Looking for a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional french fries? Look no further than panko-crusted butternut squash fries with creamy feta dipping sauce! This recipe combines the crispy texture of panko breadcrumbs with the natural sweetness of butternut squash for a flavorful and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Unique and Delicious: This recipe offers a fun twist on classic french fries, providing a nutritious and flavorful alternative.
- Easy to Make: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Crispy Perfection: The panko breadcrumb coating ensures perfectly crispy fries on the outside and tender, flavorful butternut squash on the inside.
- Creamy and Tangy Dip: The creamy feta dipping sauce adds a delightful tangy and savory element to the dish.
Key Ingredients:
- Butternut squash
- Cornstarch
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Eggs
- Cooking spray
- Greek yogurt
- Feta cheese
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the butternut squash: Peel, seed, and cut the squash into thin fries. Coat them with cornstarch for a crispy exterior.
- Create the panko coating: Combine panko breadcrumbs, onion powder, and paprika in a shallow dish.
- Dip the squash fries: Dip each fry in beaten eggs, then coat them generously with the panko mixture.
- Bake to crispy perfection: Arrange the fries on a baking sheet and bake until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the creamy feta dip: Combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, and fresh parsley in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Tips for Success:
- Use a sharp knife to ensure even and thin cuts for the fries.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and crispiness.
- For a richer flavor, use olive oil spray instead of cooking spray.
- Adjust the amount of paprika to your desired level of spice.
- Serve the fries hot with the creamy feta dipping sauce for the best experience.
Panko-crusted butternut squash fries with creamy feta dipping sauce are a delightful and versatile dish that everyone will enjoy. They’re perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light lunch. So ditch the regular fries and try this healthy and flavorful alternative!
Additionally, explore these variations to further customize your panko-crusted butternut squash fries:
- Add different spices: Experiment with other spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning.
- Swap the dip: Try serving the fries with a different dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or guacamole.
- Make them vegan: Use vegan cheese and plant-based yogurt for the dipping sauce.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a sweet and savory combination.
With a little creativity, you can easily personalize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. So get creative, have fun, and enjoy these delicious and healthy panko-crusted butternut squash fries!