Crispy Ranch Butternut Squash Fries with Savory Bacon Bits
Indulge in these deliciously crispy butternut squash fries, enhanced with the mouthwatering flavor of turkey bacon and a creamy ranch dip. This guilt-free recipe is not just a healthier alternative to traditional fries but also a crowd-pleaser that will leave you craving more. The combination of the naturally sweet squash, savory bacon, and zesty ranch dressing makes every bite an explosion of flavor. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and enjoy the satisfaction of a wholesome treat that’s sure to impress any dinner guest.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fat Free Sour Cream
1/3 cup (None)
Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
1/2 tablespoon (None)
Butternut Squash
1 (approximately 2 pounds) (Peeled and sliced into fries)
Coarse Salt
1/8 teaspoon (Sprinkled on fries)
Turkey Bacon
4 slices (Cooked until crispy, then chopped)
Chopped Scallion
To taste (Optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the fat-free sour cream and the dry ranch dressing mix until well blended. Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld while you prepare the fries.
3
Start by preparing the butternut squash: slice off both ends, then cut it in half across the middle. Carefully peel the skin using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. For the round bottom half, cut it in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
4
Next, cut the squash into thick spears resembling French fries using a crinkle cutter or a knife. Make sure to pat the spears with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture and sprinkle evenly with coarse salt.
5
Lay the spears on a layer of paper towels and let them rest for at least 5 minutes, allowing the salt to draw out more moisture. Pat them dry once more.
6
Prepare your baking surface by spraying a broiler pan, or a baking rack placed over a baking sheet, with nonstick spray. Arrange the squash spears flat in a single layer, ensuring they have space around them for even cooking. If necessary, use an additional baking sheet.
7
Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Carefully flip them over and return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes, or until they are golden, tender inside, and crispy outside.
8
While the fries are baking, heat a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray over medium-high heat. Add the turkey bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the skillet and let cool on a paper towel, then slice into very thin strips.
9
Once the fries are ready, toss them with the crispy bacon bits and serve them alongside the ranch dip. For an extra pop of color, sprinkle chopped scallions on top. Enjoy your guilt-free, flavor-packed snack!
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
18g
Carbs
9g
Protein
4.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for Crispy Ranch Butternut Squash Fries?
The main ingredients include one butternut squash, fat-free sour cream, dry ranch dressing mix, coarse salt, turkey bacon, and optional scallions.
How many calories are in a serving of this recipe?
Each serving contains 120 calories.
What is the total fat content of these squash fries?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in the Crispy Ranch Butternut Squash Fries?
This recipe provides 9 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
These squash fries contain 4.5 grams of fiber per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before baking the fries.
How do I prepare the ranch dip?
Whisk together 1/3 cup of fat-free sour cream and 1/2 tablespoon of dry ranch dressing mix, then refrigerate.
How should I prepare the butternut squash for fries?
Slice off both ends, cut it in half, peel the skin, scoop out the seeds from the bottom half, and cut into thick spears.
Why do I need to salt the squash spears before baking?
Salting helps draw out excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
How long should the squash spears rest with salt?
Let the spears rest on paper towels for at least 5 minutes after salting.
What tool can I use to give the fries a crinkled look?
You can use a crinkle cutter to slice the squash into fries.
What is the recommended baking surface for the fries?
Use a broiler pan or a baking rack placed over a baking sheet to allow for air circulation.
Should I use nonstick spray on the baking surface?
Yes, spray the broiler pan or baking rack with nonstick spray to prevent the fries from sticking.
How long do the butternut squash fries take to bake?
Bake for 20 minutes, flip them over, and bake for another 20 minutes for a total of 40 minutes.
How do I know when the squash fries are done?
The fries are ready when they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
How do I prepare the turkey bacon for this recipe?
Cook 4 slices of turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy, then slice them into thin strips.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are a total of 6 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I add a garnish to this dish?
Yes, you can sprinkle chopped scallions on top for extra color and flavor.
Is this recipe considered a healthy alternative to traditional fries?
Yes, the description highlights it as a healthier, guilt-free alternative to traditional fries.
What is the best way to ensure the squash fries aren't soggy?
Pat the spears dry with paper towels twice: once before salting and again after the salt has drawn out moisture.
How should the fries be arranged on the baking sheet?
Arrange them flat in a single layer with space around each spear to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, the instructions state to carefully peel the skin using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/8 teaspoon of coarse salt.
How should the turkey bacon be sliced?
After cooling, the turkey bacon should be sliced into very thin strips.
When should the ranch dip be served?
Serve the ranch dip alongside the fries once they have been tossed with the bacon bits.
What size should the butternut squash be?
The recipe suggests using one butternut squash weighing approximately 2 pounds.
What type of sour cream is used in the dip?
The recipe specifies using fat-free sour cream.
Is the turkey bacon cooked in oil?
No, it is cooked in a skillet sprayed with nonstick spray over medium-high heat.
How do I serve the finished dish?
Toss the baked fries with the crispy bacon bits and serve with the chilled ranch dip.