Crispy Squash Croquettes – A Golden, Flavor-Packed Delight That Will Have You Coming Back for More

If you’re looking for a new favorite way to enjoy summer squash, these Crispy Squash Croquettes will not disappoint! With a satisfying crunch from the panko and a soft, flavorful center packed with grated Parmesan, onion, and spices, these croquettes are both comforting and downright addictive. They’re easy to whip up and make for a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or as part of a weeknight meal, their golden crispiness will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Crispy Squash Croquettes

Squash is one of those wonderfully versatile vegetables that can be used in so many ways, but one of the best is turning it into crispy, golden croquettes. These croquettes are inspired by the rich Southern tradition of pan-frying squash with simple yet flavorful ingredients. By shredding the squash and mixing it with Parmesan, fresh chives, and a blend of savory spices, we create a croquette that’s bursting with flavor. The panko coating gives it that irresistible crunch, while the inside remains tender and moist.

Why Crispy Squash Croquettes Will Become Your New Favorite Snack

These croquettes hit the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The crispiness on the outside is contrasted by a soft, cheesy center that melts in your mouth with each bite. The shredded squash provides a subtle sweetness that’s enhanced by the garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper for a slight kick. The Parmesan adds a nutty richness, while the chives bring a hint of freshness that brightens up the dish. Whether you’re frying these up for a snack or serving them as a side dish, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

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

• Calories: 230 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 3g

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Crispy Squash Croquettes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They make an excellent appetizer, served with a dipping sauce like spicy aioli, garlic yogurt sauce, or even classic ranch. As a side dish, they pair beautifully with grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or steak, or even alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian meal.

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For a lighter, refreshing contrast to the croquettes’ richness, serve them with a simple salad of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. Or, for a more indulgent meal, try pairing them with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover croquettes (though that’s unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to bring back some of that golden-brown crunch. These croquettes are best served fresh but will still be delicious the next day!

Fun Fact: The History of Croquettes

Croquettes are believed to have originated in France, where they were made as a way to use up leftovers and create a crisp, fried treat. Over time, they spread throughout Europe and beyond, with different cultures adding their own unique twists to the recipe. In the Southern U.S., squash croquettes have become a popular dish, particularly in the summer when squash is in abundance. They combine the love for crispy fried foods with the fresh flavors of seasonal produce.

Cooking Tips

• Blot the Squash Well: Squash has a high water content, which can make the croquettes soggy if not handled properly. Be sure to blot the shredded squash well with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the croquettes, make sure to cook them in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and can result in less crispy croquettes.
• Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs are key to getting that extra-crispy exterior. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be quite as light and crunchy.

Optional Variations

• Cheesy Upgrade: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the mixture for an extra cheesy version.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.
• Herb Explosion: If you want to add more fresh flavor, try mixing in finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro along with the chives.
• Zucchini Swap: If you have zucchini on hand instead of squash, you can easily swap it in for a similar result. Just be sure to blot the zucchini well to avoid too much moisture.

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Crispy Squash Croquettes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium squash, shredded
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup self-rising flour
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Prepare the squash: Start by shredding the squash using a box grater or food processor. Place the shredded squash on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and blot well to remove any excess moisture.
2. Mix the ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded squash, diced onion, egg, self-rising flour, Parmesan, chives, seasoned salt, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Heat the pan: In a large non-stick skillet, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium-high heat.
4. Form the croquettes: Using a tablespoon or a medium ice cream scoop, divide the mixture into small portions. Before placing them in the skillet, sprinkle a little panko on each portion. Drop the croquettes into the pan, then sprinkle the tops with additional panko for extra crunch.
5. Fry the croquettes: Cook the croquettes in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each croquette for about 3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Add more oil and butter to the pan as needed between batches.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once the croquettes are golden and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately, while still hot and crispy. These croquettes are perfect on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Squash Croquettes are a fantastic way to enjoy the natural sweetness of squash, balanced by savory flavors and a satisfying crunch. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to snack or side dish in your kitchen. Whether you’re frying them up for a summer meal or as a quick appetizer, these croquettes will disappear just as fast as you can cook them!