Healthy Oven Steak Fries ($0.18 per serving)

$1.18 each     73% savings     save $29.20 yearly

The other night I found myself craving a burger and fries. (Odd for me, since I'm not big on hamburgers... or fries.)  In my opinion, if you're going to have some fries, have steak fries.

These steak fries?

SO. EASY.

They are also way less expensive than any steakhouse restaurant, and of course, much healthier. Plus, they taste infinitely better than their bagged/frozen counterparts: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a perfect balance of seasonings. The first time I made these, they forced me to completely re-think my unfavorable standpoint on fries.

They are a snap to prepare, and I was able to stick them in the oven and forget about them while I made the hamburgers, salad, and fruit bowl that would complete our dinner that night. My girls gobbled down their share, then started sneaking mine when my back was turned... something they learned from their dad I'm sure. No way they got it from me... Hey! Is that the President behind you?!... No? Oh, man I could have sworn it was him... What do you mean where did your chocolate go? You had chocolate?... No, that's nothing in my mouth... I have really dirty teeth... want a carrot stick? Ahem...

So, adding to their accolades: these steak fries HEALTHY and are definitely kid-approved.

Healthy Oven Steak Fries
Printable Version

*serves 6

INGREDIENTS:
5  large russet potatoes cut into thick wedges
2  tablespoons olive oil
1/2  teaspoon thyme
1/2  teaspoon oregano
1  tablespoon steak seasoning blend (I used Montreal Steak seasoning)
OR
salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and paprika to taste.

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to HIGH (500 degrees). Peel and cut  potatoes into thick wedges. Soak in a bowl of  water for 15 minutes. This will help your fries become crispy in the oven, and not so mushy inside. Drain the water. Put the potato wedges into a large bowl. Add the olive oil and seasonings, and stir to coat the potatoes. If NOT using a steak seasoning packet, go easy on the crushed red pepper, black pepper, and paprika, and heavier on the salt, onion powder and garlic powder.

Coat a cooking sheet with non-stick spray. (Seems redundant with the olive oil, I know, but it'll help your fries not stick to the pan. Trust me on this.)

Bake fries for 30 minutes, turning them once half-way through the cooking time. Serve immediately.

~ Savings ~

Cost Breakdown:

10 lb potatoes - $2.97 = approx. 25 potatoes = $0.119/ea = $0.595

25.5 oz. extra virgin olive oil - $5.58 = 50 T = $0.112/T = $0.223

0.62 oz. thyme leaves - $4.98 = approx. 19 tsp = $0.262/tsp = $0.131

0.75 oz oregano - $2.18 = approx. 22 tsp = $0.099/tsp = $0.050

14.5 oz montreal steak seasoning - $5.98 = 128 = $0.023/tsp = $0.070

Total Recipe Cost:  $1.07

Cost per serving:  $0.18

The Contender:

32 oz. bag Ore Ida Steak Fries: $3.99

Savings: 73%

"Over a Year" scenario:

Make 10 batches of Healthy Oven Steak Fries: $10.70

Buy 8 bags of Ore Ida Steak Fries: $39.90

*Money Saved: $29.20