If you haven't experienced avocado fries, you haven't lived. (Sounds a little extreme? TRY THEM.) These days, even baked french fries (i.e., the kind made from potatoes) are old news. For a more exciting side, cook up some veggie fries — minus the whole drenching-them-in-oil part.
You can make baked fries out of just about anything. Simply cut the food you're "fake-frying" into the size you prefer, coat them in flour, dip them in egg (two eggs, scrambled) and then coat them in panko breadcrumbs. Line them up on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil — less mess for you to clean up later! — and bake at 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes.
Here are some favorite types of produce to make into baked fries — plus some recipes to boost your culinary creativity. Note: All of these (except for maybe the parsnips) will pair wonderfully with creamy sriracha-lime dip!
Avocado
Photo source: ClosetCooking.com
We know — it sounds bizarre considering avocado's mushy texture. But trust us on this and be warned: Avocado fries are insanely delicious and highly addictive. It turns out the crispy panko breadcrumbs are a nice complement to the softer avocado. Thank you, Closet Cooking, for changing our lives with your recipe.
Nutritional benefits: Vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and "good" fats
Zucchini
Photo source: ASloLife.com
The versatility of summer squash never ceases to amaze. These Parmesan garlic zucchini fries from A Slo Life are shockingly good — and good for you. We used minced garlic mixed with Parmesan since we didn't have any "Parmesan garlic seasoning."
Nutritional benefits: Vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, potassium and manganese
Mushrooms
Photo source: ClosetCooking.com
Next time you pick up some portobellos, try battering them up and baking them! Closet Cooking once again turned comfort food healthy with these crispy baked portobello mushroom fries, which are guaranteed to leave you satisfied — without the guilt you get from actually frying fries.
Nutritional benefits: Riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, copper and selenium
Green beans
Photo source: DashingDish.com
They've already got a good crunch; why not add some crispy? These crispy baked Parmesan green bean fries from Dashing Dish aren't battered but are instead sprinkled with garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, and baked. Talk about an easy, cheap recipe: It even uses frozen green beans.
Nutritional benefits: Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and manganese
Parsnips
Photo source: TheGraciousPantry.com
Here's a new way to get your root vegetables during the colder months: These curry parsnip fries from the Gracious Pantry are lightly coated in olive oil; sprinkled with curry powder and salt; and baked for 35 to 45 minutes.
Nutritional benefits: Vitamin C, folate and manganese