Whether they’re served up in a cone at the state fair or alongside a filet mignon as part of the classic Steak Frites dish, there’s no denying that French fries are, well, absolutely fantastic. And while we really want to give in to our urge to hit the drive-through for some late-night spuds, the fat, calorie and sodium content of a large fries can scare us straight. (To give you a rough idea, one major chain’s order of large fries serves up 510 calories, 24 g of fat and 290 mg of sodium.)
But there’s good news: We’ve got eight healthy versions of the classic fast-food favorite. So forgo the fork for this week’s dinner side. These veggie options are better French fries than what you’d get at a burger shop or beach shack any day.
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8 Ways to Whip Up Homemade French Fries
1. Sweet Potato Fries
Swapping out white potatoes for sweet ones instantly make French fries a far healthier treat. The orange spuds have higher counts of key vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, calcium and fiber. Pair ’em with a low-sugar ketchup kicked up with a dash of Sriracha for extra zing. Recipe and photo: Perry Satanachote / Life by Daily Burn
2. Baked Asparagus Fries with Roasted Garlic Aioli
We’ve always wanted an excuse to eat asparagus with our hands, and this recipe is the perfect excuse. To lighten things up, swap out the mayo in aioli for non-fat Greek yogurt and you’ll keep this dish tasty and waistline-friendly. Photo and recipe: Kelly / JustATaste
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3. Crispy Baked Portobello Mushroom Fries
Traditional French fries are high in sodium content. However, these mushroom slices, which are smothered in panko, Parmesan (though Asiago works well, too) and spices, only require a teeny bit. Photo and recipe: Veronica / The Vegetarian Ginger
4. Parmesan Carrot Fries
Consider these souped-up carrots your new favorite treat: Baking, instead of frying, brings out the veggie’s natural sweetness. Balance that with a rich Parmesan coating, and you’ve got yourself a super-satisfying snack. Photo and recipe: Alexa Schrim / Life by DailyBurn
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5. Baked Avocado Fries With Cilantro Lime Dipping Sauce
If avocados are good with anything (which yes, they are), then avocado fries are basically everything. Perfect for game day or dinner with the kids, this baked-not-fried recipe can easily be made even healthier by swapping bread crumbs for whole-wheat panko and the sour cream for nonfat Greek yogurt. Photo and recipe: Tiffany / Le Creme de la Crumb
6. Crispy Parmesan Baked Green Bean Fries
Green bean casserole may be a guilty pleasure, but there’s nothing to feel guilty about with this indulgent yet light snack. A simple dusting of cheese and spices — plus some QT in the oven — is all it takes to make this green veggie taste like fast food, only better. Photo and recipe: Katie / Dashing Dish
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7. Baked Polenta Fries With Garlic Tomato Sauce
You’ll feel like you’re at an Italian restaurant after giving this recipe a go, despite the fact that they take about zero effort. Seriously: All you do is cut up polenta and bake. What could be easier — and honestly, tastier? Photo and recipe: Kiersten / Oh My Veggies
8. Baked Zucchini Fries with Garlic Herb Dip
You’ll love the crunchy outside and warm, soft inside of these nutrient-rich zucchini fries. Plus, for 10 fries and two spoonfuls of the yummy garlic and herb dip, you consume under 150 calories. Even better: just three grams of fat. You’re not going to want to turn these down. Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn