If you’re looking for a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall, look no further than our Test Kitchen-Approved Butternut Squash Fritters. These delightful fritters are a culinary masterpiece, highlighting the sweet, nutty goodness of butternut squash in a crispy, golden-brown package. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of creating these irresistible fritters. Whether you’re a fan of classic recipes or on the hunt for keto and low-carb alternatives, these fritters will become a beloved addition to your autumn menu.
Ingredients
To create these delectable Butternut Squash Fritters, gather the following ingredients:
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups grated butternut squash (about half a medium-sized squash)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Frying:
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (or avocado oil for a keto version)
Instructions
1. Grate the Butternut Squash:
- Start by peeling and grating the butternut squash. You can use a box grater or a food processor with the grating attachment.
2. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture:
- Place the grated squash in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step ensures that your fritters stay crispy.
3. Prepare the Fritter Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated butternut squash, all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a low-carb version), grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Heat the Oil:
- In a skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
5. Fry the Fritters:
- Spoon the fritter mixture into the hot oil, forming small patties. Use a spatula to flatten them slightly.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Place the cooked fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Butternut Squash Fritters immediately while they’re hot and crispy. They’re fantastic on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Notes
- When grating the butternut squash, be cautious as it can be tough. Use a box grater or the grating attachment on a food processor for easier prep.
- Squeezing out excess moisture from the grated squash is crucial for achieving the right fritter texture.
Variations
- Customize your Butternut Squash Fritters with additional spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Keto Version For a keto-friendly adaptation, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour. Ensure that your choice of grated Parmesan cheese and cooking oil aligns with keto dietary guidelines. With these modifications, you can savor the delectable flavors of Butternut Squash Fritters while staying within your keto limits.
Low-Carb Version To create a low-carb variation, opt for almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and select low-carb Parmesan cheese. These tweaks make it possible to enjoy these mouthwatering fritters while adhering to your low-carb dietary goals.
Conclusion Our Test Kitchen-Approved Butternut Squash Fritters are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, celebrating the essence of fall. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or explore keto and low-carb adaptations, these fritters are a testament to the culinary possibilities of butternut squash. Prepare them with enthusiasm, share them with loved ones, and enjoy the delightful experience that is Butternut Squash Fritters. They’re simply irresistible
Our Test Kitchen-Approved Butternut Squash Fritters are a culinary delight that captures the essence of autumn. Here are some additional insights into why these fritters are simply irresistible:
The Magic of Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is a seasonal star with its natural sweetness and nutty flavor. Grated and transformed into fritters, it shines as the main ingredient, making these fritters both flavorful and nutritious.
Crispy and Golden-Brown Texture: The key to perfect butternut squash fritters lies in achieving a crispy and golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender interior. Squeezing out excess moisture from the grated squash ensures that the fritters fry up beautifully.
Flavorful and Customizable: The fritter mixture is a canvas for flavor. The addition of grated Parmesan cheese and green onions adds a savory depth, but you can customize further by incorporating your favorite herbs and spices. From paprika to cayenne pepper, the possibilities for flavor variations are endless.
Keto and Low-Carb-Friendly: Our recipe offers versatile adaptations to accommodate keto and low-carb dietary preferences. Substituting almond flour for all-purpose flour and selecting keto-compliant Parmesan cheese and oil makes it possible to enjoy these fritters while sticking to your dietary goals.
Versatile Serving Options: Butternut Squash Fritters are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them as a delightful appetizer, a side dish, or even as a tasty breakfast option with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a poached egg.
In conclusion, our Test Kitchen-Approved Butternut Squash Fritters are a culinary triumph that beautifully showcases the flavors of autumn. Whether you prepare the classic recipe or explore keto and low-carb adaptations, these fritters are an ode to the culinary possibilities of butternut squash. Share them with loved ones, savor every crispy bite, and bask in the joy of creating something simply irresistible. Enjoy!
