OK, making french fries twice in one week means only one thing: I was too lazy to put the oil away last Thursday.
So what makes them “easier”? I start cooking the fries in room temperature oil (i.e. no preheating). This gives the potato interior an opportunity to soften and cook through before the exterior started to crisp. Sure, easier I thought, but I would never trade ease for oil-soaked fries. Chris assures me that this cold-start method produces fries that contain about 1/3 less oil than the conventional method. Recipe is here.
BTW, I first made these fries in December, so these don’t count towards my goal of 100 “new recipe”. This time I used Russets (against ATK’s recommendation) because I really didn’t like the increased sweetness of the Yukon Golds.
Rating: 4-star. (using russets)
Cost: $1 for 2-1/2 pounds for fries.
How much work? Almost none.
How big of a mess? Small. ( I used an inverted colander for splatter control)
Start time 4:00 PM. Snack time 4:30pm
The easiest French Fries you'll ever make. No more work than slicing potatoes.
My Year Cooking with Chris Kimball 
On your recommendation I made the fries and was really surprised. They were terriffic. I used yukon golds because I had them on hand. They were a little creamier inside than I like but still delicious. Thanks for the tip!
Fitzie
Yukon golds are what Chris Kimball recommends. Did you sense sweetness? Maybe it was just my batch of potatoes (they were exceptionally small).
did you like them with Russets? I have a ton of those and also am not a fan of yg.
Yes, I liked the russets better. Even though ATK specifically says not to use them. I found the Yukon Golds didn’t taste like classic french fries.
thanks….I’ll try them again. I’m french fry challenged. CI’s oven fries are really good and usually the recipe I make. Sometimes though the family just want a real fry.
[…] Roasted Potatoes Early this year I made a few varieties of french fries; Steak Fries and Easier French Fries. But still, I am looking for a healthier way to cook them, but still get that great french fry […]