Cheesy Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters
Okay, let's dive into the world of delicious, gluten-free snacking! I've been on this gluten-free journey for quite a while now, and let me tell you, finding snacks that are both satisfying and flavorful can sometimes feel like searching for the Holy Grail. But fear not, my friend! Today, I'm sharing one of my all-time go-to recipes that's not only incredibly easy but also endlessly customizable: Cheesy Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters.
I remember the first time I made these fritters. My niece, a notoriously picky eater, devoured them faster than you can say "gluten-free." She even asked for seconds! That's when I knew I had a recipe worth sharing with the world. Trust me, these aren't those sad, dry, flavorless gluten-free attempts we've all encountered. They're crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and packed with fresh zucchini goodness. Ready to get started?
Recipe Card: Cheesy Gluten-Free Zucchini Fritters
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, grated (about 2 cups packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (I prefer one with xanthan gum already added)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping, if desired)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Fresh ground Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prep the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess water.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, the lightly beaten egg, gluten-free flour, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs and Black pepper. Mix well.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
- Form the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture onto the hot pan, flattening each into a patty. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. Serve warm and crispy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: About 10 fritters
Tips & Tricks for Fritter Success
- Moisture Control is Key: Squeezing out water from the zucchini is crucial for crispy fritters.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can make fritters tough.
- Temperature Matters: Cook on medium heat for even cooking.
- Crisp It Up: Add a light coating of gluten-free bread crumbs for extra crispiness before frying.
- Serving Ideas: Serve with a side salad, plain Greek yogurt, or a light dipping sauce.
Substitutions & Notes:
- Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses! Feta cheese adds a salty tang, and cheddar provides a richer flavor.
- Flour: If your gluten-free all-purpose flour blend doesn't have xanthan gum, add 1/4 teaspoon.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley will also work beautifully.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg and a vegan cheese alternative to make vegan.
These little fritters are truly a lifesaver when you're craving something savory, delicious, and just a little bit cheesy. I hope they bring as much happiness to your kitchen as they do to mine!
Personal Touch: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. I once added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick, and my family loved it! Cooking should be joyful and explorative, so have fun with it. You might just create your own family favorite. If you have any tips, let me know in the comments below!
Happy cooking, friends!
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