If you’re craving something that feels like a warm, crispy hug on a plate, these Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Ricotta and Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe are exactly what you need. Imagine golden, crunchy zucchini fritters bursting with fresh herbs and creamy ricotta, perfectly paired with a tangy, garlicky herb dipping sauce that makes every bite irresistible. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and refreshingly light, making it a go-to for any occasion when you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these fritters lies in their simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: zucchini provides moisture and texture, ricotta adds creaminess, herbs bring vibrant flavor, and parmesan delivers that savory depth. Together, they create a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- 1 medium zucchini (about 1 cup): Fresh and firm zucchini is essential for a tender interior and crisp edges.
- 1 egg (beaten): Acts as a binder to hold all the components together perfectly.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Helps soak up the zucchini’s moisture for a sturdy fritter base.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a luscious creaminess that keeps every bite smooth and rich.
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated): Boosts the flavor with its nutty, salty punch.
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped chives: Infuses a mild oniony aroma to brighten the fritters.
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley: Herbs provide a fresh, green flavor that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Oil for pan frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for perfect crispiness.
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt: Base for the dipping sauce, creamy and slightly tangy.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick to the sauce.
- 2 cloves minced garlic: Gives the sauce a punch of flavor that complements the fritters.
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill): Dill lends an aromatic, slightly sweet herbal note to the dip.
How to Make Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Ricotta and Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Surface
Start by heating a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This sets the stage for getting that golden crispy exterior that makes these zucchini fritters so addictive.
Step 2: Drain the Zucchini
Grate your zucchini into a large colander, then wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out every bit of moisture you can. Removing excess water is key to ensuring your fritters aren’t soggy but perfectly crisp.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini with the beaten egg, flour, ricotta, parmesan, chives, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together easily.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into your hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook each fritter for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Drain and Cool
Transfer your cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy and prevents greasiness.
Step 6: Make the Herb Dipping Sauce
Mix the plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill in a small bowl. This cool, flavorful sauce is the perfect foil to the warm, crispy fritters.
How to Serve Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Ricotta and Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or chives on top brightens the presentation and adds a burst of fresh color that invites you to dive right in.
Side Dishes
Pair these fritters with a simple mixed green salad or some roasted cherry tomatoes to bring a light, fresh contrast that complements the fritters’ richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these fritters into bite-sized appetizers by making smaller fritter rounds and serving them on a platter with toothpicks alongside the herb dipping sauce for easy sharing at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They remain tasty when reheated, but the texture is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked fritters by laying them flat on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month and are great for a quick snack anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to bring back that irresistible crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer, and use a plant-based ricotta alternative. Keep in mind this might slightly change the texture but will still be delicious.
What’s the best zucchini for fritters?
Choose firm, medium-sized zucchini with shiny skin and no soft spots. Younger zucchini with smaller seeds tend to have a sweeter flavor and work wonderfully for fritters.
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
Yes! To bake, arrange the fritters on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crisp and golden.
Is the ricotta in the dipping sauce necessary?
The ricotta is actually used in the fritters themselves to add creaminess. The dipping sauce relies on yogurt and herbs for brightness and tang, but you can experiment by adding a little ricotta if you like it creamier.
Can I prepare the zucchini mixture ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to squeeze out the zucchini moisture right before mixing to maintain the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way crispy edges and creamy, herb-infused interiors come together in this Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Ricotta and Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe. It’s a dish that feels both homey and a little bit fancy, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a cozy solo snack. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how these simple ingredients can create such magical flavors! Enjoy every bite.
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Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Ricotta and Herb Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Crispy Zucchini Fritters that are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. These fritters combine shredded zucchini with creamy ricotta, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a touch of seasoning, pan-fried to perfection and served with a tangy garlic dill yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
Fritters
- 1 medium Zucchini (about 1 cup)
- 1 Egg (beaten)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese
- 3 Tbsp parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 Tbsp Freshly chopped chives
- 1 Tbsp Freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for pan frying
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill (or 1/2 tsp dried dill)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a thin layer of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the fritters.
- Prepare the zucchini: Shred the zucchini and place it into a large colander. Wrap the shredded zucchini in a thin kitchen towel and squeeze and twist over the sink to remove as much moisture as possible. This step ensures crispy fritters.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the dried shredded zucchini, beaten egg, all-purpose flour, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped chives, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Form and cook the fritters: Drop large tablespoons of the zucchini mixture into the heated oil in the skillet. Cook each fritter for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked fritters from the skillet and place them on a towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and cool slightly.
- Prepare the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine plain yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh or dried dill. Mix well to create a flavorful sauce to complement the fritters.
- Serve: Serve the crispy zucchini fritters warm with the yogurt garlic dill dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Draining the zucchini thoroughly is key to crispy fritters; any excess water will make the batter soggy.
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a different texture.
- These fritters are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in a skillet to restore crispness.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan for best frying results.
