If you're looking for a new vegetable side dish, I've got just the thing for you: Bacon Parsnip Fries. These parsnip fries are roasted in the oven and are a bit healthier than French fries. They're easy to prepare, and best of all, they don't taste healthy! They taste delicious and satisfying without being greasy like traditional fries.
I serve these parsnip fries with an easy 2-minute spicy mayo sauce, and they are so good!
So if you've always passed parsnips by at the grocery store because you thought they were just boring white carrots, I encourage you to give this parsnip side dish a try! These parsnip fries are naturally gluten-free, if you're avoiding gluten.
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Related recipe: Parmesan Truffle Potato Wedges
Parsnip fries - vegetable side dish
Parsnips are a totally overlooked vegetable. Most people think of mashed parsnips or parsnip soup when they think of parsnip recipes, which may sound a little bland. But parsnips are SO DELICIOUS when they are roasted (just like roasted radishes or roasted Jerusalem artichoke - two of my other favorite often-overlooked vegetables).
The subtle natural sweetness of the parsnips comes out, and their starchiness makes them just as satisfying as roasted potatoes, especially when served as a snackable, dippable parsnip French fry shape.
Try this other parsnip recipe: Parsnip Soup with Bacon
These roasted parsnip fries get a little upgrade in flavor from bacon - they are roasted with chopped bacon and get some of that delicious smoky bacon flavor all over the parsnips.
The crunchy roasted bacon bits are then served on top of the parsnip fries... and I admit the bacon pieces fall off, but I always scoop them up with a fork and save the bacon bits for last!
Ready to make some roasted parsnip fries?
Related recipe: Bacon Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients
For the parsnip fries:
- 1 lb parsnips (about 4 parsnips)
- ½ - 1 teaspoon sea salt, to taste
- ½ - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 slices uncooked bacon, chopped
- A few sprigs fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme or other dried herbs)
Related recipe: Lemony Asparagus with Bacon
For the spicy mayo dipping sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Not a fan of spicy mayo? You can use any dipping sauce you like for fries: ketchup, mayo + ketchup, aioli, ranch dressing etc.
You'll also need:
- A large baking sheet
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup - I love this unbleached one from If You Care)
More non-traditional "fries" recipes: Air Fryer Polenta Fries
Related recipe: Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Peel the parsnips with a vegetable peeler, and cut them into French fry-shaped pieces, about ½ inch thick. Chop them in half if they are too long.
Step 3: Place the parsnip fries on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle salt, pepper, and a fresh thyme leaves on top. Spread the chopped bacon pieces on top and use your hands to mix up the parsnips, bacon, and salt and pepper so they are evenly spread out on the baking sheet.
More side dishes with bacon: Broccoli and Bacon in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 4: Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the parsnips are cooked to your liking. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Step 5: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
Related recipe: Roasted Young Potatoes with Crispy Skins
What to serve with parsnip fries
You can make these parsnip fries anytime you are eating something that goes GREAT with fries, such as burgers (see my ground pork burger recipe, my jalapeño burgers or my chicken burger with guacamole). Parsnip fries are also a great way to try to get your kid to eat more vegetables, along with these sweet potato chicken nuggets.
No guarantees, but one can try, right??
Related recipe: Roasted Asparagus with Crispy Bacon Topping
If you enjoyed this parsnip recipe, let me know with a comment and a star rating below. And don't forget to share it on Facebook and save it on Pinterest for later!
Bacon Parsnip Fries
Ingredients
- 1 lb parsnips - (about 4 parsnips)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt - to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper - to taste
- 6 slices uncooked bacon - chopped
- A few sprigs fresh thyme - (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme or other dried herbs)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha - or to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Special equipment
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
Instructions
- preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the parsnips with a vegetable peeler, and cut them into French fry-shaped pieces, about ½ inch thick. Chop them in half if they are too long.
- Place the parsnip fries on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle salt, pepper, and a fresh thyme leaves on top. Spread the chopped bacon pieces on top and use your hands to mix up the parsnips, bacon, and seasonings so they are evenly spread out on the baking sheet.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the parsnips are cooked to your liking. Season with additional salt and pepper, if needed, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information displayed is an estimate and not to be used as dietary or nutritional advice. Consult a nutritionist or dietician for nutritional info based on the exact ingredients you use.