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Butternut squash and cheese fritters are a perfect example of how comfort food doesn’t have to be boring or overly complicated. These fritters are golden on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and loaded with the naturally sweet and nutty flavors of butternut squash. This recipe blends Greek yogurt, mozzarella, and eggs into the squash, then pan-fries it all to perfection with just a touch of ghee. The result is a warm, hearty fritter that works as a snack, side dish, or even a light main meal with a salad on the side. It’s versatile, easy to make, and wonderfully satisfying. If you’ve never tried squash in this way before, you’re in for a treat. These fritters take a vegetable that’s often roasted or made into soup and turn it into a fun, crispy dish that even picky eaters will love.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

1 butternut squash, grated
170 g (5.5 oz) Greek yogurt
2 eggs
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
100 g (3.5 oz) flour
1 tsp baking powder
100 g (3.5 oz) mozzarella, grated
½ tablespoon ghee (or butter/oil, for frying)

Cooking Directions

Grate the butternut squash and place it into a large bowl. If the squash seems watery, squeeze out a little excess liquid with a clean kitchen towel.
Add the Greek yogurt, eggs, salt, and pepper to the grated squash and stir until everything is well combined.
Mix in the flour and baking powder until a thick batter forms. This mixture should hold together easily but still feel moist.
Fold the grated mozzarella cheese into the batter. The cheese will melt slightly as the fritters cook, giving you that gooey and delicious texture.
Heat the ghee in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Make sure the pan is evenly coated.
Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan, pressing lightly to form fritters. Keep them evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Cover the skillet and fry the fritters on low heat for 3 minutes, allowing the bottom to turn golden brown.
Flip the fritters carefully and cook for another 2 minutes until the second side is golden and the inside is fully cooked.
Remove from the pan and place the fritters on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serve warm, either plain or with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Nutrients

Rich in vitamin A from butternut squash
High in calcium and protein from mozzarella and Greek yogurt
Provides dietary fiber to aid digestion
Contains healthy fats from ghee
A good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein for energy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love these butternut squash fritters because they strike a balance between healthy and indulgent. The squash adds natural sweetness, while the cheese creates richness and flavor that makes each bite irresistible. They’re quick to prepare, cook in under 10 minutes, and can be customized with herbs or spices to fit your taste. They’re also perfect for sneaking in extra vegetables for kids or anyone who isn’t usually fond of squash. Whether served as a light snack or part of a meal, these fritters are versatile and delicious.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The inspiration for these fritters comes from traditional vegetable pancakes that appear in cuisines all around the world. From potato latkes to zucchini fritters, many cultures use grated vegetables to create crisp, fried cakes. This butternut squash version is a modern twist that highlights the squash’s natural sweetness and combines it with Mediterranean flavors like Greek yogurt and mozzarella. It’s a dish that brings together comfort food traditions with lighter, wholesome ingredients, making it a great fit for everyday cooking.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butternut squash is the star here. Known for its vibrant orange flesh and sweet, nutty flavor, it’s a nutrient powerhouse loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Greek yogurt adds tanginess, creaminess, and extra protein. Mozzarella brings the indulgence with its meltiness, and eggs help bind everything together. Ghee, while small in quantity, gives these fritters a rich, buttery flavor and helps them crisp up nicely without burning. The flour and baking powder provide structure, giving the fritters their fluffy interior and slight crunch on the outside.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, allow the fritters to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want them crispy again; instead, use a skillet with just a touch of oil or ghee and reheat on low until warmed through. You can also reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 5 minutes, which restores their golden crispness. These fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be frozen. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

Common Variations to Try

There are so many ways to play around with this recipe. You can swap mozzarella for cheddar if you want a sharper flavor, or feta for a tangy twist. Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to brighten up the batter. For a spicier kick, a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika works wonderfully. If you’d like to make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with oat flour or chickpea flour. You can even turn these into mini fritters for appetizers, or larger pancake-style versions for a hearty brunch.

Pairing Recommendations

These fritters pair beautifully with a simple salad of greens and vinaigrette for a light meal. They’re also delicious alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even served with a bowl of soup for extra comfort. For dipping, try Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and garlic, or a spicy sriracha mayo if you like heat. They’re also fantastic with a classic marinara sauce or even just a dollop of sour cream. If serving for breakfast or brunch, a poached egg on top makes them even more satisfying.

Health Benefits

Butternut squash is loaded with antioxidants that support eye health and immunity. Its high fiber content aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar. Pairing it with protein-rich Greek yogurt and eggs makes these fritters more balanced and filling. Mozzarella provides calcium for strong bones, while ghee contributes healthy fats that support brain and heart health. Unlike deep-fried foods, these fritters are pan-fried in minimal fat, making them lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Butternut squash and cheese fritters are the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. They’re quick, versatile, and a clever way to enjoy squash in a different form. With their crisp edges, cheesy centers, and naturally sweet flavor, they’re hard to resist. They also adapt well to variations, so you can make them your own depending on what’s in your pantry or what flavors you’re craving. Serve them as a side dish, snack, or light meal and watch how fast they disappear. This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely delicious.