Fast food and the Amish are unlikely allies, but it's not all that uncommon to find a Big Mac in the buggy these days. Look at the Amish settlement near Seaman, Ohio where there are two McDonald's strategically bookending the Amish settlement. I mean,yes, a lot of the restaurant's traffic comes from nearby busy Ohio Route 32, but, there's no denying that the two eateries also draw a ton of Amish customers. Ditto for fast-food joints in Holmes County, Ohio and the places like Berne, Indiana where "would you like fries with that?" is a common question. The answer is "yes" if they are these Perfect Oven-Baked French Fries!
But fast-food culinary culture is also something that isn't always easily accessible to the Amish. What would be a 15-minute car trip to town to get a burger could easily be a 90-minute journey by buggy. And, geez, by then the fries would surely be cold by the time you got home. So fast-food tends to be a treat that the Amish partake when they are in town anyway.
Still, sometimes you just get that fast-food urge and you don't want to drive forever in the buggy to get a burger and fries. So, what is a fast-food craving Amish person to do? Make their own version of burgers and fries at home. Fries are the perfect pairing with a burger but not just any fries, they have to be perfect. I think, in terms of fast-food fries, I like Wendy's best. McDonald's second. Burger King, nah....too bland. There are some local chains that do the best fries (Penn Station is a local Ohio chain and, wow, they have good fries).
So, when you want to make your own amazing fries, try these perfect baked French fries.
CUTTING THE FRIES
I like things simple. If you just have to have "fry shaped" fries, then get to work with a knife. Here's a YouTube video tutorial. Or you can use some fancy fry cutter. But, to me, there's nothing wrong with these circular shaped fries. I mean, the wider surface area of the potatoes gives you more of the delicious coating. But you can do either. And that includes peeling or not peeling the potatoes. I think for the Perfect Oven-Baked French Fries I prefer them unpeeled.
🍟Perfect Oven-Baked French Fries
- 4 - 5 medium-sized potatoes
- 1 stick of melted butter
- 1 package of saltines, crushed
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
📋Fries Instructions
Cut potatoes into length-wise pieces, peeled or unpeeled. Dip slices into melted butter, sprinkle with salt, and then roll in cracker crumbs until they are completely coated. Lay the potato slices on a greased cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake 40 minutes at 350, or 45 minutes for crispier fries. Salt to taste, if needed, and dip in ketcup.
🥔More Amish Potato Recipes
The Amish find potatoes to be a very versatile vegetable. Here are some favorite recipes!
Carmon's Classic Scalloped Potatoes
These are amazing!
A cheesy potato favorite!
Delicious for company or anytime!
Regina Mast's Gourmet Potatoes'
So good!
🖨️Printer-Friendly Fries Recipe
Old-Fashioned Oven-Baked French Fries
Ingredients
- 4 -5 potatoes medium-sized
- 1 stick butter melted
- 1 package saltines crushed
- 1 tablespoon koshersalt
Instructions
- Cut potatoes into length-wise pieces, peeled or unpeeled.
- Dip slices into melted butter, sprinkle with salt, and then roll in cracker crumbs until they are completely coated.
- Lay the potato slices on a greased cookie sheet in a single layer.
- Bake 40 minutes at 350, or 45 minutes for crispier fries.
- Salt to taste, if needed, and dip in ketchup.
Dan
How thick can they be cut so they are crispy on the outside
and soft on the inside ?
Kevin Williams
I think a 1/4 inch would be about right!
Pat
Kevin;
Thanks for sending this to me! I love your comments about your family ( and the recipes too, of course!). It makes me feel like I'm a part of your family, like an aunt or grandmother! ( I am now a great grandmother to two wonderful year old baby boys, and a grandmother to eight grandchildren).
You always have interesting things to say. It's wonderfully entertaining. I totally enjoy being part of your community. Thank you for the privilege!
Sincerely,
Pat
Kevin Williams
Thanks, Pat, it is wonderful to have you here!
DIANE M
Sounds great. Will try after getting potatoes next shopping trip.
Kevin Williams
Don't forget the BBQ sauce to dip them in!
Cathie Kukec
Kevin,
I so enjoy your musings! Hearing about your professional responsibilities, tales of Bea and Aster, your family and growing up! Don’t change!
Kevin Williams
Thanks, Cathie, I'll try to stay the course!
Sharon A. Morris
I like the entire content of this website. Don't change anything. I'm always trying to find foods that like the things my Aunt who lived in Lancaster County PA. used to make which was 55 years ago.
Kevin Williams
some good eating in Lancaster!
Peggy
Hi Kevin,
When I was a kid, I couldn't stand the taste of ketsup until I was about 15! I like it now but I agree with using the BBQ sauce. When I was in Holland, they use a peanut sauce for dipping. The recipe is very easy to look up on internet (Dutch peanut sauce for french fries, street food). I would recommend that you try it, Amazingly good!!
Kevin Williams
Thanks, Peggy, I love peanut sauce on about anything, I never would have thought to try it on fries, but I'm game!