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    Recipes » Special Diet » Egg Free

    Messy Fries

    Published: Jan 29, 2015 · Updated: Apr 6, 2018 · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Butternut squash fries topped with chili and covered in cheese

    Disclosure: I received free samples of Cabot Cheese mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe challenge sponsored by Cabot Creamery and am eligible to win prizes. I was not additionally compensated for my time.

    Messy Fries from Living Well Kitchen

    If you've ever been to Tuscaloosa, Alabama on a weekend night you've probably seen a line of people standing near a little hut. That hut is called Quick Grill, and it is where everyone went to grab a late night bite post bar.

    More importantly, it's the home of Messy Fries.

    What are Messy Fries? Well, they're fries and they're messy.

    They are the exact opposite of health... Fries, covered in chili, with a mound of cheddar on top. I'm pretty positive they put an entire 8 ounce bag of shredded cheddar on top of each box of Messy Fries.

    And I'm pretty positive that I ate my own box of Messy Fries on more than one occasion.

    So I decided to make my own version of Messy Fries. One that won't make my esophagus burn with regret.

    Messy Fries from Living Well Kitchen

    My Messy Fries are the opposite of the original Messy Fries in color. I use butternut squash to make the "fries" and white cheddar because white cheddar is the best. I made a quick chili with beans while the butternut squash fries were baking.

    If you've never tried butternut squash to make fries, you are seriously missing out. Just ask my sister.

    A little note about making butternut squash fries: peeling the butternut squash is the most unpleasant part. Once the squash is peeled and sliced into sticks, you will sprinkle them with salt to release some of the moisture. This will help them get crispier. Let them sit while the oven preheats.

    Then spread them in a single layer on baking sheets. You do not want them to touch; otherwise, they'll steam and won't get crispy.

    Messy Fries from Living Well Kitchen

    The key to good Messy Fries is the cheese. You must cover, and I mean cover, with cheese. The cheese is extremely important for Messy Fries.

    I used the Cabot Legacy Collection White Oak Cheddar, and I couldn't have made it any tastier if I tried.

    It has the perfect balance of buttery richness and sharpness. It's a little bit sweet, so it pairs exceptionally with the butternut squash fries {they are a tiny bit sweet} and the spicy chili on top.

    [clickToTweet tweet="ad: These Messy Fries are a must make cheesy #appetizer @Cabotcheese" quote="ad: These Messy Fries are a must make cheesy #appetizer @Cabotcheese"]

    Messy Fries from Living Well Kitchen

    Every bit of effort you put into making the butternut squash fries is so worth it!

    These are great for a Super Bowl party or just for a weeknight dinner. The butternut squash fries are delicious and filling, and the bean chili + cheese gives you extra protein.

    Once you try these multi-tasking Messy Fries, you'll never want "fries" any other way.

    Messy Fries from Living Well Kitchen

    Messy Fries

    Butternut squash fries topped with chili and covered in cheese
    No ratings yet
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Meme

    Ingredients

    • 1 butternut squash 2-3 lb
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt divided
    • 4 teaspoon olive oil divided
    • 1 large onion diced
    • 2 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 8 ounce can no salt added tomato sauce
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 15 ounce can red kidney beans rinsed and drained
    • 4 ounce Cabot Cheese {I like Cabot Legacy Collection White Oak Cheddar Cheese}

    Instructions

    • Peel and slice the butternut squash into fry-like shapes. Lay flat on a towel and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Let sit while the oven preheats.
    • Preheat oven to 400*F.
    • Pat the squash dry and toss with two teaspoons olive oil. Put the squash fries in a single layer on a baking sheet {you will likely use two baking sheets}. Don't crowd the baking sheets or let the squash fries touch each other. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through cook time.
    • Meanwhile, heat remaining two teaspoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir for one minute, and pour in tomato sauce, water, and kidney beans. Let simmer over medium low heat, stirring occasionally, until thick. Keep warm.
    • When squash fries are done, arrange them in a circle on a foil lined baking sheet. Top with chili mixture and cover with cheese. Bake for about 5-8 minutes, until cheese is melted. Enjoy!
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    [showhide type="post" more_text="Click here for Nutrition Facts" less_text="Clear Nutrition Facts"]
    *

    Nutrition Facts
    Messy Fries
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    223
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    9
    g
    14
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    4
    g
    25
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    19
    mg
    6
    %
    Sodium
     
    663
    mg
    29
    %
    Potassium
     
    772
    mg
    22
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    27
    g
    9
    %
    Fiber
     
    6
    g
    25
    %
    Sugar
     
    6
    g
    7
    %
    Protein
     
    9
    g
    18
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    14100
    IU
    282
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    31.2
    mg
    38
    %
    Calcium
     
    225
    mg
    23
    %
    Iron
     
    2.4
    mg
    13
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    *
    [/showhide]

     

    Meme

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    Comments

    1. Elizabeth @ Enjoy Every Bite says

      January 30, 2015 at 11:53 am

      You had me at "messy fries." Seriously. And no acid reflux? Sounds amazing 🙂

      Reply
      • Meme says

        January 31, 2015 at 9:36 am

        Haha I know right?!!? They are so amazing! Probably my favorite way to eat butternut squash 🙂

        Reply
    2. Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) says

      January 30, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      Sounds delicious! My husband will LOVE these messy fries 🙂

      Reply
      • Meme says

        January 31, 2015 at 9:37 am

        Thanks Alex! He will! They are SO delish 🙂

        Reply
    3. Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says

      January 31, 2015 at 7:13 pm

      I'm pretty sure my boyfriend is still upset I didn't go with my idea to make a riff on "poutine" for the contest. Maybe I could appease him with this...

      Reply
      • Meme says

        February 01, 2015 at 9:33 pm

        Haha!! Well your chowder looks mighty yummy! But you should totally make these 😉

        Reply

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    Meme (a brunette female) is holding umbrella and spinning around in front of the Eiffel Tower wearing a denim jacket, skirt, and blue shoesHi, I'm Meme -- a thirty-something girl from Alabama living in San Diego! Join me as I prove that living a guilt-free, healthy lifestyle can be budget friendly, delicious & fun!
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