Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters – A Flavorful, Golden Treat That’s Both Savory and Slightly Sweet

If you’re looking for a delicious new way to enjoy butternut squash, these Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters will be your new favorite dish. Shredded butternut squash is mixed with fresh sage, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg to create fritters that are crispy on the outside, yet tender and flavorful on the inside. They’re perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a fun snack. With their golden-brown edges and savory flavor, these fritters are irresistible!

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters

Butternut squash is one of those versatile ingredients that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. These fritters are inspired by the traditional potato latkes but with a fun twist—using nutrient-packed butternut squash. The natural sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the earthy sage and subtle nutmeg, while the garlic adds a savory punch that ties it all together. The result? A crispy, golden fritter that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any meal.

Why Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters Will Become Your Go-To Side Dish

These fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy the fall bounty of butternut squash in a dish that’s easy to make but loaded with flavor. The shredded squash has a wonderful texture that crisps up beautifully when fried, while the addition of sage and garlic gives the fritters a fragrant, savory profile. They’re a great alternative to traditional potato fritters or hash browns and can be served as a side for almost any dish. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces, making them a versatile option for any occasion.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fiber: 4g

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. They’re perfect as a side dish to accompany roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, or alongside a hearty salad for a light yet satisfying meal. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or a simple yogurt sauce to add a creamy contrast to their crispiness.

For an appetizer or snack, pair these fritters with a flavorful dipping sauce like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or even a tangy apple cider vinegar-based sauce. If you want to keep things simple, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top just before serving will brighten the flavors and add a little zing.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These fritters are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the pan, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until they’re crispy and warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil to restore their crispiness.

Unfortunately, these fritters don’t freeze well due to the high moisture content of the butternut squash, so it’s best to make them fresh or enjoy any leftovers within a day or two.

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Fun Fact: The History of Fritters

Fritters are a type of fried food that has been enjoyed by cultures around the world for centuries. Whether sweet or savory, fritters typically involve a batter or dough that’s deep-fried to golden perfection. In this recipe, we’re using a savory base of shredded butternut squash to create a healthier take on the classic fried fritter. These fritters are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with seasonal flavors.

Cooking Tips

• Blot the Squash Well: Butternut squash has a high water content, so be sure to blot the shredded squash with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This helps the fritters crisp up nicely when fried.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the fritters, make sure to give them enough space in the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, which can result in soggy fritters instead of crispy ones.
• Keep Warm in the Oven: To keep your fritters warm and crispy while you finish frying the remaining batches, place them on a wire rack in the oven at 250°F. This will keep them warm without softening their crispy exterior.

Optional Variations

• Cheesy Fritters: For a more indulgent twist, add ½ cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese to the fritter mixture before frying. The cheese will melt into the fritters, creating a deliciously rich and crispy bite.
• Spiced Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Substitutions: If sage isn’t your favorite herb, you can easily swap it out for fresh thyme or parsley. Both will give the fritters a fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with the squash.

Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 cups butternut squash, shredded
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the butternut squash: Using a food processor with a grating disc, grate the butternut squash, or use a box grater if you don’t have a food processor. Place the shredded squash on paper towels and blot well to remove excess moisture.
2. Mix the fritter batter: In a large bowl, combine the shredded butternut squash, flour, eggs, garlic, chopped sage, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
3. Heat the oil: Preheat your oven to 250°F and place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. Pour about ¼ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the fritters: Scoop about ¼ cup of the butternut squash mixture for each fritter and drop it into the hot skillet. Use a spatula to flatten the mixture into a disc. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden-brown. Flip the fritters and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until fully cooked and crispy on both sides.
5. Keep the fritters warm: Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain excess oil, then place the fritters on the wire rack in the oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining batches.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the fritters hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful fritters immediately!

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters are the perfect blend of savory, crispy, and slightly sweet. They’re easy to make, full of seasonal flavor, and make a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light snack, these fritters are sure to be a hit.