Delicious and Easy: Peppery Parsnip Fries Recipe
It’s time to try something new with your fries, and I have just the recipe for you. If you’re a fan of spicy food, then you’ll love these peppery parsnip fries. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they pack a punch of flavor that will have your taste buds tingling.
Now, some of you may be thinking, “What’s a parsnip?” Well, let me tell you: it’s a root vegetable that’s similar to a carrot but has a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor. And when roasted or baked, it becomes the perfect substitute for traditional fries.
I know it can be tough to break away from the classics, but trust me on this one – these parsnip fries will not disappoint. sprinkled with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg before roasting for an extra depth of flavor. Plus, they’re healthier than your average fry since parsnips are packed with vitamins and minerals.
So go ahead and give this tasty recipe a try – I promise it won’t disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re a lover of all things crispy, spicy, and flavorful – then these peppery parsnip fries are right up your alley. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Firstly, these fries are healthy. Let’s face it, French fries aren’t the most nutritious option out there, but these fries are a healthy alternative packed with fiber and vitamins. Not only will they fill you up, but they’ll also leave you feeling good after you’ve eaten them.
Secondly, they’re versatile! The beauty of this recipe is that it can be adjusted to fit almost any flavor profile that you prefer. If you like spice, add more pepper or curry powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, go easy on the spices or substitute them for something else. And if you want to mix things up, try dipping them in a yummy herb aioli or serve them with other finger foods at your next party.
Thirdly, this recipe is easy to make. With only a few simple ingredients and little prep work needed, anyone can make these delicious fries at home. Plus, whether you choose to oven-bake them or air fry them – they’re so simple to cook.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for sharing! Think about it; who doesn’t love gathering around with friends or family and sharing some hot and crispy fries? These peppery parsnip fries are the perfect snack or appetizer to share with others while sitting back and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
So much fun can be had with this recipe! Whether you’re just trying to switch up your regular snack routine or adding more veggies into your meals – these peppery parsnip fries are sure to impress. Delicious as they are healthy, this recipe is definitely worth giving a try (trust me).
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that we’ll need to make these delicious peppery parsnip fries.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
Most of these items should be easily found in your pantry, but if there is anything that you don’t have on hand, don’t fret! We’ll also mention some possible substitutions and variations later on. Now, let’s get ready to cook!
The Recipe How-To
Alrighty then, folks, it’s time to get our hands dirty and dive into the recipe itself. You’ll be surprised to know how simple and easy it is to make peppery parsnip fries from scratch. Let me guide you through every step, so you can do this right.
Gather your ingredients
First things first, before we start preparing the parsnips, we need to make sure that we have all the necessary ingredients at hand. For this recipe, we’ll need:
- Parsnips: 2-3 large ones
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for coating the parsnips
- Garlic powder: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Ground pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Make sure to wash and peel the parsnips thoroughly, removing any white spots or blemishes. Then, cut them into thin and long sticks about 1/2 inch wide.
Preheat your oven
For perfectly crispy fries, we’re going to roast them in a hot oven. So let’s preheat our oven to 450°F (230°C) while we get started on seasoning the chips.
Season your parsnips
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, ground pepper, and Kosher salt. Then add parsnip sticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the spice mix.
Get ready for baking
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray. Spread out the seasoned parsnip sticks onto the baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding them.
Bake your parsnip fries
Bake your seasoned parsnip fries for about 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remember to flip them over halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Time for garnishing
Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle some chopped rosemary leaves over them for added flavor and freshness.
Congratulations! Your peppery parsnip fries are ready. Serve them hot from the oven as a healthy appetizer or as a side dish alongside your favorite entree.
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, so you’re looking to add your own twist to this recipe, eh? Well, good for you! Cooking isn’t just about following instructions like a robot – it also requires creativity and resourcefulness. Here are some variations and substitutions that could spice up this already-mighty dish:
– Instead of parsnips, try it with sweet potatoes or carrots. These veggies offer a similar texture and earthy flavor that would go well with the spices and herbs we’re using.
– If you’re feeling more adventurous, give curry-roasted parsnips a go! Simply mix 1 tablespoon of curry powder with the olive oil in the large bowl before adding in the parsnips. You can also sprinkle some ground nutmeg on top for an extra kick.
– For a more garlicky taste, chop up some garlic and add it to the oil mixture with rosemary. Make sure to toss the parsnips well to distribute the flavors evenly!
– If you don’t have an oven or just want to try something different, consider using an air fryer instead. The process is similar – just make sure to follow your air fryer’s instructions for temperature and time.
– Want to make it even healthier? Cut back on the olive oil or switch it with avocado oil. You can also skip the parmesan cheese topping if you’re watching your dairy intake.
– Lastly, if you want to take inspiration from other cuisines, try seasoning the fries with different herbs like thyme or oregano. Minimalist Baker has a great recipe for French fries with rosemary lemon that could pair nicely too!
