These crispy zucchini and cheese fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh flavors of zucchini in a fun, tasty, and vegetarian-friendly way. Packed with cheese and herbs, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These fritters can be served as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of zucchini and cheese creates a savory, crispy treat.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these fritters in no time.
• Healthy: Zucchini is low in calories and packed with nutrients, making these fritters a great option for a healthy meal.
• Perfect for All Ages: Even kids will love the taste of these cheesy fritters!
Ingredients
• 2 medium Zucchinis: Grated
• 1/2 Cup Cheddar Cheese (or your preferred cheese): Grated
• 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty flavor.
• 1 Egg: Binds the fritters together.
• 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour: For the fritter batter.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and stay crispy.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper: For seasoning.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: For seasoning.
• Fresh Herbs (optional, like parsley or dill): Chopped, for added freshness.
• Olive Oil (for frying): To get a golden and crispy texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the zucchini using a coarse grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is important to prevent the fritters from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Make the Fritter Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. If you’re using fresh herbs, add them in as well.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, take a spoonful of the zucchini mixture and form it into a small patty. Place the patty in the hot skillet. Repeat this process to form more fritters, but be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 4: Cook the Fritters
Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully flip them halfway through cooking.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Garnish with extra herbs if desired and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Zucchini and Cheese Fritters
• Squeeze Out Moisture: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. This will help the fritters crisp up better.
• Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese would also work wonderfully in these fritters.
• Make Them Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture if you like a little heat.
• Bake Instead of Frying: If you’d like a lighter option, you can bake the fritters at 375°F (190°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per fritter)
• Calories: 100-150 (depending on size and cheese used)
• Carbs: 10-15 grams
• Fat: 7-10 grams
• Protein: 4-6 grams
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
• Perfect for a Snack: These fritters are a great snack option and are easy to make in large batches.
• Family-Friendly: These crispy fritters are a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Vegetarian: A great meat-free option for vegetarians, but hearty enough for anyone to enjoy.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These fritters can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in a skillet to retain their crispy texture.
Conclusion
Zucchini and cheese fritters are a flavorful, healthy alternative to traditional meat-based dishes. They are quick to make and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. With their golden, crispy exterior and cheesy interior, these fritters are sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!