These Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters are crispy on the outside and soft inside, packed with yummy cheese and fresh squash. Perfect for a snack or a side dish!
Whenever I make these, I can’t resist sneaking a few right off the pan. They’re so good, it’s hard to share! 😄 Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—just mix, fry, and enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is the star here. If you can’t find it, zucchini works well too. Both are soft and have a mild flavor that’s perfect for fritters.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind everything together. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Cheeses: Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. If cheddar cheese isn’t available, feel free to use mozzarella or Swiss for a different twist, though your fritters might be less sharp in flavor.
Egg: The egg binds the fritters. For a vegan option, try flaxseed meal mixed with water as a substitute or use unsweetened applesauce.
How Do I Ensure My Fritters Are Crispy?
The key to crispy fritters lies in removing excess moisture from the squash. After grating, sprinkle with salt and let it sit, then squeeze out as much liquid as you can using a clean towel. Skipping this part can lead to soggy fritters that won’t hold together!
- After squeezing, let the mixture sit briefly before frying to help form a crust.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet; this can cause steam, making them soft instead of crispy.
- If needed, adjust the oil temperature to avoid burning while ensuring the fritters cook through.
Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups yellow squash, grated (about 2 medium squash)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking, making it a quick and easy dish. You’ll want to set aside some time for the squash to sit and release moisture, which is about 10 minutes. Overall, you’ll have delicious fritters ready in less than 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash using a box grater. Once grated, put the squash in a large bowl and sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss the squash well to mix in the salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, which is crucial for crispy fritters.
2. Squeeze Out the Liquid:
After the squash has sat, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and place the grated squash inside it. Squeeze tightly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is vital to avoid soggy fritters!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed squash with flour, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese (if using), egg, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until the mixture is well blended.
4. Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of oil, allowing it to heat up.
5. Form the Fritters:
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the squash mixture and drop it onto the skillet. Use a spatula to flatten it a bit into a fritter shape.
6. Cook the Fritters:
Let the fritter cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it’s golden brown. Then, carefully flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, ensuring it is crispy all around.
7. Finish Cooking:
If you’re making multiple fritters, add additional oil to the pan as needed between batches and repeat the cooking process until all the batter is used.
8. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, place the fritters on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
9. Enjoy!
Serve your warm Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like, and sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives over the top for a lovely finish.
Enjoy these delicious, cheesy, crispy yellow squash fritters as a perfect snack or side! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Squash?
Yes! While yellow squash is the recommended choice for this recipe, zucchini works wonderfully as a substitute. Both provide a similar texture and flavor that will yield tasty fritters.
How Do I Keep the Fritters from Getting Soggy?
To prevent soggy fritters, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the grated squash as possible before mixing the ingredients. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet while frying to maintain crispiness.
Can I Make These Fritters Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens) or use unsweetened applesauce as a binder.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftover fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side or pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through for maximum crispiness.
