These Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters are a tasty way to enjoy veggies! With crispy edges and a cheesy center, they make a fun snack or side dish that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, they’re like little golden bites of happiness. I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream on the side. Perfect for sneaking in extra veggies without them noticing! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh, medium yellow squash is key for this recipe. If you can’t find it, zucchini makes a great substitute. Both offer a similar texture and flavor, but remember to squeeze out the moisture the same way!
Parmesan Cheese: I use grated Parmesan for a salty, cheesy flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano works well too. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy essence without the dairy.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the fritters. If you’re gluten-free, you can swap in almond flour, chickpea flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend to achieve similar results.
Egg: The egg helps hold everything together. For a vegan option, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens up!
How Do I Make Sure My Fritters Are Crispy?
For crispy fritters, removing excess moisture from the squash is crucial. When you salt the shredded squash, it releases water. After ten minutes, wrap the squash in a towel and squeeze tightly to eliminate as much liquid as possible.
- Heat your oil before adding the fritters; you want a good sizzle when they hit the pan.
- Cook the fritters in batches without crowding the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and can lead to soggy fritters.
- Let them cook undisturbed in the pan to form a nice golden crust before flipping.
Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium yellow squash, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (more as needed)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be enjoying cheesy, crispy fritters in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Squash:
Start by grating the yellow squash. You can use a box grater or a food processor. Once shredded, place it in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow moisture to escape. This step is essential for the fritters to turn out crispy!
2. Squeeze out the Liquid:
After 10 minutes, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wrap the salted squash. Squeeze tightly to remove as much moisture as you can. The drier the squash, the crispier your fritters will be!
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained squash, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, egg, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The mixture should hold together but not be too wet—if it feels too loose, add a bit more flour.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat a generous tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet for frying.
5. Form the Patties:
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the squash mixture and form it into a patty. Gently place the patty into the hot skillet, flattening it slightly with a spatula. Repeat this process for all the batter, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Cook Until Golden:
Cook each fritter for about 3-4 minutes on one side, until it’s golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Adjust the heat if they are cooking too quickly or slowly.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This helps maintain their crispy texture.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the fritters warm, topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and garnish. Enjoy your cheesy and delicious yellow squash fritters!
Feel free to experiment by adding other spices or herbs based on your taste. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Cheesy Parmesan Yellow Squash Fritters
Can I Use Zucchini Instead of Yellow Squash?
Yes, zucchini works perfectly as a substitute! Just ensure to follow the same steps for salting and squeezing out moisture to maintain the fritters’ crispiness.
What If I Don’t Have Parmesan Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute with grated Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Alternatively, try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor that works wonderfully!
Can I Bake These Fritters Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush lightly with oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fritters 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 or in the oven to revive their crispiness.
