Irresistible Butternut Squash Fritters: Crispy & Juicy!

Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy this incredibly versatile autumn vegetable, transforming a humble squash into an utterly irresistible dish. I am absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that promises a delightful culinary experience, marrying the inherent sweetness of butternut squash with a wonderfully crispy texture that will leave you craving more. Prepare to have your perception of this unassuming gourd completely transformed; these fritters offer an unexpected burst of flavor and a satisfying chew that makes them perfect for any occasion, from a festive holiday spread to a cozy weeknight meal.

Historically, the concept of fritters—combining finely grated ingredients with a binder and frying them into delightful patties—is a global culinary tradition found in countless cultures worldwide. From savory vegetable pakoras to sweet fruit beignets, fritters represent an ingenious way to make simple ingredients truly extraordinary. Our rendition today honors this rich history by showcasing butternut squash in a truly captivating new light, highlighting its natural sweetness and creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. People absolutely adore these fritters not just for their phenomenal taste—a perfect balance of savory notes and subtle sweetness—but also for their incredible texture: a gloriously golden, crisp exterior yielding to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior.

You’ll find these Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters are incredibly versatile, making them an ideal appetizer, a vibrant side dish, or even a light main course that impresses every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters:

• 1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2.5 to 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and finely grated. I always aim for a fine grate, as it helps the fritters hold together beautifully and cook evenly, leading to those truly juicy butternut squash fritters we’re aiming for.
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten. These act as a crucial binder, ensuring our fritters don’t fall apart during frying.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour. You might adjust this slightly depending on the moisture content of your squash, but it’s a great starting point for crisp yet tender fritters.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended for an extra savory kick). The nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan truly elevates these fritters.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped. I find flat-leaf parsley offers the best fresh, herbaceous note without being too overpowering.
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped. Sage pairs exceptionally well with butternut squash, adding an earthy, aromatic quality that is simply divine.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder. This little secret ingredient helps create a lighter, fluffier texture in our fritters.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. For a subtle hint of smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue.
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste. Always season to perfection!
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste.

For the Creamy Herb Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream. The tanginess provides a lovely contrast to the sweet fritters.
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise. Adds a touch of richness and creaminess that makes this sauce utterly irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped. Dill’s bright, slightly anise-like flavor is fantastic here.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped. Gentle oniony notes that don’t overpower.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Essential for brightening up the sauce and balancing the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste.
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste.

For Frying and Garnish:

• Vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups). Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best frying results.
• Fresh parsley sprigs or extra chopped chives, for garnish.
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional, but a fresh squeeze of lemon over the finished fritters is wonderful!).

Prepping Our Star Ingredient: The Butternut Squash

1. Prepare the Butternut Squash: First things first, we need to tackle that beautiful butternut squash. Using a sturdy vegetable peeler, carefully peel the squash. If you find it a bit unwieldy, you can cut it into smaller, more manageable pieces before peeling. Once peeled, slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands. I usually use a spoon for this; it works perfectly!
2. Grate the Squash: Now for the grating! Using the fine side of a box grater, or a food processor with a grating attachment, finely grate all of your butternut squash. The key here is “finely.” A finer grate helps the squash cook quickly and integrate seamlessly into the batter, ensuring each bite of our Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters is tender and cohesive.
3. Remove Excess Moisture – This is CRUCIAL! This step is non-negotiable for truly amazing fritters. Place the grated butternut squash into a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the towel and twist firmly, squeezing out as much liquid as humanly possible. You will be surprised by how much water comes out! This step prevents soggy fritters and ensures they get wonderfully crisp on the outside while remaining tender and juicy within. Don’t skip this, I promise it makes all the difference! If you don’t squeeze out enough moisture, your batter will be too wet, and the fritters will struggle to hold their shape and become golden brown.

Crafting the Irresistible Fritter Batter

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), baking powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisking them together ensures all the flavors and leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a perfectly seasoned and textured fritter.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry ingredients, add the lightly beaten eggs and the minced garlic. Stir well until just combined. You don’t want to overmix at this stage; we’re just creating a base for our delicious fritter batter.
6. Incorporate Squash and Herbs: Now, add the squeezed grated butternut squash, finely chopped fresh parsley, and finely chopped fresh sage to the bowl. Using your hands (which I find is the best way to ensure everything is evenly incorporated without overworking the mixture) or a sturdy spoon, gently mix everything together until the squash and herbs are well distributed throughout the batter. You want to see that vibrant orange of the squash mingled with the flecks of green herbs.
7. Rest the Batter: Cover the bowl and let the fritter batter rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld, the flour to fully hydrate, and the starches in the squash to relax a bit, which helps the fritters hold together better during frying. Trust me, patience here pays off for truly stellar Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters.

