Happy Hour: Homemade Asparagus Fries

Confession I love appetizers. In our family, they have been somewhat of a guilty pleasure over the years. Every Christmas Eve we would have a dinner of appetizers after church service. From blooming onions with proper dipping sauce to sausage queso and honey ham basted sandwiches, it was a tradition that stuck throughout the years. While our Christmas Eve traditions have evolved throughout the years, my love for all things appetizers has remained. Now to this recipe. Asparagus fries have become a favorite this season and has been a dish on repeat for guests as they come over. Highlighting asparagus and fresh lemon, it’s the perfect appetizer to showcase spring seasonal flavors.

Keep reading for the full recipe after the jump!

Homemade Asparagus Fries

servings: 15-20 asparagus fries, appetizer portions for 4

Ingredients:

For asparagus fries:

  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 1 C whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 1 C whole wheat all-purpose flour
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 C fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 1  egg, whisked

For lemon dipping sauce:

  • 1/2 C mayo
  • juice of one lemon, plus zest
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Rinse asparagus spears under cold water. Snap off wooden end of asparagus. Using a clean kitchen towel, dry asparagus, and remove any excess water.

In a medium size bowl, combine bread crumbs, flour, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper . (Tip: I make my breadcrumbs, using two slices of toasted organic whole wheat bread, finely chopped in the food processor.) In a shallow pan, whisk an egg. Dip asparagus spears in egg and then dredge in flour mixture. Place on a cooking sheet lined with aluminum foil and a cooling rack. Placed coated spears on top of the cooling rack. Space evenly and bake for 20 minutes, flipping spears after 10 minutes.

For the dipping sauce combine mayo, lemon, and salt and pepper.

To serve: place spears on a wooden board with sauce in small bowl. Top with a bit of additional grated parmesan cheese.

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