Give those leftover Christmas sprouts a glow-up with Salt & Pepper Festive Fries.
McCain Crispy French Fries are arranged into a festive Chipmas wreath and piled high with colourful peppers, onions and shredded Brussels sprouts, all tossed with garlic, ginger and aromatic spices. Finish with fresh spring onions and an optional soy glaze for a sweet and savoury festive sharing dish with plenty of crunch.
It's an easy way to transform leftover Brussels sprouts into something completely different after Christmas dinner, and a colourful centrepiece for your Chipmas spread.
Preheat the oven and cook the McCain Crispy French Fries according to the pack instructions until golden and crispy.
You may need to spread the fries over two baking trays to give them plenty of room to cook evenly.
Cook the peppers and onions
While the fries are cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the red and yellow peppers and sliced onion, then gently fry until softened and beginning to colour.
Add the festive flavours
Add the Chinese five spice, garlic granules and ground ginger to the vegetables. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir well so everything is evenly coated.
Add the shredded leftover Brussels sprouts and stir-fry with the vegetables until they're piping hot throughout.
Build your Salt & Pepper Festive Fries wreath
Arrange the crispy McCain Crispy French Fries around a large round sharing board or platter to create a festive Chipmas wreath.
Spoon the pepper, onion and Brussels sprout mixture over and around the fries, keeping the wreath shape visible and leaving space in the centre for your favourite dipping sauce, if you fancy one.
Finish and serve
Scatter the sliced spring onions around the wreath and finish with a drizzle of soy sauce glaze, if using.
Bring your Salt & Pepper Festive Fries wreath straight to the table and let everyone dig in.
Recipe tips
Keep the vegetables slightly crisp. Soften the peppers and onions without cooking them down completely - a little crunch works brilliantly against the fries.
Don't overcrowd the fries.Use two baking trays if necessary so they become properly golden and crispy.
Go easy on the soy glaze.A drizzle is enough. Too much liquid can soften the fries.
Reheat leftovers thoroughly.If you're using leftover cooked Brussels sprouts, make sure they're stored and reheated in line with food-safety guidance.
Assemble at the last minute. Have the vegetable mixture ready when the fries finish cooking and bring everything together just before serving.
Variations
Give Your Leftover Sprouts a Salt & Pepper Makeover
Brussels sprouts don't have to come back for round two alongside another roast dinner.
Shred your leftover cooked sprouts and toss them with colourful peppers, onions, garlic, ginger and aromatic seasoning to turn them into a punchy topping for crispy loaded fries.
It's an easy Christmas leftovers recipe for Boxing Day or Twixmas – particularly if you're staring at a container of sprouts in the fridge wondering what on earth to do with them.
Make Your Salt & Pepper Festive Fries Your Own
The peppers, onions and sprouts are only the starting point. Add mushrooms, sugar snap peas or baby corn for extra crunch, or turn up the heat with fresh chilli or a drizzle of chilli oil.
Want to make them more substantial? Try crispy tofu, edamame, cashews or peanuts, or add a fried egg or crispy halloumi. If you're using up Christmas leftovers, shredded cooked turkey or chicken works brilliantly too.
Not a fan of Brussels sprouts – or don't have any left? Swap them for finely shredded red or white cabbage, pak choi or tenderstem broccoli. That means you can enjoy these Salt & Pepper Fries long after Chipmas is over, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I make with leftover Brussels sprouts?
A:
Turn leftover Brussels sprouts into Salt & Pepper Festive Fries by shredding them and stir-frying with peppers, onions and aromatic seasonings before piling them over crispy fries. It's an easy way to transform leftover Christmas vegetables into something completely different.
What gives Salt & Pepper Festive Fries their flavour?
A:
Garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice, salt and black pepper give the vegetables their aromatic, savoury flavour, with an optional soy glaze adding a sweet and salty finish.
Can I make Salt & Pepper Festive Fries without sprouts?
A:
Yes. Try shredded cabbage, mushrooms, pak choi or tenderstem broccoli instead, depending on what you have available.
What can I add to Salt & Pepper Festive Fries?
A:
Crispy tofu, cashews, peanuts, mushrooms or edamame all work well. You can also try halloumi or a fried egg, while leftover cooked turkey or chicken is a great option if you eat meat.
Are Salt & Pepper Festive Fries vegetarian?
A:
The core recipe is vegetable-based, but always check the labels of the specific fries, seasonings and soy glaze you're using to make sure they're suitable for your dietary requirements.
Can I make Salt & Pepper Fries vegan?
A:
Yes. Keep the vegetable topping and add crispy tofu, cashews, peanuts or edamame if you want something more substantial. Choose a vegan-friendly soy glaze and check individual product labels.
Can I make Salt & Pepper Festive Fries outside Christmas?
A:
Absolutely. Swap the leftover Brussels sprouts for shredded cabbage or another crunchy vegetable and enjoy them all year round.
