Dinner

Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters with Garlic Dip Recipe

BySana Jeannette March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

Introduction

These crispy butternut squash fritters are a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect as a snack or light meal. Paired with a creamy garlic dip, they offer a satisfying bite that’s both comforting and fresh. Easy to make and full of warmth, they’re sure to become a favorite.

A stack of about seven thick, crispy orange fritters with uneven, rough edges, each showing a crunchy texture with small bits of green herbs mixed in. The fritters are piled on a white plate with a smooth surface, placed on a white marbled surface with blurred pine cones in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

250 g grated butternut squash, peeled and seeded
1 grated potato (small to medium), peeled

2 eggs
50 g all-purpose flour

50 g cornstarch
100 g shredded cheddar cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Garlic Dip:

200 g low-fat quark
50 ml milk
1 garlic clove, finely minced

1 tsp agave syrup
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Grate the butternut squash and potato. Place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add the eggs, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything until well combined.

Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 4: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the skillet for each fritter, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon.
Step 5: Cook the fritters for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Keep them warm while preparing the dip.
Step 7: To make the garlic dip, combine low-fat quark and milk in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, agave syrup, salt, pepper, and fresh chives. Mix well and serve alongside the fritters.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, let the grated vegetables drain on paper towels before mixing.

Substitute cheddar with a milder cheese like mozzarella for a different flavor.
Add a pinch of chili flakes to the batter for a slight kick.
Use Greek yogurt instead of quark for the dip if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or warm in a toaster oven. The garlic dip is best served fresh but can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

A round, golden-brown fried snack with small green pieces inside is being held by a woman's hand, about to dip into a wooden bowl filled with thick creamy white sauce topped with chopped green herbs and red chili flakes. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, with orange dried petals and pine cones in the blurry background. The snack has a crisp texture with small air holes visible on its surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baking results in a slightly less crispy texture but is a healthier option.

What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with more all-purpose flour or use potato starch. The texture may vary slightly, but the fritters will still hold together well.