Cheesy Herb Fritters are a delightful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. These fritters are packed with the rich flavors of cheese and fresh herbs, making them a perfect addition to any meal or a tasty treat on their own. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a delicious blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, and chives until well combined.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat Eggs and Milk: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. Add the melted butter and mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick but spoonable.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Scoop Batter: Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
- Fry Until Golden: Fry the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish: Garnish the fritters with extra chopped parsley or chives if desired.
- Serve Hot: Serve the cheesy herb fritters hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of sour cream.
Cooking Notes
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as feta, Parmesan, or Swiss for a unique flavor.
- Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to hold together when dropped into the hot oil. If it is too runny, add a little more flour; if it is too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Herb Substitutions: You can substitute the parsley and chives with other fresh herbs like dill, basil, or cilantro.
Variations
Low-Carb/Keto Version:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Adjust the amount of milk as needed to achieve the right batter consistency.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour to make these fritters gluten-free.
Vegan Version:
- Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg). Use a plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternative.
Tips for Perfect Fritters
- Even Cooking: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters. This helps to achieve a crispy exterior without the fritters absorbing too much oil.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fritters.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Herb Fritters are a versatile and tasty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these fritters are sure to be a hit. The combination of savory cheese and fresh herbs creates a delightful flavor that everyone will enjoy. Try making these fritters for your next gathering or family meal and watch them disappear in no time!
Enjoy your Cheesy Herb Fritters!
