Cheesy Vegetable Fritters Recipe

Cheesy vegetable fritters are a crispy, golden delight packed with a variety of flavorful vegetables and gooey melted cheese. These fritters are perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal, offering both crunch and richness in every bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they allow you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand while delivering a satisfying cheesy goodness. Whether pan-fried or baked, these fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a fun and indulgent way.

Ingredients:

For the Fritter Batter:

• 1 cup grated zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
• ½ cup grated carrots
• ½ cup finely chopped spinach (or parsley)
• ½ cup corn kernels (optional, for sweetness)
• ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (for extra depth)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk (or water)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried herbs (parsley, oregano, or thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Grate the zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy fritters.
2. Grate carrots and finely chop spinach or parsley.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine grated zucchini, carrots, spinach, corn, cheddar cheese, and parmesan.
2. Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Crack in eggs and pour in milk, then stir everything until well combined. The mixture should be thick but not dry.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Fritters

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter and flatten slightly into fritter shapes.
3. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)

1. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well until smooth and refrigerate until serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Arrange the fritters on a serving plate.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra parmesan.
3. Serve warm with dipping sauce or enjoy on their own.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Vegetable Fritters:

• Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini to ensure crisp fritters.
• Use chickpea or almond flour for a gluten-free alternative.
• Bake instead of frying at 375°F (190°C) for a lighter version.
• Experiment with cheeses like gouda, feta, or pepper jack for unique flavors.

Would you like variations, such as adding potatoes or different seasonings to make them even more exciting? Let’s get creative with this recipe!