There’s something irresistible about crispy, golden-brown fritters fresh off the skillet. Cheesy Vegetable Fritters take that crunchy goodness to the next level with a delicious combination of zucchini, carrots, red onion, and mozzarella cheese. These fritters are not only packed with flavor and texture, but they’re also a great way to sneak more veggies into your meals.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun appetizer, or a light meal, these fritters will hit the spot. Pair them with Lazy Tzatziki dip, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Cheesy – The golden-brown exterior and gooey cheese make these fritters irresistible.
✔ Nutritious & Veggie-Packed – A great way to eat more zucchini, carrots, and onions.
✔ Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A fun way to introduce kids to vegetables in a tasty way.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and reheat for quick snacks.
Ingredients for Cheesy Vegetable Fritters
Before you start, gather these fresh and simple ingredients.
For the Fritters
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini (shredded and squeezed) | 2 large (about 4 cups) |
| Carrots (grated) | 3 small (about 1 cup) |
| Red onion (finely chopped) | ½ medium (about ½ cup) |
| Flour | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Italian seasoning blend | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Eggs (lightly beaten) | 2 |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
For the Dip
- Lazy Tzatziki (store-bought or homemade)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cheesy Vegetable Fritters
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Shred the zucchini and place it in a colander.
- Lightly salt the zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Squeeze the zucchini using your hands or a clean cloth to remove as much water as possible.
- Grate the carrots and finely chop the red onion.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Shredded zucchini
- Grated carrots
- Finely chopped red onion
- Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Mix in the lightly beaten eggs and shredded mozzarella cheese until fully incorporated.
3. Form the Fritters
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Lightly grease the pan with oil or cooking spray.
- Using a spoon or your hands, shape the mixture into small patties and place them in the skillet.
4. Cook the Fritters
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the fritters warm with a side of Lazy Tzatziki dip.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Vegetable Fritters
✔ As a Snack or Appetizer
Pair these crispy fritters with Lazy Tzatziki, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli for a tasty dip.
✔ As a Light Meal
Serve with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a balanced meal.
✔ In a Wrap
Stuff them in a pita or tortilla with lettuce and a drizzle of sauce.
✔ Breakfast Option
Top with a fried or poached egg for a protein-packed breakfast.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Skillet: Warm on medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
Freezing Option:
- Arrange uncooked fritters on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes per side.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Calcium | 150mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes! Try adding grated sweet potatoes, spinach, or corn for variety.
2. What if my fritters are too wet?
Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. If needed, add a little more flour to thicken the mixture.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the flour with almond flour, chickpea flour, or a gluten-free flour blend.
4. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Can I make these fritters dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella.
6. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use light olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil for the best crispiness.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Veggie-Packed Snack
Cheesy Vegetable Fritters are a fun, crispy, and delicious way to enjoy vegetables. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, these fritters will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!
Print
Cheesy Vegetable Fritters: A Crispy and Flavorful Snack
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and packed with fresh veggies, Cheesy Vegetable Fritters are the perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal. Made with shredded zucchini, carrots, and mozzarella, these golden-brown fritters are both delicious and nutritious. Serve them with Lazy Tzatziki dip for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 large zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry (about 4 cups)
- 3 small carrots, grated (about 1 cup)
- ½ medium red onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
- ½ cup flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Dip
- Lazy Tzatziki (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Shred the zucchini and place it in a colander.
- Lightly salt the zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Squeeze the zucchini using a clean cloth or hands to remove as much water as possible.
- Grate the carrots and finely chop the red onion.
-
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine zucchini, carrots, and onion.
- Add flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in beaten eggs and shredded mozzarella until fully combined.
-
Form the Fritters:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with oil.
- Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into patties.
- Place the fritters in the skillet.
-
Cook the Fritters:
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with a side of Lazy Tzatziki dip.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Crispier Fritters: Ensure zucchini is squeezed dry before mixing.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea or almond flour instead of regular flour.
- Baking Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked fritters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired