheet/Tray (lightly greased or lined with parchment paper)
- Sharp Knife
- Large bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients for homemade cottage fries
- 4-5 Large Potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
- ½ Teaspoon Dried herbs
- ⅛ Teaspoon Salt (large pinch)
- ⅛ Teaspoon Ground pepper
Instructions
How to make homemade cottage fries
- Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas mark 7
- Slice the potatoes evenly approx. ¼ inch thick and pat dry with kitchen paper.
- Place the potato slices into a large bowl and add the olive oil. With your hand mix the potatoes in the bowl until they are evenly coated with the oil.
- Add the dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the potato slices and mix well until they are all evenly coated.
- Lay the potato slices flat on a lightly greased baking sheet and place them in the oven for 10-15 minutes. ( You may need to use two baking trays dependent on the size of your potatoes).
- Carefully remove and turn over the potato slices and place them back in the oven for a further 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve with your favorite dip and enjoy.
Notes
- Spicy - Add a little chilli flakes to make a spicy cottage fry.
- Garlic - If you are a fan of garlic add ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Piri Piri - We do love adding Piri Piri seasoning and you could add ¼ teaspoon of Piri Piri seasoning.
- Parsley - We usually always garnish with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is meant as a guideline and is always an approximate calculation. Recipes may include information of various products used. It is your responsibility to check that ingredients you use when making a recipe are gluten free.
I hope you enjoyed this sliced potato fries recipe.
Kat says
I love how easy they are to make!