Remember, these are just suggestions – feel free to experiment and find your own perfect blend of flavors!
Serving and Pairing
Let me tell you, these peppery parsnip fries are so deliciously addictive that you’ll want to serve them with everything!
To begin with, the crisp texture and complex flavor of these fries would make a great addition to any summer BBQ or outdoor picnic. They pair really well with grilled meats like chicken, steak or pork chops, but are equally satisfying alongside grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
If you’re craving something light and fresh, then try serving your parsnip fries with a side salad- guaranteeing a well-rounded meal that is both delicious and nutritious. They even work well as part of a brunch platter served alongside scrambled eggs and sautéed mushrooms.
But wait, let me share some interesting ideas that you might not have thought of yet. Have you tried pairing them with a spicy sriracha mayonnaise? Or perhaps, dipping them in a creamy blue cheese sauce? These flavor combinations will surely take your taste buds on an adventure.
For those who enjoy experimenting with food and drink pairings, I have one final suggestion: indulge in these fries with a glass of crisp white wine, or maybe even a cold beer. The natural sweetness from the parsnips offer an interesting contrast to the bitterness commonly found in beer, while the tangy sauce complements the bold notes found in many types wine.
No matter how you choose to pair them, I guarantee these peppery parsnip fries will be an instant hit at your next gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Alright everyone, it’s time to talk about what to do when you have leftovers of these peppery parsnip fries. Do not fear, because with adequate care and attention, these fries can maintain their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
Now, let’s start with make-ahead tips. If you want to prepare ahead of time, the first thing to remember is never to season the parsnips before cooking. Seasoning enhances moisture absorption, which leads to soggy ones. Prepare them as directed in the recipe but hold off on the salt, pepper, or any other seasoning until you’re ready to cook.
Once cooked and cooled down, transfer the fries into an airtight container with paper towels lining the bottom to absorb any remaining moisture. This strategy should keep them crispy for a couple of days in the refrigerator.
To reheat them as leftovers, you could use several methods. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for 10-12 minutes or until hot and crispy again like they just came out of the oven. Alternatively, you could use an air fryer if you have one, toss in a few parsnip fries at a time, heat for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
Now let’s talk about freezing these peppery parsnip fries. Unfortunately, this is not usually recommended because they tend to get soggy when defrosted. Under normal circumstances though because they are so deliciously addictive especially that peppery taste one might not even think about freezing them.
To round up this section, I will remind you all that these fries are best eaten right after baking (or frying), but with careful storing and reheating techniques like those stated above, reheated parsnip fries can still be tasty snacks long after being initially served.
Tips for Perfect Results
Let’s face it, making the perfect parsnip fries can be a bit of a challenge. But with these helpful tips, you’ll be able to whip up a batch that will leave your taste buds tingling for more.
Firstly, it’s important to make sure your parsnips are cut into the same size and shape. This will ensure even cooking and crispy texture. I recommend using parsnips that are 1-2 inches in diameter, and cutting them into sticks that are approximately half an inch thick.
Next, preheating your oven to 450°F or higher is essential for achieving those crispy, golden-brown fries. Placing the parsnips on a large rimmed baking sheet with plenty of room around each piece allows for better air circulation and a more even bake.
For those looking to cut down on oil, an air fryer is a great alternative to traditional frying methods. Simply add the parsnips to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or until crispy.
Adding different spices and flavors is also a way to up your parsnip fry game. Experiment with curry powder or garlic pepper for different flavor profiles.
Lastly, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket as this will lead to soggy fries. It’s worth investing in multiple sheets or doing batches if needed to ensure all fries cook evenly.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create peppery parsnip fries that are healthy, delicious, and perfectly crispy every time!
Bottom Line
:
In conclusion, I strongly believe that this peppery parsnip fries recipe is a must-try for everyone who loves tasty and healthy meals. This recipe offers a unique twist on the traditional french fries by using parsnips as the main ingredient. The combination of peppery and spicy flavors makes for an unforgettable taste experience that will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your health.
Moreover, this recipe is super easy to make, and you can switch up the seasonings to create different flavor profiles to suit your preferences. Whether you are roasting or baking in the oven or using an air fryer, this recipe will take no time at all to prepare, even if you are a beginner in the kitchen.
Lastly, parsnips provide a great substitute for potatoes in any recipe, including fries, as they contain fewer carbs and more fiber than their potato counterparts. They are also a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, Vitamin C, and folate.
In summary, with its simplicity and versatility in cooking, remarkable flavors, health benefits, and substitutes for conventional fries, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t give this peppery parsnip fries recipe a try today!

Ingredients
- 8 medium parsnips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Cut parsnips lengthwise into 2 1/2 x 1/2 inch sticks.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine oil, cheese, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add parsnips, a few sticks at a time, and shake to coat.
- Line two 15x10 inch baking pans with foil; coat the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- Place parsnips in single layer in pans.
- Bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until tender, turning several times.
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Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.