A fresh and unique way to enjoy butternut squash!
You’re going to love this fresh twist on an old favorite! You’ve no doubt had loads of French fries made from white potatoes—as well as sweet potato fries, green bean fries, and maybe even pickle fries. But I believe these butternut squash fries take this familiar treat to a whole new level!
Their bright orange color is so inviting, and I can’t think of a tastier way to get more veggies into my life. They’re sweeter than potato fries, obviously, but also earthier and a little buttery—kind of like a cross between a pumpkin and a sweet potato. This recipe amps up the savoriness by including garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. But you can really get creative with a variety of herbs and spices that hit your preferred sweet or spicy spot!
I learned to love mayo on fries while traveling in Europe, where many natives call them frites. But whatever condiments you like with regular old potato fries are going to work well with this recipe. Whether you prefer a little mild horseradish sauce, a sweet onion dressing, or the all-American choice of ketchup, you’ll get a lot more flavor from these butternut squash fries.
Are These Butternut Squash Fries Healthy?
These butternut squash fries are a very healthy option for a side dish that’s suitable for those following vegan, vegetarian, Paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free diets. Butternut squash is low in fat and calories while being a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin C. The olive oil in the recipe adds heart-healthy fats, and the spices contribute flavor without extra calories or sodium. Plus, these babies are baked, not fried, so they require a lot less oil than other types of fries. As a bonus, butternut squash is so delicious that even children and hard-to-please teens love it!
The only shortcoming to this dish is that it is not exactly keto-friendly. While the squash is lower in carbs than potatoes, it’s still on the high side for strict keto followers.
Flavorful Fries With A Twist
Butternut squash fries are a perfect canvas for experimenting with different herbs, spices, and toppings. Kick up the heat by sprinkling them with cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot paprika. Sweeten the deal by tossing your fries with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then serving them with a light dusting of coconut sugar. Try a Moroccan-inspired blend with cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger—or go boldly Southeast Asian with garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of curry powder. You could also sprinkle your fries with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a cheesy, umami-rich finish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
These butternut squash fries are best enjoyed immediately. If there are leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also keep them around longer by flash-freezing them for an hour or so on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To get some of the crispiness back, reheat them on a dry pan in a preheated 350 to 400°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or in your air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Try dipping your butternut squash fries in this Onion Ring Sauce as a snack. Or serve them up as an appetizer before diving into yummy Low-Carb Fish Taco Bowls. Of course, they make an excellent upgraded side when paired with a juicy Cowboy Burger, a vegan Falafel Burger, or these delightfully nontraditional Salmon Burgers. You might even try them on top of a chopped green salad, perhaps with a hard-boiled egg.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash slices with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. For more even cooking, ensure they do not overlap.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the fries and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly and serve immediately.
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