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Crispy Keto Chili Cheese Fries

crispy keto chili cheese fries - featured image

A delicious low-carb snack featuring crispy turnip fries topped with hearty chili, melted cheese, and a zesty lemon herb butter.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium-sized turnip, peeled and cut into fries (or rutabaga as a substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 ounces ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1/2 cup diced onions, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, jalapeño slices, or a dollop of sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Peel the turnip and cut into uniform fries about 1/4-inch thick. Toss fries in avocado oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread fries in a single layer on the wire rack. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  4. While fries roast, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Brown the beef, breaking it apart, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Add onions and garlic to the beef, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
  6. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and set aside.
  8. Once fries are done, arrange them on a serving plate. Spoon chili evenly over fries, then sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  9. Broil for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Top with dollops of lemon herb butter right before serving, allowing it to melt into the warm fries and chili.
  11. Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream if desired.

Notes

Use a wire rack to keep fries crispy. Avoid overcrowding fries on the rack. Broil cheese carefully to prevent burning. For dairy-free, substitute cheeses and butter with dairy-free alternatives and olive oil. Turnip fries can be swapped with rutabaga or jicama for low-carb alternatives. Reheat leftovers in oven to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

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