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Easy Crispy Parmesan Butternut Squash Fries Recipe

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These crispy Parmesan butternut squash fries are golden, craggy, and packed with flavor. A clever coating and hot oven create a shatteringly crisp exterior with a sweet, tender interior, making them a crowd-pleasing side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 pounds)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked preferred)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more for finishing
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Prep the squash: Using a sharp vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the butternut squash completely. Cut off the top and bottom ends, then slice the squash in half where the narrow neck meets the bulbous bottom. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the bottom half with a spoon. Cut both halves into fry-shaped sticks about ½-inch thick and 3 inches long.
  3. Pat the fries dry: Lay the cut fries on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry. Let them sit for a few minutes while you prepare the coating.
  4. Mix the coating: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
  5. Coat the fries: In a large bowl, toss the dried squash fries with the olive oil until every piece is lightly coated. Add the panko-Parmesan mixture and toss gently with your hands until the fries are evenly coated. Press the coating onto the fries a little.
  6. Arrange on the rack: Place the coated fries in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they aren’t touching.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes: Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Cool slightly and serve: Let the fries rest on the rack for 2-3 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with a little extra flaky salt and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, use a wire rack and pat the squash dry before coating. If you don’t have a wire rack, line the baking sheet with parchment paper and flip the fries halfway through baking. The fries are best served fresh from the oven. To reheat leftovers, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash fries, crispy fries, Parmesan fries, healthy fries, fall side dish, vegetarian fries, easy side dish

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/easy-crispy-parmesan-butternut-squash-fries-recipe/