Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with these irresistible Bacon Cheddar Butternut Squash Fritters! Imagine biting into a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a tender, cheesy interior bursting with smoky bacon and sweet butternut squash flavors. These fritters are not just a side dish – they're a game-changing recipe that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a unique way to enjoy vegetables, these fritters are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated butternut squash
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash by peeling and grating it using a box grater or food processor. Place grated squash in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to ensure crispy fritters.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated butternut squash, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, flour, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to create a thin layer covering the bottom of the pan, approximately 1/4 inch deep.
- Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the squash mixture and carefully drop into the hot oil. Flatten each fritter slightly with a spatula to create an even thickness.
- Cook fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- For the ranch crema, whisk together sour cream and ranch dressing in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve hot fritters immediately, garnished with a dollop of ranch crema on the side or drizzled on top.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped chives or green onions for added freshness and color.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always squeeze out excess liquid from the grated butternut squash using a clean kitchen towel to ensure your fritters are perfectly crisp.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast-iron pan to prevent sticking and achieve an even, golden-brown crust.
- Don't overcrowd the pan – cook fritters in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure each fritter gets crispy and evenly cooked.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda.
- Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) – too cool, and the fritters will be greasy; too hot, and they'll burn on the outside while remaining raw inside.
- The ranch crema can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.
- For a lighter version, you can bake the fritters in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 115mg
