Yellow Squash Fritters Baked

Introduction

Yellow squash fritters are an absolutely delicious and healthy option when you’re craving a savory snack or side dish. Oven-baked to perfection, these fritters are not only tasty but also a guilt-free alternative to traditional fried fritters. They offer a perfect way to incorporate nutritious vegetables into your meal without compromising on flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just preparing something special for your family, this simple yet flavorful recipe will surely leave everyone wanting more.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

yellow squash – grated
all-purpose flour
eggs
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
parmesan cheese – grated
olive oil – for greasing

Prep Time

Preparing this recipe is quick and easy, with minimal time needed to mix the ingredients and shape the fritters. You’ll spend most of the preparation time grating the yellow squash and combining all the flavors to create a smooth batter.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time for these oven-baked yellow squash fritters is approximately 20–30 minutes, depending on your oven’s settings and preferences for crispiness. Including preparation time, the total time to create this delightful dish is around 40 minutes. This recipe yields about 8–10 fritters, making it an ideal serving for a family meal or a small group of guests.

Enjoy these golden-yellow, flavorful fritters as a healthy accompaniment to your favorite dishes or as a standalone snack. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them a must-try recipe for your weekly menu!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yellow Squash

– Begin by washing the yellow squash thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
– Once clean, grate the yellow squash using a box grater or food processor.
– Place the grated squash in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with a good pinch of salt. Stir to combine and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture

– After the squash has been sitting, transfer it to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
– Wrap it tightly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step ensures the fritters won’t be soggy.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

– In the drained squash bowl, add eggs, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and any seasonings of your choice (like pepper, paprika, or parsley).
– Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed together.

Step 5: Form the Fritters

– Using your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form them into small, flat patties.
– Place the shaped fritters onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart slightly.

Step 6: Bake the Fritters

– Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven.
– Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through for even cooking.
– Remove from the oven when both sides are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

– Let the fritters cool for a few minutes before serving.
– Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.

Notes

Note 1: Squash Variety

– You can substitute the yellow squash with zucchini if preferred.

Note 2: Breadcrumb Options

– Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free version of the fritters.

Note 3: Cheese Substitutions

– Replace parmesan with any other hard cheese of your choice, such as pecorino or asiago.

Note 4: Storage

– Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to regain their crispiness.

Note 5: Freezing Instructions

– To freeze, place cooked and cooled fritters on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
– Transfer frozen fritters to a freezer bag or container. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Note 6: Serving Suggestions

– Pair the fritters with sour cream, tzatziki, or marinara sauce for enhanced flavor.
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Cook techniques

Choose the right yellow squash

Select firm and fresh yellow squash for the best flavors. Ensure there are no blemishes or soft spots as they can affect the texture of the fritters.

Grate the squash properly

Use a box grater to evenly shred the yellow squash. This helps in maintaining uniformity, ensuring proper baking and texture across all fritters.

Drain excess moisture

After grating, the squash should be placed in paper towels or a clean cloth to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the fritters hold their shape during baking.

Create a binding mixture

Mix grated squash with eggs, breadcrumbs, and other binding agents. This combination helps bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive mixture for forming the fritters.

Use parchment or silicone baking mats

Line your baking tray with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. This ensures the fritters bake evenly and are easy to remove once done.

Oven-bake for a healthier version

Instead of frying, bake the fritters to reduce oil usage and promote a healthier cooking method. Preheat the oven beforehand and keep a close watch on timing.

Flip the fritters halfway

For evenly baked fritters, remember to flip them midway through cooking. This will ensure both sides become golden-brown and crispy.

FAQ

Can I use different squash varieties?

Yes, you can opt for other squash varieties like zucchini. However, the flavor and moisture content may vary, so adjustments might be needed.

Why is it important to drain the squash?

Draining eliminates excess water, ensuring the fritters won’t turn soggy during the baking process. It helps achieve a firmer texture.

How do I prevent sticking without parchment paper?

If you don’t have parchment paper, greasing the baking tray lightly with oil can prevent sticking.

Can I freeze the fritters?

Yes, baked fritters can be stored in an airtight container and frozen. Reheat them in the oven before serving to retain their crispy texture.

What can I serve with the fritters?

Fritters pair well with dips like sour cream, spicy mayo, or yogurt-based sauces. They can also be served as a side dish to main courses.

How do I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. When reheating, use the oven to maintain their crispiness instead of a microwave.

Can I make it gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, gluten-free oat flour, or any gluten-free substitute.

How do I ensure even cooking?

Make sure the fritters are evenly sized and bake them on the middle rack of the oven. Don’t overcrowd the tray to allow proper air circulation.

Conclusion

These oven-baked yellow squash fritters offer a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fried versions. By baking instead of frying, you maintain the natural flavors while keeping the dish light and nutritious. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer, these fritters are quick to prepare and a fantastic way to use up your summer squash harvest. A versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe for any occasion.

More Recipes Suggestions and Combination

Zucchini Fritters

Use zucchini instead of yellow squash for a slightly different flavor and texture profile. Pair with a tangy yogurt or tzatziki sauce for an added twist.

Carrot and Sweet Potato Fritters

For a sweeter variation, mix grated carrots and sweet potatoes to create another healthy oven-baked fritter option.

Cauliflower Bites

Try making baked cauliflower bites seasoned with your favorite spices as a low-carb alternative to traditional fritters.

Squash and Corn Fritters

Combine yellow squash with fresh corn kernels to add sweetness and an extra pop to the fritters.

Herbed Yogurt Dip

Serve your yellow squash fritters with a refreshing herbed yogurt dip made with dill, parsley, and garlic for a perfect complementary flavor.

Side Dish Pairings

Pair your fritters with grilled chicken, fish, or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Sweet Fritter Variations

Transform your squash by adding a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to create a sweet-style fritter. Drizzle with honey for a dessert option.