Simple Baked Oven Fries

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl. Pour hot water over the potatoes and soak for 10-30 minutes. Evenly coat a rimmed baking sheet with 4 tablespoons of olive oil and set aside.

Drain the potatoes. Spread the wedges out on layers of paper towels or on clean kitchen towels and pat dry. Wipe out the bowl so it is dry and return the potato wedges to the bowl and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, and desired seasonings. Arrange the potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake until the bottoms of the potatoes are golden brown, 15-20 minutes. Flip each potato wedge and continue baking until the fries are brown and crispy, 5-15 minutes. Rotate the pan as needed to ensure even browning. If desired, drain potatoes on paper towels.

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

(Recipe inspired by Cook’s Illustrated.)