Frying Our Delicious Butternut Squash Fritters to Golden Perfection

8. Heat the Frying Oil: Pour about 1.5 to 2 inches of vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven. Place it over medium-high heat. You’re looking for the oil to reach about 350-360°F (175-180°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a tiny bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and vigorously, indicating it’s ready. If it smokes, it’s too hot; if it barely sizzles, it’s not hot enough. Achieving the right oil temperature is key to fritters that are crisp, golden, and not greasy.
9. Form and Fry the Fritters: Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls of the butternut squash batter into the hot oil. I usually use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons to form roughly 2-inch patties. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Leave a little space between each fritter. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are deeply golden brown and cooked through. You’ll notice the edges becoming crisp and the interior will be tender. Maintaining consistent oil temperature is paramount for achieving perfectly golden and juicy butternut squash fritters.
10. Drain Excess Oil: As each batch of fritters finishes cooking, carefully remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This allows any excess oil to drain off, keeping our fritters delightfully crisp and not greasy.
11. Keep Warm: If you’re frying multiple batches, you can keep the cooked fritters warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to a low temperature (around 200°F/90°C) while you finish frying the rest. This ensures every fritter is warm and ready to enjoy when you’re done.

Whipping Up the Zesty Creamy Herb Dipping Sauce

12. Combine Sauce Ingredients: While the fritters are frying (or during the batter resting phase), prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, finely chopped fresh dill, finely chopped fresh chives, and fresh lemon juice.
13. Season and Mix: Add the salt and black pepper to the sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lemon juice depending on your preference. I love how the vibrant herbs and tangy lemon cut through the richness of the yogurt and mayo!
14. Chill the Sauce: For the best flavor, cover the sauce and refrigerate it for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and become even more pronounced. A chilled sauce is a fantastic contrast to the warm, crispy fritters.

Bringing It All Together: Serving Your Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters

15. Plate and Garnish: Arrange the warm, golden-brown Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters artfully on a serving platter. Dollop the creamy herb dipping sauce alongside, or in a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with a few fresh parsley sprigs or a sprinkle of extra chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.
16. Enjoy! Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These fritters are absolutely divine as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a light lunch. The combination of the sweet, tender butternut squash, savory herbs, and the zesty, creamy dipping sauce is simply heavenly. Each bite is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. They are genuinely one of my favorite ways to enjoy butternut squash, especially when you achieve that perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender, juicy interior.

Pro-Tip for Extra Crispiness:

If you prefer an even crispier fritter, after squeezing out the squash moisture, you can toss it with a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding it to the batter. This helps absorb any residual moisture and contributes to a superior crisp texture when frying. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference for those who love their fritters extra crunchy!

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them and retain their crispiness, I highly recommend placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soft and rubbery. The dipping sauce can also be stored separately in the refrigerator for the same duration.

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the sweet, savory, and utterly satisfying end of our journey with what I genuinely believe will become a new staple in your culinary repertoire. If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly marries comforting flavors with a delightful texture, then these Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters are absolutely non-negotiable. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe because I truly wanted to create something that feels special, yet remains wonderfully approachable for any home cook, regardless of their experience level. Imagine a dish that brings a touch of autumnal warmth to your table any time of year, delivering a tender interior contrasted beautifully with a golden-crisp exterior, all without the fuss you might expect from such a gourmet-sounding treat. That’s precisely what we have here. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary. The natural sweetness of the butternut squash, enhanced by just the right hint of seasoning, makes these fritters incredibly addictive. They offer a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a format that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Trust me when I say, once you taste that perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes, you’ll understand exactly why I’m so passionate about them.

