These Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters are a fun way to enjoy squash! They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with cheesy goodness. Yum!
I love making these for a quick snack or side dish. They disappear fast, especially with a little dip. Who can resist cheesy, crispy fritters? Not me! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This is the star of the dish! For a similar texture and flavor, zucchini works great as a substitute. Depending on your preference, using a mix of the two can be fun as well!
Parmesan Cheese: I love fresh grated Parmesan for its intense flavor! If you’re looking for a milder option, try Pecorino Romano. Nutritional yeast is a fantastic dairy-free option that gives a cheesy flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps bind the fritters together. For gluten-free versions, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, which works well without sacrificing texture.
Onion and Garlic: Both add lots of flavor. If you’re not an onion fan, you can leave it out. Shallots or green onions could be good substitutes for a milder taste.
How Do I Ensure My Fritters Are Crispy?
The key to crispy fritters is all about moisture control. After grating the squash, removing excess moisture is crucial! Here’s how to do it:
- Sprinkle salt over the grated squash, mix it in, and let it sit for 10 minutes. This draws out water.
- Transfer the squash into a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Keep it tight!
Once you do this, your fritters will fry up nice and crispy instead of being soggy.
What’s the Best Way to Fry Fritters?
For perfectly fried fritters, follow these tips:
- Use a large skillet and heat the oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering. This ensures even cooking.
- Fry in batches! Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop, and they won’t crisp up.
- Flip the fritters gently with a spatula after 3-4 minutes, once they are golden on one side.
This way, you’ll get that delicious golden-brown color on both sides. Enjoy! 😊
Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium yellow squash (about 2 cups shredded)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for fluffiness)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. All in all, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by washing the yellow squash. Next, grate the squash using a coarse grater and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
2. Remove Excess Moisture:
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the grated squash and mix it well. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Then, place the squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze tightly to remove as much liquid as possible—this is a crucial step to ensure your fritters are crispy!
3. Make the Batter:
In the bowl with the drained squash, add the grated Parmesan cheese, flour, eggs, optional chopped onion, minced garlic, black pepper, and baking powder (if using). Stir everything together until you have a thick batter. It should hold together well.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough that the fritters will sizzle when they hit the pan!
5. Cook the Fritters:
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop out portions of the batter and drop them into the hot skillet. Flatten the fritters gently with the back of a spatula to about 3-4 inches in diameter. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.
6. Drain Excess Oil:
Once golden and cooked through, carefully remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Enjoy your tasty, cheesy yellow squash fritters as a delightful appetizer or side dish!
FAQ for Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Yellow Squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini can be a perfect substitute or you can even mix the two for a fun twist. Just be sure to follow the same steps for draining excess moisture!
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until crispy again, or warm them in the oven.
What Can I Use Instead of Parmesan Cheese?
If you want to substitute Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works well and provides a cheesy taste.
Can I Freeze These Fritters?
Yes! To freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat directly from frozen by placing them in a skillet or oven until hot and crispy.
