Crispy Cottage Fries

Cottage fries are seasoned potato rounds that are oven-roasted until golden brown. Enjoy them as a snack or appetizer with a delicious dip or as a tasty side dish for breakfast or dinner. (This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan.)

If you have a taste for potatoes, try our super popular Accordion Potatoes or garlicky Hasselback Waffle Potatoes next!

Crispy cottage fries are the most underrated potato recipe. French fries, potato wedges, and tater tots are so popular that it’s hard to step out of the box and consider other varieties. But these thick, round slices of tender potatoes are well-seasoned and baked to crispy perfection.

Make a batch of these cottage fries for a crowd and they’ll be gobbled up in minutes!

You’ll love these Crispy Cottage Fries because they’re:

• Easy to Make – Slice, wash, dry, season, and bake. It doesn’t get more simple than that!
• Healthier – These are much better for you than traditional French fries, fried potatoes, and the frozen variety you find in the grocery store. They are made with fresh ingredients and use less oil.
• Super Affordable – Potatoes are an easily accessible ingredient. Chances are, you already have everything you need to make this cost-effective side dish.
• Versatile –  From the seasoning to how you serve them, these fries go with pretty much anything! They work as finger food but you can also pair them with a fancier entree.

Ingredients Needed

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best potatoes to use for cottage fries. They are commonly used to make French fries because they are super starchy. They crisp nicely and have soft, fluffy centers.
• Oil: I use olive oil but you can use avocado or vegetable oil, if you prefer.
• Seasoning: I used a mixture of paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, and lemon pepper. However, there’s no wrong way to season potatoes so add or omit based on your preferences.

How to Make

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with cold water.
2. Cut the potatoes into cut into 1/2-inch rounds. Place the potato slices in the bowl of water. Once all the potatoes are cut, drain the water. Using a clean cloth or paper towel, dry the potatoes, removing any excess water.
3. Toss the potatoes in olive oil and spices. Place them on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure to leave space between the potatoes so they get nice and crispy while baking.
4. Roast in the oven for 45 minutes, flipping every 15 minutes with metal tongs. The potatoes are done when they are crisp and lightly browned on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips And Recipe Variations

• If you don’t have russet potatoes, you can use Yukon gold potatoes instead.
• Soak the potatoes in a bowl of cold water before baking to remove excess starch. This prevents them from sticking together and helps you get super crispy cottage fries.
• If dairy isn’t a concern, add freshly grated cheese to the fries right after baking. Parmesan would be my top choice!
• Make them spicy by seasoning them with cayenne pepper or cajun seasoning!
• If you have a mandoline, use this to quickly slice the potatoes.

What to Serve with Cottage Fries

• Burgers: Gluten-Free Burger, Turkey Burger, Greek Lamb Burger
• Chicken: Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Beef: Red Wine-Braised Beef Brisket, Short Rib Hash
• Seafood: Air Fryer Salmon, Coconut Shrimp
• Nacho Fries: Use our easy recipe for Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos. (Just substitute sweet potatoes for cottage fries!)

Dipping Sauces for Cottage Fries

These fries were definitely made for dipping! Here are some sauces to drizzle on your fries:

• Homemade curry ketchup
• Chipotle crema
• Avocado cilantro crema
• Dairy-free tzatziki
• Hot Honey Sauce

Storage and Reheating

After they have completely cooled, store leftover cottage fries in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the fries in the oven or air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350°F.

Common Questions

Why are they called cottage fries?

The name comes from the shape of the fries. When assembled together, the fries resemble shingles on a roof.

How can I make sure these cottage fries are crispy?

Russet potatoes are starchy potatoes and benefit from soaking in water before roasting. Soak the potatoes in water while cutting. Then, pat the potatoes dry and remove any excess moisture from the potato rounds before you coat them with oil and seasoning.

Should I peel the potatoes before making cottage fries?

It’s not necessary to peel the potatoes. It depends on your preference. Either way, they’re tasty! However, the texture will be a bit different without the skin. The cooking time and prep stay the same no matter which you choose.

Can I air fry cottage fries?

Yes! You can cook cottage fries in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Then slice, bathe, dry, and season the potatoes before placing them in a single layer the air fryer for 7 minutes. Flip them once and then let them cook for another 7 minutes (work in batches if needed). Enjoy your air fryer cottage fries with dipping sauce!

I hope you enjoy this Crispy Cottage Fries Recipe! 

If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram and Pinterest! I love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchen.

More Delicious Potato Recipes To Try!

• Potato Parsnip and Leek Soup
• Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Dairy-Free Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Vegan
• Accordion Potatoes | TikToks New Craze
• Sweet Potato Cornbread