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Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Dip

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These crispy zucchini fritters are quick and easy to make, featuring a golden crunchy exterior and tender zucchini inside, paired perfectly with a creamy garlic herb cream cheese dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb / 450g), grated and squeezed dry
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (65g) – can substitute almond flour for gluten-free
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
  • For the Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Dip:
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Grate the zucchini using the large holes on a grater. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, eggs, flour, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt (about ½ teaspoon), and pepper (¼ teaspoon). Mix until just combined; the batter should be thick but not dry (about 5 minutes).
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking (3-4 minutes).
  4. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with the back of a spatula. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding (total frying time about 15 minutes).
  5. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven (200°F/90°C) if frying in batches.
  6. While fritters cook, prepare the dip by mixing softened cream cheese, chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Add a teaspoon of water or milk if dip is too thick.
  7. Serve the fritters warm with a generous dollop of garlic herb cream cheese dip on the side.

Notes

Squeezing out excess moisture from zucchini is crucial for crispiness. Preheat pan properly and avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature. Let batter rest 5-10 minutes before frying for best texture. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond flour. Dip can be loosened with water or milk if too thick. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in skillet to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini fritters, crispy fritters, garlic herb dip, easy appetizer, quick snack, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/crispy-zucchini-fritters-recipe-easy-perfect-garlic-herb-dip/