Healthy Chili Cheese Fries

This recipe is actually VERY easy - but I am giving you many different options, so PLEASE READ THE WHOLE RECIPE! And be sure to check the NOTES at the bottom for additional topping options and where to find them.

I'll admit it, I was afraid to try delicata squash. I mean, why? It seemed easy enough, but for some reason, it intimidated me. But thanks to my Generation Movers, they convinced me to give it a go, and now, I'll never turn back!

Delicata squash is not just easy to prepare, but it's incredibly versatile too. And guess what? It really does taste like a French fry! But, there's a trick to cooking it just right. You can enjoy this as a fuel pull, E, or S style. It's up to you! Let's get cooking and conquer our culinary fears together! Follow the above guidance and you will make the most delicious delicata fries to replace the fries holding you back from the best you. Let's get after it! You can do this!

Can be cooked in Air Fryer or Oven, look for the specific instructions for your equipment.

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Course: Sides

Cuisine: E Meal, FP Meal, S Meal

Equipment

Ingredients

1 Delicata Squash
1 cup favorite on-plan chili see notes for suggestions
Cheese or your favorite on-plan cheese sauce see notes for video directions

Instructions

Cooking Fries in Air Fryer Directions:

Cut ends off delicata squash and cut in half.
Scoop out seeds.
Cut into rings. (I like to leave the skin on, you can use a potato peeler to peel off the skin if you prefer, I think the skin gives it a nice crispy edge.)
Put in bowl and spray with Avocado or Coconut Oil spray.
Add your favorite mineral salt. Salt them well, just like the classic french fry is nice and salty.
Place in single row in air fryer. (I use the top rack on my GoWise Air Fryer.)
Air Fry at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Make sure they are nice and crispy. Depending on your air fryer they may need a few more minutes or a few less. It also depends on the quantity used. The more you pack in, it may take a little longer. 15 minutes has been the sweet spot at my house.

Cooking Fries in Oven Directions:

Cut squash as above, place either on Epicure Baking Sheet or Parchment paper. If using propellant spray use parchment. Use olive oil or butter on Epicure Baking Sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for approximately 35 minutes. Check it at 25 minutes, continue cooking until golden colored and crispy edges.

Assemble the Chili Cheese Fries:

Place your delicata squash fries on plate.
Top with favorite chili. (You may set it on the side if you don't like a soggy fry. I recommend eating this hot and fresh as this will help:))
Top with your favorite on plan cheese or cheese sauce.
Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Chili Options:

My family loves Pearl's S Chili in Trim Healthy Cookbook pg. 101. You can make this FP by using a lean protein, such as lean ground turkey. Washing your meat off in hot water will reduce the fat and make it even leaner. By doing so the S chili becomes FP and topped on the chili cheese fries, it would stay FP. (Use an FP cheese sauce - see below suggestions.)

You can also find this recipe on Facebook (I do the half version).

Save My Sanity Chili: You can find this recipe in Trim Healthy Table on pg. 81. This is an E chili. Use an E or FP cheese sauce to top your fries to keep it in an E.

How to make the Instant Cheese Sauce: Here is how I make the instant cheese sauce. This is amazing and it can be done E style and FP style. I use my Epicure Steamer to make my potatoes and carrots in just minutes! Major time saving tip. I use it almost on the daily, it will be a huge asset to your kitchen if you need Drive Thru Sue options.

You can find the recipe in Trim Healthy Future on pg. 380.

Dessert Delicata Fries Option:
Take 1 tbsp. of Gentle Sweet and Mix it with 1/2-1 tsp. of cinnamon.
Prepare squash like above but instead of salt, sprinkle on Gentle Sweet, Cinnamon mix. Bake as above.
Enjoy as an FP dessert treat!