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Cheesy Garlic Fries in Foil: An Easy, Flavorful Recipe

Cheesy Garlic Fries in Foil

Frozen fries are coated in seasoned garlic butter, cooked in foil packets, and finished with melted mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. The recipe makes four servings in about 35–40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Frozen French fries, preferably shoestring, straight-cut, or seasoned fries
Garlic Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves or 1 teaspoon Garlic cloves, finely minced, or garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup Low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan, finely grated
Finishing
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped, or green onions, sliced
Equipment
  • 4 large sheets Heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • 1 teaspoon Nonstick cooking spray or oil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high, approximately 400–425°F.
  2. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty foil and lightly coat the centers with nonstick cooking spray or about 1 teaspoon oil.
  3. Combine the melted butter, minced garlic or garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Divide the frozen fries among the foil sheets. Drizzle with the garlic-butter mixture and toss gently so the fries are coated.
  5. Fold the foil into sealed packets, leaving enough room inside for steam to circulate.
  6. Place the packets on a sheet pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or grill for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning once if needed. The fries should be hot and beginning to brown.
  7. Carefully open the packets and spread the fries slightly so they are not piled too deeply.
  8. Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the fries.
  9. Return the opened packets to the oven for 3–5 minutes, until the cheese melts. Broil for 1–2 minutes if more browning is desired, watching closely.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

Use frozen fries for more consistent cooking. Seasoned fries may need less or no added salt. Freshly grated Parmesan and low-moisture mozzarella melt smoothly. Foil packets retain steam, so open them before adding cheese for better browning and crisping.