Cheesy Vegetable Fritters: Crispy, Savory Bites
These cheesy vegetable fritters are a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies and make a deliciously satisfying snack, side dish, or light meal. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with melty cheese.
Why You’ll Love Them:
· Customizable: Use almost any vegetable you have on hand.
· Kid-Friendly: A tasty way to sneak in more veggies.
· Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes.
· Versatile: Great for breakfast, lunch, or as an appetizer.
Basic Recipe
Ingredients:
· 2 cups grated vegetables (zucchini, carrot, corn, potato, sweet potato, onion – squeeze excess moisture from watery veggies like zucchini)
· 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan work well)
· 2 large eggs
· ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
· 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
· 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp baking powder (for extra fluffiness)
· Salt and pepper to taste
· Oil for frying (olive, vegetable, or avocado oil)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Veggies: Grate your chosen vegetables. If using zucchini or similar, place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
2. Mix Batter: In a large bowl, combine grated veggies, cheese, eggs, flour, green onions, garlic, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Heat Oil: Add about ¼ inch of oil to a skillet over medium heat.
4. Form & Fry: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter, flatten slightly, and carefully place in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. Drain & Serve: Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
· Dipping Sauces: Sour cream, Greek yogurt with herbs, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.
· As a Meal: Top with a fried egg and avocado for a hearty breakfast.
· As a Side: Pair with a fresh green salad or soup.
Tips for Success:
· Remove Moisture: This is the key to crispy fritters! Squeeze grated veggies thoroughly.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
· Keep Warm: Place cooked fritters on a wire rack in a low oven while finishing batches.
· Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake at 400°F (200°C) on an oiled sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Enjoy these golden, cheesy, veggie-packed fritters straight from the pan—they’re best served hot and crispy!