Smiley Fries Recipe

Meaghan Mountford | The Decorated Cookie

Smiley Fries will be the side that brings smiles to your table. You'll never buy store bought again!

Smiley Fries Photo

Let’s have a moment of thanks for that day at the potato factory (or, the place where they make frozen potato things) when someone said, “Hey, let’s make potatoes into smiley faces. Kids will like smiley faces. Parents will buy smiley faces.”

Because now we have beaming smiley face fries. And because turning nature’s bounty into something totally not found in nature is how I roll. Or, more specifically, trying to make homemade versions of store-bought things my picky kid will eat.

Like every other food on the planet, my daughter is persnickety about potatoes. It only took me eight years to get her to eat baked potatoes.

We’re not even close to mashed potatoes. And yet, she’ll eat any frozen potato product. Yep. Any processed, pre-packaged frozen potato product she’ll consume without question, but if I put a dollop of homemade mashed potatoes on her plate she looks at me like I’m feeding her liver and onions.

Smiley Fries Picture

So these smiley fries are just one way I can regain control of the food situation. While you can deep-fry these if you prefer, I chose to bake them.

Partly because it’s healthier, but mostly because it’s easier. The verdict: My daughter loves them. Phew. They taste so much like store-bought, but made by me.

Smiley Fries Image

A couple notes about these. As mentioned, you can fry the potatoes in vegetable oil instead of baking if you like.

If you find the potato mixture is too soft to work with to cut out into circles, place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.

If you don’t have a circle cookie cutter, you may also just form small balls of potato dough and flatten with your palm to create the circle shape.

Smiley Fries Pic

Add additional seasonings, or substitute your favorite seasonings for the garlic salt, such as chili powder, oregano, or pepper.

You may also reduce the salt to 1/4 teaspoon if you’re trying to cut back on the stuff.

Any way you make them, smiley face potatoes are meant to bring you joy. For me, that means finding a food my kid will eat. And if you have any leftovers, here's how to reheat them! They also go great next to a really fantastic truffle burger.

Planning a dinner party and need some inspiration?

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Smiley Fries Recipe

    4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large Potato
  • 1 tablespoon Milk
  • 1 large Egg
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Peel the potato and cut into one-inch cubes. Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Cut a small slit to vent. Microwave for 5 to 7 minutes until tender.
  3. Add the milk to the potato and mash the potato mixture with a fork or pastry blender well. Let cool a bit.
  4. Stir in the egg, cornstarch, cheese, breadcrumbs, salt and garlic salt. Mix well.
  5. Place the dough between two pieces of wax paper. Press or roll the dough to 3/8-inch thickness. Use a two-inch circle cutter to cut circles. Place the potato circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If the dough is too soft, place in the refrigerator to chill 30 to 60 minutes.
  6. Use a straw to make eyes and a small spoon to make smiles on each potato circle.
  7. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the tops start to brown. 

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Published:
Modified:
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Cooking Method:
Baked
Category:
Homemade
Tags:
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Related Recipes:
Homemade Recipes, Potato Recipes, Side Dish Recipes, Family Meals and Snack Recipes, Vegetable Recipes, Baked Recipes, Easy Recipes, Snack Recipes
Recipe Yields:
16 smiley fries
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Related Post:
Published:
Author: Meaghan Mountford
Recipe Yields: 16 smiley fries
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 4 smiley fries
Servings Per Recipe 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 16
Calories 125

% Daily Value*
3%
Total Fat 2g
1%
  Saturated Fat 0g
16%
Sodium 376mg
6%
Total Carbohydrate 17g
3%
  Dietary Fiber 3g
  Sugars 2g
8%
Protein 4g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.
Meaghan Mountford

About Meaghan

Meaghan makes lots of fun and amazing treats on The Decorated Cookie. We're especially excited, because she's making Copycat Desserts for Food Fanatic!

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