Savor the Crunch: Vermont’s Zucchini Fries Paired with a Lush Feta-Herb Dip Recipe

Photo byfamily cook recipes

Vermont is known for its lush landscapes, farm-fresh produce, and an appreciation for quality, homemade food. When it comes to celebrating local ingredients, there’s no better way than combining a classic vegetable like zucchini with a delicious twist—crispy zucchini fries paired with a refreshing herby feta dip. This dish brings together the simplicity of fresh zucchini and the richness of Vermont dairy, offering a snack that’s both light and packed with flavor.

Imagine sitting on a cozy porch overlooking Vermont’s rolling green hills, the warm sun setting in the distance, and in front of you, a plate of golden, crunchy zucchini fries ready to be dipped in a cool, creamy feta and herb dip. It’s the kind of snack that satisfies your cravings for something savory and fresh, while still feeling light and healthy. Whether you're serving it as an appetizer at a summer gathering or enjoying it as a snack, this combination will be the star of your table.

The Crunchy Zucchini Fries

These zucchini fries are baked to perfection, giving them that ideal crunch without the guilt of frying. The key is in the preparation: by trimming, seasoning, and coating the zucchini sticks with panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of olive oil, you create a crisp and flavorful outer layer that’s irresistible. The fries are baked at a high temperature to ensure they are evenly browned, with just the right amount of crunch.

Herby Feta Dip: A Creamy Delight

Of course, no fry is complete without a dip, and here’s where the herby feta dip shines. Made from creamy feta cheese, rich Greek yogurt, and a blend of fresh herbs like thyme and dill, this dip is not only refreshing but also adds a tangy flavor that perfectly complements the crunchy zucchini fries. A drizzle of honey over the dip adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory notes, creating a perfect match for the fries.

Recipe: Vermont’s Crunchy Zucchini Fries with Herby Feta Dip

Ingredients:

For the Feta-Herb Dip:

• 4 oz (113g) feta cheese in brine
• 1/2 cup (118ml) Greek-style yogurt
• 2 tbsp (30ml) water
• 1 tbsp (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 tsp fresh chopped dill (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) honey

For the Zucchini Fries:

• 3 medium zucchini (about 8 oz each)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (85g)
• 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (70g)
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (64g)
• 3 large egg whites

Instructions:

1. For the Feta-Herb Dip: In a food processor, blend the feta cheese, Greek yogurt, water, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, and dill until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. For the Zucchini Fries: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper. Trim and quarter the zucchini lengthwise, then halve each piece, creating 48 fries. Pat dry to remove moisture.
3. In a food processor, pulse the panko breadcrumbs until finely ground. Transfer to a shallow bowl and mix with Parmesan, olive oil, and 1 tsp of salt.
4. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg whites, and one with the panko mixture. Dredge each zucchini stick in flour, egg whites, and then coat with the panko mixture. Arrange the zucchini fries evenly on the baking sheets.
5. Bake for 12 minutes, flip, then bake for another 10–14 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. Drizzle the feta dip with honey, garnish with extra thyme and dill, and serve with the crispy zucchini fries.

These crunchy zucchini fries are more than just a snack; they’re a Vermont-inspired celebration of fresh ingredients and creative cooking. The combination of crispy, cheesy zucchini fries and the tangy, herby feta dip is a match made in flavor heaven. Whether you're serving them at a family dinner or bringing them to a summer barbecue, this dish is sure to be a crowd favorite. So, the next time you're looking for something tasty yet healthy, give these zucchini fries a try and let the flavors of Vermont inspire your kitchen.

Here are the sources you can refer to for making Crunchy Zucchini Fries with Herby Feta Dip:

1. Serious Eats provides detailed tips on how to ensure your zucchini fries turn out crispy. Their advice includes removing the watery seeds and coating the breadcrumbs with olive oil before baking. This enhances the crispiness while also speeding up the browning process. They also feature an easy-to-follow feta-herb dip recipe, blending feta, yogurt, and fresh herbs​(Serious Eats)​(Serious Eats).
2. Gathering Dreams offers a variety of modifications for the recipe, including gluten-free and vegan options, and even provides instructions for making the fries in an air fryer. This source also shares useful tips like patting the zucchini dry to prevent sogginess​(Gathering Dreams).
3. The Cookie Rookie highlights the importance of cutting the zucchini into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. They also offer suggestions for serving the fries with marinara or ranch dressing​(The Cookie Rookie®).
4. Erin O'Brien’s Recipe Blog emphasizes pairing zucchini fries with a creamy feta dip, which includes ingredients like garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. Erin suggests making the dip ahead of time to let it thicken while you prepare the fries​(Erin O'Brien).

These sources will give you a comprehensive approach to perfecting your zucchini fries and feta dip combo.