Description
Crispy and flavorful baked butternut squash fries coated with cornstarch and seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. These fries are baked to perfection for a tender inside and a delightful crisp outside, served warm with a creamy herb mayo dip.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Mayonnaise
- Mixed fresh or dried herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill) for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid even cooking.
- Prepare Butternut Squash: Place the butternut squash sticks in a large bowl and pat them dry using a paper towel. This removes excess moisture to help achieve crispiness.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Sprinkle the cornstarch over the squash sticks. Use your hands to evenly coat each piece, then transfer them to a colander and shake off any excess cornstarch. This coating helps create a crispy exterior during baking.
- Add Seasonings and Oil: Return the squash to the bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all sticks are well-coated with oil and spices.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the squash sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Avoid overcrowding to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Bake and Flip: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve warm, paired with your favorite herb-infused mayonnaise or dipping sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes or use a toaster oven to regain their crispness.
- Substitutes: For best results, use cornstarch as instructed. Alternatively, you may substitute with flour if needed. Feel free to experiment with different herbs for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
