The Easiest Way to Turn Frozen Fries Into an Irresistible Pizza-Inspired Appetizer

Name: The Easiest Way to Turn Frozen Fries Into an Irresistible Pizza-Inspired Appetizer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3-4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce; 2 cups pepperoni slices; 4 cups frozen French fries; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

April 12, 2025

Recipes

Some days, I want pizza. Other days, I want fries. And on the best days? I want both—at the same time. That’s where these Pepperoni Pizza Fries come in. They’re saucy, cheesy, and loaded with crispy pepperoni, all layered over a base of golden French fries. It’s like the lovechild of your favorite slice and the drive-thru side you secretly crave, and I’ve made them more times than I can count.

Whether I’m hosting game night, need a late-night snack that hits all the right notes, or want to shake up movie night with something a little outrageous, this recipe is my go-to. It’s fast, indulgent, and endlessly customizable.

Let’s dive into why these work so well—and how I pull them together with just a handful of ingredients.

Why These Pizza Fries Are Always a Hit

There’s no shortage of loaded fry recipes out there, but this one stands out. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

Two comfort foods, one epic dish: Pizza meets fries in a mashup that hits every craving.
Simple pantry ingredients: You probably have everything you need already.
Ready in under 30 minutes: Perfect for last-minute get-togethers or those weeknights where cooking feels like a chore.
Customizable to the max: Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Going meatless? Use mushrooms or olives. This base is yours to build on.

What You’ll Need

(Serves 3-4 | Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins)

4 cups French fries (homemade or frozen, cooked until crispy)
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni slices
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

How I Make Pepperoni Pizza Fries

1. Get the Fries Good and Crispy

Start by cooking your fries according to the package instructions if using frozen. I usually go with frozen crinkle-cut or shoestring fries and bake them until they’re golden and crisp—usually around 25 minutes at 425°F. Homemade fries work beautifully too, but I lean into the convenience when time is tight.

Pro tip: Spread the fries in a single layer so they crisp up evenly. No one wants soggy pizza fries.

2. Preheat the Oven to 375°F

While the fries are finishing up, I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). You don’t need a high heat here since everything’s already cooked—we’re just melting the cheese and getting those pepperoni edges a little crisp.

3. Layer It Like a Pizza

Once the fries are done, I transfer them to a baking sheet if they’re not already on one. From there, I spoon marinara sauce evenly over the top. I usually use whatever jarred pizza sauce I have on hand, but I’ve also used leftover pasta sauce in a pinch.

Then comes the cheese. I go generous with shredded mozzarella—about a cup and a half, or enough to blanket the fries completely. A little extra never hurts.

4. Add the Pepperoni

Next, I layer on the pepperoni slices. You can keep it classic with regular rounds or use mini pepperoni if you want more crisp per bite. I’ve even chopped them up for easier scooping with a fork—totally your call.

5. Bake Until Bubbly and Beautiful

Into the oven it goes for 10-12 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to brown at the edges. The pepperoni will crisp up slightly, giving you those perfect little curls that remind you of your favorite pizzeria.

6. Garnish and Serve

I finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil. It adds a little pop of color and just enough freshness to balance out all that melty, salty, cheesy goodness.

Then? I serve it hot and watch it disappear.

Tips for the Best Pizza Fries Every Time

Bake your fries on a wire rack: If you have one, placing your fries on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet helps them crisp up even more.
Add layers: Feeling extra? Layer your toppings twice—fries, cheese, sauce, pepperoni, then repeat. It turns into more of a pizza fry casserole (which is not a bad thing).
Make it spicy: I sometimes throw on a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped banana peppers for heat.
Try different cheeses: Mozzarella is the classic, but provolone or a pizza cheese blend works just as well. I’ve even thrown on some grated Parmesan before baking for a salty bite.

How I Serve These

These fries don’t need much, but here’s how I like to round out the meal (or snack attack):

With ranch or garlic dip: Yep, just like pizza. A little creamy dip goes a long way.
Alongside a simple salad: A crisp romaine or arugula salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
As a movie night main: I pile the fries onto a platter and everyone digs in, no plates needed.

FAQs (Fries-quently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I air-fry the fries instead of baking them?
A: Absolutely. I air-fry them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Then I transfer to a baking sheet for the pizza topping step.

Q: What’s the best kind of fry for this?
A: Crinkle-cut holds sauce really well, but shoestring and steak fries work too. Just make sure they’re crispy before topping.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can cook the fries and prep your toppings in advance, but wait to assemble and bake until just before serving. That way everything stays crisp and melty.

Q: What other toppings work?
A: So many. Think mushrooms, black olives, bell peppers, cooked sausage, or even pineapple if you’re into that. It’s pizza—anything goes.

Why You Should Try These (Like, Tonight)

These Pepperoni Pizza Fries are fast, crowd-pleasing, and dangerously good. They take everything you love about a Friday night pizza and pair it with the irresistible crunch of golden fries. Whether you’re feeding friends or just yourself, this is one of those recipes that delivers way more flavor than effort.

If you try them out, let me know how they turn out—or what wild toppings you add. I’ve got buffalo chicken on my list to try next.

Grab your fries, crank up the oven, and get ready for your new favorite snack.