Southern-Style Squash Patties: A Fried Delight
In the heat of a Southern summer, there are few things as comforting as the sizzle and crunch of a freshly fried Southern-style squash patty. These golden-brown fritters are simultaneously crispy and tender, with a savory blend of onion, cheddar cheese, and yellow squash that packs a satisfying punch of flavor in each bite. Perfect as an afternoon snack or a side dish for your next barbecue, this recipe for Southern-style squash patties will take your taste buds down South in no time.
But what sets these squash patties apart from other fried vegetable dishes is the careful balance of ingredients that goes into their creation. While they might seem simple at first glance – just grated squash, flour, egg, onion, and cheese – the real secret to these patties is in the way they’re seasoned. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out the natural sweetness of the yellow summer squash, while a handful of grated cheddar adds a tangy sharpness that perfectly compliments the subtle flavors of the dish. But don’t take our word for it – give this recipe a try and taste for yourself just how good Southern-style squash patties can be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love southern-style cuisine. There’s just something about the way that the flavors come together that satisfies your cravings in a way no other style of food can. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my Southern Style Squash Patties recipe!
First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, with humble ingredients found in most pantries. With ingredients such as yellow squash, self-rising flour, and cheddar cheese, these patties come together quickly and easily. This fuss-free recipe is perfect for anyone who enjoys delicious food but doesn’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
But what truly sets these patties apart is their versatile flavors. Packed with sweet squash and savory cheddar, they’re the perfect addition to any meal. Whether served alongside a juicy hamburger or as a midday snack deemed appropriate by even the pickiest of eaters, these squash patties are sure to please.
Finally, no southern-style menu would be complete without at least one fried option! These patties are crusted in a crunchy coating, ensuring they pack plenty of satisfying crunch with each bite. With their delicate texture and addictive flavor profile (thanks to the added salt and pepper), these patties might just become your newest guilty pleasure.
Overall, whether you’re looking for a quick and tasty snack or planning a southern-themed party, these Southern Style Squash Patties should become your go-to dish. Trust me when I say that you won’t find a more satisfying or flavorful recipe out there!
Ingredient List
Here is what we need for our Southern Style Squash Patties:
- 1 lb yellow squash, grated (about 8 medium squash)
- 1 onion, finely chopped or grated (medium)
- 1/2 cup self-rising flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional:
yellow summer squash, crookneck squash or butternut squash can be used instead of yellow squash.
Make sure to have them grated and drained for the amount needed.
Other vegetables like zucchini, carrots or turnips can also be used to add extra flavors.
Now that we have all our ingredients ready for our delicious Squash Patties, let’s get cooking!
The Recipe How-To
To get started on this Southern Style Squash Patties Recipe, you’ll need to gather all of your recipe ingredients. Some of the key items include yellow squash, flour, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and onion.
Preparing the Squash
First things first, we need to prepare the squash. Grate two medium-sized yellow squash into a large mixing bowl. Then add in one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of sugar. Mix well and let sit for 10-15 minutes to allow excess water to drain from the squash. Next, take a clean cloth and press down firmly onto the grated squash to squeeze out any remaining water.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat two eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once beaten, add in 1/3 cup self-rising flour, one thinly sliced medium onion, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and then combine with the prepared grated squash.
Forming and Frying the Patties
Now it’s time to form your patties! Use your hands to shape the mixture into small patties (around 2-3 inches in diameter). In a separate shallow dish, add 1 cup all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper mix. Coat each patty in the seasoned flour mixture.
In a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat, warm up 2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil. Once heated, carefully place each patty into the pan and fry for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Serving Your Southern Style Squash Patties
Remove your patties from the skillet using a spatula and place them onto a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess oil. You can serve your squash patties hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish for any meal.
Enjoy this delicious southern-fried recipe with family and friends!
Substitutions and Variations
There are a variety of ways to switch up the traditional Southern Style Squash Patties recipe to make it your own. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations that will add some flavor and creativity to this classic dish.
– Vegetable Substitutions: The beauty of this recipe is that it can be adapted to showcase different types of vegetables in place of yellow squash. Try using crookneck squash or butternut squash for a slightly different taste and texture. Other vegetables like zucchini or sweet potatoes could also work well in this recipe.
– Cheese Swap: While cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for this recipe, consider swapping it out for other types of cheese such as pepper jack or Parmesan. You can even try using a combination of different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
– Flour Alternatives: If you prefer not to use self-rising flour, you can easily substitute with all-purpose flour and add baking powder and salt to the mixture. Additionally, experimenting with cornmeal instead of all-purpose flour could give your patties a more crispy texture.
