Gluten Free Cheddar Delicata Squash Fritters

Name: Delicata Squash Cheddar Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups shredded delicata squash (* see note); 1/4 cup milk; 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup gluten free flour blend (* see note); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1/2 cup avocado oil (or other high heat oil)

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These delicata squash fritters make a tasty appetizer packed full of flavor. Crispy and delicious, with lots of melty cheddar cheese, this gluten free fritters recipe will please a crowd.

Delicata fritters on a white rectangular serving platter.

Jump to:

What is Delicata Squash?
How to roast delicata squash:
What kind of squash is best to make fritters?
Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:
How to Store Gluten Free Fritters:
Recipe FAQ:
More Winter Squash Recipes:
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💬 Comments

Have you tried fritters? They are crispy on the outside, and they melt in your mouth. They are so easy to make gluten free. You can make fritters with many vegetables, but I love to use winter squash. Winter squash is sweet and full of flavor.

My gluten free fritters recipe can be made with any winter squash. If you love appetizers, don't forget to check out my best gluten-free recipes.

What is Delicata Squash?

Have you tried this sweet, mild winter squash? Delicata squash is a long yellow squash with green stripes. You can buy delicata squash at most grocery stores and even at your local farmer's market.

I love using squash in recipes because it is so easy to conceal. My kids don't know something healthy is hidden in these fritters! If you don't believe me, try these Gluten Free Delicata Squash Brownies.

Bins of winter squash at the farmer's market.

If you are an appetizer fiend like me, try these Stuffed Pepper Jack Mini Peppers or these BBQ Chicken Nachos.

How to roast delicata squash:

For this recipe, I used raw grated delicata squash. It is easy to grate delicata squash. (You can also cook the squash, though it won't be as crispy.)

I will share my long way and a quick and easy way to cook squash. There is nothing better than delicata squash roasted so the flavors caramelize, but if you are in a hurry, I have those directions, too.

To grate, cut the squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds. Use a peeler to remove the outer thin skin of the squash. Cut long strips of the squash and run over a grater.
If you prefer to use cooked squash, roast it in the oven with a little good-quality olive oil. I may add a little salt depending on whether I am using it for something savory or sweet.
If you are in a hurry, don't worry! There is a quick and easy way to cook this squash. Cut the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the delicata squash face down on a microwave-safe plate. Add a little water to the plate and microwave for 5-7 minutes until soft.

What kind of squash is best to make fritters?

You can make fritters out of any squash! I used delicata squash in this recipe, but you can also use:

Butternut squash - butternut squash fritters are so full of sweet flavor!
Acorn squash
Zucchini (if you use zucchini to make fritters, you must use paper towels to dry the shredded zucchini. Otherwise, they will be soggy!)
Riced cauliflower also makes delicious fritter-like pancakes!

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Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

It is so easy to cook delicata squash! Are you ready to get started?

Step 1: Grate the winter squash with a grater or food processor. Put it into a large bowl.

Step 2: Add all of the fritter ingredients into the bowl with the winter squash and mix well.

Step 3: Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet. Drop spoonfuls of the squash mixture and press them flat with a metal spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Before flipping them over, you will want the squash to be crispy like above.

A small glass container of balsamic vinegar.

Tips For Sucess:

Whisk the simmering balsamic every 5 minutes to prevent it from burning.
Fresh herbs will taste better than dried herbs. It also makes it easier to remove the herbs when the sauce is thickened.

Step 4: As the fritters are done cooking, use a metal spatula to move them to a paper towel-lined plate so they can absorb extra oil.

Serve hot with sour cream and chives as a garnish. If you like to spice things up, add a few drops of sriracha!

How to Store Gluten Free Fritters:

These fritters will keep up to 3 days in an air-tight container or up to 4 months in the freezer. To reheat these fritters, you will need to bake them at 350º F for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe FAQ:

What kind of oil is best for frying?

When frying foods, using an oil that can tolerate high heat is important. I use mostly avocado oil for frying, but coconut oil can also work well, depending on the dish's flavor.

Heat avocado or another high-heat oil in a pan and drop the dough into the hot oil. (I don't recommend olive oil for this because it can not take the high heat you will need to get the outsides of these cheese fritters nice and crispy.)

How do you know oil is hot enough for frying?

Add a drop of water to the pan to test if the pan is hot enough to add the fritter batter. If the water sizzles immediately, it is ready for you to add the fritter mixture. The oil should be 375º F.

Can you make these fritters dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cheddar cheese to make these fritters. I have used vegan parmesan, and I do not think the flavor is close enough to mimic the flavors, so you would need to omit it and adjust the liquid levels.