31 Easy-to-Make Alternatives to French Fries (Kids Love These!)

No matter how many different foods I introduce to my son, he inevitably asks for French fries. While I’ve tried to appease him with other veggies that I think he might go for, the struggle always remains the same—he’s fries or die. I’ve finally realized the trick to a side my kid will devour just as quickly as fries is to mimic fries with other foods however humanly possible. Whether it’s in shape, texture, flavor, or “dipability”, some combination of those four factors seems to be the magic formula that has him requesting something else other than French fries with his meals. Right now he’s partial to sweet potato fries with a little cinnamon added. While it’s not exactly a heaping side of kale salad, it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Chances are you’ve racked your brains trying to come up with foods that aren’t French fries that your kids will eat, too. I’ve got a few healthier alternatives to French fries for you to whip up right at home in your kitchen, guaranteed to make your kids forget about fries entirely.

Check them out in the slideshow.

More Healthy Snack Ideas:

easy french fry alternatives

31 Easy-to-Make Alternatives to French Fries (Kids Love These!)

Oven Baked Polenta Fries

With just four ingredients and in under thirty minutes you can bake a batch of crispy “fries” made form a tube of store-bought polenta. Serve up these crispy polenta fries with your favorite dip or sauce. Get the recipe at Momtastic.
Parmesan Encrusted Zucchini

It's zucchini season, so why not make these tasty parmesan zucchini fries instead? They'll satisfy your salt craving and still be considered a serving of vegetables. Get the recipe on Kalyn's Kitchen.
Sweet Potato Nachos

Nachos are always a terrific salty treat. Make them a little healthier by using sweet potatoes instead. Get the recipe on Peas & Crayons.
Cucumber Dipping Snacks

Skip the fries in favor of something way healthier and more satisfying like these cute cucumber snacks. Get the recipe on Simplistically Living.
Ants on a Log

If kids really want a fun bite size snack, make these cool ants on a log. They are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Find the recipe on Two Healthy Kitchens.
Ranch Portabella Mushroom Avocado and Zucchini Fries

These fries are dippable and crunchable and good for snacks or alongside meals. Best of all, they're devoid of lots of the starches that potatoes tend to have. Get the recipe at Momtastic.
Grilled Kohlrabi Chips

Grilled kohlrabi are crispy and salty and totally satisfying. You'll love the delicious snack that tastes like a salty french fry but is much healthier. Find the recipe on Farm Fresh Feasts.
Sesame Tofu Sticks

Baked sesame tofu sticks are a delicious way to enjoy healthy tofu while still getting the satisfying bite of a french fry. Find the recipe on Kalyn's Kitchen.
Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potatoes are a fantastic superfood, packed with nutrients but also totally delicious. Bake them up into chips and let your kids go to town.

Recipe by Karen Biton-Cohen for Momtastic
Grilled Crispy Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is the best kind of finger food. Grill it up and eat it like a french fry. Find the recipe on The Naptime Chef.
Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback potatoes are delicious and totally fun to make. Top them with a little cheese and sour cream, and you've got a snack way better than a french fry. Find the recipe on Marla Meridith.
Kale Guacamole

For a festive side dish, add a little kale to some fresh avocados for a new take on guacamole. The kale packs a punch that's filled with bonus nutrients and sneaks an extra veggie into your meal. Recipe by Kelsey Banfield for Momtastic.
Grilled Carrots

Carrots on the grill may seem unusual, but they are totally worth it. Make these sweet finger foods on the grill and enjoy their delicious sweet vegetable flavor. Find the recipe on Simple Bites.
Garlic Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes are like nature's french fries. Roast them with garlic and you've got amazing finger food to nibble on with your dinner. Find the recipe on This Week for Dinner.
Spiced Carrots

Carrots are great for munching on throughout the day. Flavor them up with spices and roast them in the oven for a satisfying side dish. Find the recipe on The Naptime Chef.
Blistered Peppers

For a spicy alternative to a potato, try these blistered peppers. They are a snap to cook and so much fun to eat. Find the recipe on Bell'alimento.
Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes are loaded in antioxidants. And the orange variety have four times the recommended daily allowance for beta-carotene, and 42% of the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C. Add a bit of cinnamon and your kiddos might even skip the ketchup! Get the recipe at Momtastic.
Apple Chips

Anything crispy and salty-sweet makes for a great french fry alternative. This fall, make apple chips to satisfy your craving and keep the kids happy. Find the recipe on Simple Bites.
Honey Roasted Parsnips

Honey roasted parsnips make for a gorgeous snack stick that everyone adores. They are easy to make, too. Find the recipe on The Gracious Pantry.
Crisp Roasted Green Beans

Crispy roast green beans make a delicious snack, and they still have the satisfying salty crunch you expect from a french fry. Find out how easy they are to make on Our Best Bites.
Rosemary Ranch Sweet Potato Fries

Typical sweet potato fries get a makeover in this recipe using some ranch dips mix and fresh rosemary. Get the recipe at Momtastic.
Not Popcorn

Crunchy roasted chickpeas are a great healthy, salty snack. Pop them in your mouth by the handful. Find the recipe on Marla Meridith.
Baked Crispy Fries

Just in case you don't think you can give up french fries altogether, here is a healthier way to make them at home in the oven. Find the recipe on Created by Diane.
Whole Wheat Pretzel Bites

These pretzel bites are guaranteed to have your kids begging for more. And even better, they're made with whole wheat. Get your kids in on the action to bake up a batch and season them with their favorite flavors. Recipe by Karen Biton-Cohen for Momtastic.
Cheese Potato Puffs

These cheese potato puffs just have a few ingredients, and they're a great finger food for little hands. This is a great recipe to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to bake. Recipe by Sarah Caron for Momtastic.
Gluten-Free Nut Clusters

Another recipe with all-natural ingredients, these nut clusters are a handy dish to make and be able to eat on the go. Toss a bag in your purse or your kiddo's backpack for a quick pick-me-up that's healthy and packed with protein.
Roasted Kale Chips

And speaking of chips and superfoods, how about some roasted kale chips? This quick and easy recipe will literally just take a minute or two of prep along with about fifteen minutes of baking, and voila! You have got a super healthy side dish that's tons of fun to eat. Recipe by Valentina Kenney Wein for Momtastic.
Tangerine Mango Fruit Leather

Forget fruit snacks and fruit leathers from the grocery store—this recipe is all natural, and the kids can help you put it together. These fruit leathers make a great addition to a school lunch or a snack at home. Recipe by Valentina Kenney Wein for Momtastic.
Baked Apple Chips

Baked apple chips are made with simple, natural ingredients, and can be made in nice big batches so kids can snack on them all week. Even better—you can toss them in a lunch box for a healthy addition to a school lunch. Recipe by Lori Alper for Momtastic.
Roasted Spiced Garbanzo Beans

These roasted chickpeas are such a fun idea. You can tailor the spices to your family's faves, and they'd not only be a great side dish but also the perfect snack for movie night at home. Recipe by Rachel McFarland for Momtastic.
Asparagus Pastry Sticks

How's this for a sneaky way to get your kids to eat asparagus? Wrap it in a little puff pastry and they're bound to chow down. Recipe by Christina Stanley for Momtastic.