– Spice Up Your Seasoning: Adjusting the seasoning blend is another way to add a twist to these squash patties. Add some cumin and chili powder for a southwest flair or garlic powder and paprika for an Italian twist.
– Go Sweet or Savory: If you’re feeling experimental, try making a sweet version of the patties by adding sugar and cinnamon to the mixture. Alternatively, you could make savory fritters by mixing in herbs like thyme and rosemary, as well as chopped onions and peppers.
By trying out different substitutions and variations, you can transform this simple yet delicious dish into something uniquely your own.
Serving and Pairing
Serving and pairing this delightful Southern-style Yellow Squash Patties recipe is an exciting adventure for your taste buds. The hot and crispy fried squash patties can be served as a tasty appetizer or side dish during any mealtime.
The patties can be paired with a wide range of complementary dishes such as roasted chicken, baked fish, or a refreshing green salad. Pairing it up with a spicy chipotle dip or tangy tzatziki sauce would add the perfect touch of zing to any gathering.
For a perfect Southern-style family meal, serve it together with some delicious cornbread and collard greens. The succulent crunchiness of the fried squash patties compliments the savory taste of Southern-style dishes remarkably well – so much that it might appear they were created to be savored together.
Regardless of how you choose to serve and pair them up, these squash patties are sure to leave everyone’s taste buds begging for more.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the many great aspects of this Southern Style Squash Patties Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. This makes it a convenient dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
To make these patties ahead of time, prepare them as instructed and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Avoid overcrowding the patties and make sure they’re not touching each other. Then, cover the patties tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If you’re planning to cook these patties at a later time, take them out of the refrigerator, and let them come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. Cooking them at room temperature ensures that they cook evenly.
When it comes to reheating the squash patties, it’s best to do so in an oven or toaster oven instead of a microwave. The oven or toaster oven will help retain their crispy texture while heating them evenly. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the patties on a baking sheet. Bake them for around 10-12 minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
As with any fried dish, reheating can sometimes make them soggy or lose their crunchiness. To avoid this, consider reheating leftover squash patties on a stovetop using a little bit of vegetable oil in a pan until they crisp up again.
Enjoy these flavorful Squash Patties as a side dish or snack by making them ahead of time and storing them properly.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making Southern Style Squash Patties, there are a few tips to follow to guarantee the best results.
First and foremost, make sure to use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour. This will give your squash patties a light and fluffy texture.
Another important tip is to drain excess liquid from the grated yellow squash before mixing it with other ingredients. You can do this by placing the grated squash in a colander and sprinkling salt over it. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes, then squeeze out any remaining liquid with a clean kitchen towel.
To add more flavor and texture to your squash patties, try using a mix of shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped onion. This will give them an extra kick that will impress your guests.
When frying your squash patties, be sure to use enough oil so that they are fully submerged. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
Finally, be patient when flipping your squash patties in the pan. Wait until golden brown before turning them over. If you flip them too early, they may fall apart or not cook through properly.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating perfectly crispy and delicious Southern Style Squash Patties every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Southern Style Squash Patties recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fried squash or wants to explore new tastes of southern-style cuisine. With its easy-to-follow instructions and versatile ingredients list, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks alike. You’ll love the crispy texture of the patties, with the savory and cheesy flavor that marries perfectly with the sweetness of yellow squash.
What’s more, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit different preferences and dietary requirements. You can substitute with different types of summer squash or even add some vegetables to make it more nutritious. You can also play around with the seasoning and spices to give your patties your preferred taste.
Overall, if you’re looking for a delicious and wholesome meal that uses common pantry items and brings a touch of southern charm to your table, this Southern Style Squash Patties Recipe is definitely worth giving it a try. So grab a skillet and start cooking up some “squash fritters” that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Southern Style Squash Patties Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium size yellow squash
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup self rising flour (or less)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Grate the squash in food processor( or by hand if you dont have one).
- Dice the onion.
- Then combine squash, onion, shredded cheddar, egg, salt & pepper. Stir together adding flour a few tbs. at a time. It should be creamy and thick. Lift the spoon out with some on it and it should stick together. Use as much flour as needed to get to this consistency. I usually guess, and sometimes if it is too dry I use another egg. If they are not right they will fall apart when you cook them.
- Pre-heat oil in nonstick skillet (I use my electric skillet) to 350 degrees.
- Drop by spoonfuls into skillet and fry until golden brown usually a few minutes for each side. Drain on paper towels and enjoy!