Description
Crispy and flavorful Baked Butternut Squash Fries make a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fries. Lightly coated with cornstarch and seasoned with garlic, paprika, and thyme, these fries are baked to perfection for a tender yet crisp texture. Perfect as a snack or side dish, served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Butternut Squash Fries
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cut into sticks, use only long neck part)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dipping Sauce
- Mayo & herbs for dipping (amount as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Butternut Squash: Place the peeled and cut butternut squash sticks into a large bowl and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of cornstarch over the butternut squash sticks and use your hands to coat each piece evenly. Transfer the coated sticks to a colander and shake gently to remove any excess cornstarch for an optimal crisp finish.
- Season and Oil: Return the dry, cornstarch-coated squash sticks back to the bowl. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat all the fries with oil and seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Spread the squash sticks out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This helps them bake evenly and get crisp on all sides.
- Bake: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm with your favorite mayo and herb dipping sauce for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or reheat in a toaster oven for a crisp finish.
- Substitutes: For best results, stick to cornstarch, but you can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed. Feel free to experiment with different herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
