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Watermelon fries are a refreshingly fun twist on summer snacking that bring excitement to any picnic or park day. With just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients, you get crispy looking watermelon sticks ready to dip into a creamy strawberry yogurt sauce. I reach for this recipe all summer long when watermelon is at its sweetest and everyone wants something cooling and bright.
I first shared these fries at a neighborhood block party and they disappeared before the burgers hit the grill. Now my family expects to see a platter every time we fire up the barbecue.
Ingredients
- Half of a large watermelon: Choose one that feels heavy for its size and sounds hollow when you tap it for the juiciest slices
- Vanilla yogurt: Adds creaminess and a mild vanilla flavor to the dip Choose full fat for an extra rich sauce
- Strawberries: Brightens the yogurt dip with tangy berry flavor Look for firm deep red berries for best taste
- Honey: Balances out the tartness in the dip and brings everything together Use local honey if possible for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice and Prep Watermelon:
- Cut the watermelon in half then slice each half into discs about one half inch thick Each disc delivers even sized fries
- Shape the Fries:
- Take each round disc and cut across the middle to create two semi circles Then use a crinkle cutter to slice fries working from one edge of the melon to the other This makes the fries look just like the classic ones but in fruit form
- Remove the Rind:
- Trim away any excess rind from each fry Discard or compost the leftover rind to keep just the sweet bright red center
- Prep the Dip:
- Place vanilla yogurt strawberries with stems and leaves removed and honey into a blender This is your creamy sweet dip base
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Blend on low until the mixture is silky and even Check the sweetness and blend in more honey if you want a sweeter dip
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The best surprise about this snack is the way the crinkle cut fries make watermelon irresistible to even picky kids. Watermelon was always my favorite fruit at family pool parties it is now the centerpiece of our July Fourth spread.
Storage Tips
Leftover watermelon fries are best kept in the fridge wrapped tightly in a container lined with a paper towel to absorb liquid. Store the yogurt dip separately in a sealed jar or small bowl. The fries will stay crisp and juicy for about twenty four hours but after that they start to soften. I do not recommend freezing as the texture changes and they become watery.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out vanilla yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt for a dairy free option. Blueberries or raspberries work well in place of strawberries in the dip just blend until smooth. If you like more tang use Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice in the blend. For a touch more sweetness try maple syrup instead of honey.
Serving Suggestions
Pile the fries on a platter with the dip in the center for an eye-popping snack board. Serve at brunch picnics or as part of a healthy dessert spread. These are wonderful alongside grilled foods or fresh salads for outdoor meals. You can also freeze the dip for ten minutes to make it chilled and extra thick for dipping.
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It took me a few tries to get the fries looking perfect but now it is second nature. No matter how you slice it these watermelon fries always bring smiles and they add such a pop of color to any summer feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make watermelon fries ahead of time?
Yes, although it's best to cut watermelon fries just before serving to maintain peak freshness and crispness. Store prepared fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day.
- → What can I use if I don't have a crinkle cutter?
Any sharp kitchen knife can be used to slice the watermelon into fry shapes. The crinkle cutter simply adds a decorative touch.
- → How do I make the yogurt dip sweeter?
Blend in more honey or choice sweetener to adjust the dip to your desired level of sweetness.
- → Can I use other fruits in the dip?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or mango blend well into the yogurt for a range of flavor options.
- → Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, kids love the playful fry shape and the sweet, creamy dip. It's a fun and healthy snack for the whole family.