Name: Pizza Fries Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 900 g (2 lbs) oven chips or fries (store-bought or homemade); 120 ml (½ cup) passata (tomato puree for US); 2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste for US); 1 tsp dried oregano (reserve a pinch for topping); ½ tsp dried thyme; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 75 g (¾ cup) grated cheddar cheese; 100 g (1 cup) grated mozzarella cheese; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 15 slices pepperoni; Small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Pizza fries combine crispy oven-baked chips with melted mozzarella, cheddar cheese, pepperoni, and a seasoned tomato sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for game day, party snacks, or a quick family dinner. Made in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, these loaded fries deliver classic pizza flavor with minimal prep. Customize with your favorite toppings like bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños for a fast and flavorful meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

900 g (2 lbs) oven chips or fries (store-bought or homemade)
120 ml (½ cup) passata (tomato puree for US)
2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste for US)
1 tsp dried oregano (reserve a pinch for topping)
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
75 g (¾ cup) grated cheddar cheese
100 g (1 cup) grated mozzarella cheese
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
15 slices pepperoni
Small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven and spread the chips in a single layer on a large baking tray. Bake according to package instructions until crisp and golden.
Prepare the pizza-style sauce: In a bowl, combine the passata, tomato puree, oregano (reserving a pinch), thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
Assemble the fries: Once cooked, pile the chips together in the center of the same tray or transfer them to a smaller oven-safe dish.
Layer the toppings:
- Drizzle the tomato sauce over the fries.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and half of the mozzarella on top.
- Add sliced red pepper.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Finish with the reserved oregano and arrange the pepperoni slices over everything.
Bake again: Return the tray to the oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the pepperoni is cooked through.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Tips

Crispier fries: Bake the chips a few minutes longer for extra crispness before topping.
Even melting: Shred cheese yourself for better melting, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
Piling matters: Stacking the chips in a mound helps hold the toppings and prevents soggy fries.
Small tray hack: Using a smaller tray makes for easier serving and better cheese coverage.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni or use a plant-based version.
Spicy: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a spicy sausage.
Cheese swap: Use gouda, provolone, or a pizza cheese mix instead of cheddar and mozzarella.
Low-carb version: Swap fries for roasted cauliflower or zucchini rounds.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and toppings in advance and assemble just before baking.

What fries work best?
Thick-cut, straight or crinkle-cut fries hold toppings better than thin fries or shoestrings.

Can I use marinara instead of passata?
Yes, marinara works well and adds extra flavor with herbs already included.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a party snack, game day dish, or a fun dinner.
Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, garlic mayo, or spicy ketchup.
Great alongside wings, sliders, or a green salad for a full meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pizza fries are the perfect combination of crispy fries and cheesy pizza toppings. They’re easy to make, customizable, and ready in under 30 minutes. This crowd-pleasing recipe is ideal for family meals, casual gatherings, or a quick weeknight treat.