Have you ever made fries with squash rather than potatoes? They’re so good, and are a fun way to use seasonal produce during the fall and winter!
Looking for some more fries? Check out these baked jicama fries, plantain fries or grilled sweet potato fries!
How to Cut the Butternut Squash
Ok, I’m not going to lie, this is the hardest part. Butternut squash is somewhat of an odd shape, and a little bit more challenging to manage than regular or sweet potatoes. Here’s the method I use after trying various ways:
- Cut the bottom and top off so you have a flat, stable base.
- Use a peeler or paring knife (I prefer a Y shaped peeler) to scrape the skin off, like you would when peeling a potato.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Then, cut each half into long, thin strips about the width of french fries.
- Then, cut each of the long strips into smaller “fry-sized” pieces. Try and get them relatively equal in size so they cook evenly.
A Simple Fry Seasoning
Really, it’s as simple as smoked paprika, salt and pepper! The smoked paprika does all the heavy lifting when it comes to producing flavor, and it pairs wonderfully with the mild and slightly sweet butternut squash.
Just place the cut squash fries in a bowl, drizzle with some avocado oil and toss with the seasoning mix to coat.
How to cook butternut squash fries in the Oven
For the best results with this recipe, follow these tips:
- Cut the fries as similar in size and shape as possible for even cooking.
- Use a sheet pan large enough to spread out the fries in a single, even layer. When testing this recipe, I found that using two pans was helpful.
- Cooking time may vary oven to oven. At 400°, it should take 35-45 minutes.
- Watch the fries closely at the end of the cooking time. Cook them long enough that some pieces get a little charred and the edges get crispy. The centers will stay a little soft, which is just the way I like it!
Some Fry Dipping Sauce Ideas
Like traditional potato fries, these butternut squash fries go great with regular old ketchup. Or, you can try some different options like our 5-Minute Chipotle Aioli which is our go-to!
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do!
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Easy Oven-Baked Butternut Squash Fries
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 1-2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Equipment
Instructions
- Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, and preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit.
- Cut the ends off your butternut squash. Use a Y shaped peeler or pairing knife (I prefer the pairing knife) to peel the skin off. Then, cut squash into half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Cut the halves into long thin strips, slicing from top to bottom. Then, cut the strips shorter until you have shoestring like fries. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add your avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt and pepper to your bowl. Toss to coat. Then, spread the fries out evenly on your parchment lined baking sheet.
- Place in the oven and cook for 35-45 minutes until they start to brown and the edges get crispy. Remove about halfway through cooking and toss fries around before putting back into oven to finish cooking.
- Once done remove from the oven. Serve hot, and dip in favorite sauces.
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I was introduced to these while doing a low-carb diet As a as an alternative to sweet potatoes. They are delicious and you can eat all you want guilt free!
Plus, you get a little upper body workout, cutting them up. 🤗
Ha, an arm workout 💪😂
Easy and good
I wonder if you could make these fries in an airfryer?
I bet you could! We don’t have an airfryer, so we haven’t tried it but I’m pretty sure it would work well! Let us know! 🙂
Haha! Thanks! They’re pretty darn tasty, and make a great alternative to traditional fries! 🙂