But the true magic of these fritters lies not only in their standalone deliciousness but also in their incredible versatility. While they are undoubtedly stellar on their own, perhaps with a simple dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh chives, don’t stop there! Let your culinary imagination run wild. For a fantastic brunch option, try pairing them alongside a perfectly poached egg and some crispy bacon – the combination of textures and flavors is simply sublime. They also make an excellent, unexpected addition to your breakfast spread, perhaps with a side of fruit salad. If you’re planning a more substantial meal, consider serving them as an elegant side dish to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf. The earthy sweetness of the fritters complements so many main courses beautifully. I also love to turn them into an exciting appetizer for gatherings. A simple dipping sauce, perhaps a spicy sriracha mayo, a cool ranch dressing, or even a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, can elevate them to new heights, making them irresistible finger food that will disappear faster than you can say “more fritters, please!”

And for those of you who love to experiment, the possibilities for variations are practically endless. Feel free to play with the spices; a pinch of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth, or a touch of nutmeg could enhance the squash’s natural sweetness even further. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or sage, either mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top after cooking, can introduce lovely aromatic notes. For a cheesier twist, try incorporating a small amount of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta into the batter before frying – just be mindful that cheese can alter the texture slightly. You could even explore different vegetable additions; finely grated carrot or zucchini could work well, though they might require a bit more squeezing to remove excess moisture. For a gluten-free version, a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works perfectly, maintaining that delightful texture. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, a “flax egg” (one tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal mixed with three tablespoons of water, left to sit for a few minutes) can often substitute for a chicken egg effectively in recipes like this, helping to bind the fritters beautifully. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe truly your own; it’s robust enough to handle a little creative flair.

So, now that you have all the tools, tips, and inspiration, it’s your turn! I genuinely hope you’ll take the plunge and give these fantastic fritters a try. I promise you, the effort is minimal, and the reward is immense. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a delicious dish from scratch and seeing the happy faces around your table. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own unique twist? How did you serve them? Share your photos, your triumphs, and any brilliant variations you came up with in the comments section below or on social media. Your feedback and creativity not only inspire me but also help build a wonderful community of enthusiastic home cooks. Let’s make these fritters a new favorite together!

Juicy Butternut Squash Fritters

These Irresistible Butternut Squash Fritters are delightfully crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, showcasing the natural sweetness of butternut squash in a savory, herb-infused patty. Perfect as an appetizer, side, or light main.

Prep Time
45 Minutes

Cook Time
35 Minutes

Total Time
20 Minutes

Servings
20-25 fritters

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (2.5-3 lbs), peeled, seeded, finely grated
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (for fritters)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (for fritters)
• 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream (for sauce)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (for sauce)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (for sauce)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed (for sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (for sauce)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste (for sauce)
• 2-3 cups vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, for frying
• Fresh parsley sprigs or extra chopped chives, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Peel the squash. Slice it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands with a spoon.
2. Step 2
   Using the fine side of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment, finely grate all of your butternut squash.
3. Step 3
   Place the grated butternut squash into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Twist firmly and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This prevents soggy fritters.
4. Step 4
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), baking powder, smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
5. Step 5
   To the dry ingredients, add the lightly beaten eggs and the minced garlic. Stir well until just combined.
6. Step 6
   Add the squeezed grated butternut squash, finely chopped fresh parsley, and finely chopped fresh sage to the bowl. Mix gently until well distributed throughout the batter.
7. Step 7
   Cover the bowl and let the fritter batter rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and the batter to hydrate, helping fritters hold shape.
8. Step 8
   Pour about 1.5 to 2 inches of vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil into a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high heat to 350-360°F (175-180°C).
9. Step 9
   Once the oil is hot, carefully drop spoonfuls (about 2-tablespoon size) of the batter into the hot oil, forming roughly 2-inch patties. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and cooked through.
10. Step 10
    As each batch finishes cooking, remove fritters with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
11. Step 11
    If frying multiple batches, keep cooked fritters warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 200°F (90°C).
12. Step 12
    In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, finely chopped fresh dill, finely chopped fresh chives, and fresh lemon juice.
13. Step 13
    Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper to the sauce, or to taste. Stir everything together until well combined and smooth.
14. Step 14
    Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 15-20 minutes for the best flavor.
15. Step 15
    Arrange the warm, golden-brown fritters on a serving platter. Dollop the creamy herb dipping sauce alongside, or in a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs or a sprinkle of extra chopped chives.
16. Step 16
    Serve immediately as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light lunch. A fresh squeeze of lemon over the finished fritters is wonderful!

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

November 3, 2025 by Melissa