Kid-Friendly Butternut Cheesy Fries

About

These kid-friendly fries are prepared with butternut squash, oven-baked until tender and golden, then topped with oozy melted cheese. These quick and easy fries are a great option for kids, perfect as a simple side for family mealtimes. Ideal served with Keto chicken thighs, wings or drumsticks.

Is Squash Keto?

There are a variety of winter and summer squashes available, each varying in their carb count. Butternut squash sits on the higher end of the low carb vegetable scale. However, in moderation, this may be enjoyed as part of a balanced and healthy Keto diet. They are also a great option for kids due to their natural sweetness. We have used half a medium-sized squash, which provides enough servings for four people.

Can I Use a Different Vegetable?

If you would like to use an alternative to butternut squash, rutabaga and celeriac would be great substitutes. Again, these are at the higher end of the low carb vegetable scale, but are some of the best options for providing a realistic oven fry texture. If you choose to use a different vegetable, you will need to adjust your cooking times accordingly to ensure that the vegetables are cooked through. Please be sure to adjust your macros to account for any changes made to the original recipe.

Ingredients

1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon, grated parmesan cheese
½ medium butternut squash
½ cup, grated cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon salt, sea salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel the butternut squash and slice it into even-sized fries, roughly 1/2 inch thick. Arrange the fries in an even layer across a shallow oven tray. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle over the olive oil. Toss to combine, coating the fries in the oil and seasonings.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, turning halfway through. The fries should be tender and golden, starting to caramelize at the edges. Remove from the oven and sprinkle over the grated parmesan and grated cheddar cheese. You may use alternative shredded cheeses if preferred.
Return the cheese-covered fries back to the oven. Bake for a further 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden and bubbling. Serve hot as an accompaniment to your preferred Keto kid-friendly mains.