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Zucchini Fritters

July 6, 2023 by Gina +

Every summer the garden starts producing wonderful, fresh produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. And if you have ever grown squash, you know it just keeps producing and producing. For that reason, we always need recipes for how to use it. One of my favorites is cheesy zucchini fritters.

Jump to Recipe

Once the zucchini starts growing, it feels like it doesn’t stop. We always have several plants in our garden and at my mom’s, so I’m being handed squash left and right. I always start out simply sauteing or roasting it. But then I need more ways to use it. Zucchini bread and muffins are good for a sweet treat, but for savory I love a simple cheese and zucchini fritter. Nothing fancy but so good and pair perfectly with a protein, like grilled chicken. And can be eaten plain or with some toppings.

Ingredients needed for the Fritters

  • Zucchini shredded – I use green or yellow, any kind will do
  • Cottage cheese
  • Egg
  • Parmesan – this is optional but I like the flavor it adds
  • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
  • Breadcrumbs – this gets added to the filling
  • Panko breadcrumbs for coating
  • Olive oil for frying

How to make the fritters

  • Start by shredding the zucchini. Place in a clean towel or paper towel and squeeze out the excess water.
  • Place the zucchini in a bowl with the cottage cheese, egg, parm if using, seasoning, and breadcrumbs. Stir until combined.
  • Heat a large skillet and warm a couple of tablespoons of oil on medium.
  • Place the panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Take a few tablespoons of filling and roll then flatten slightly into fritter shapes. Press one side and then the other into the panko then into the pan. Fry for a few minutes on each side.

Why we love this recipe…

  • Great way to use summer produce.
  • Healthy and has some good protein with the cottage cheese addition.
  • Great side dishes or good on their own.
  • Simple ingredients but lots of flavors. Nice and crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.

More recipes you will like…

  • Corn Fritters
  • Red Lentil Fritters
  • Southwest Veggie Fritters

Tips & FAQ for the Zucchini Fritters

What kind of squash is best?

Either yellow or green summer squash.

What do these pair well with?

I love these zucchini fritters paired with grilled chicken or fish for the main dish. However, they are good on their own too. I like to top it with yogurt or sour cream, diced green onion, and tomatoes.

How to store these?

Just cover and store in the fridge for 3-5 days. Warm in the oven or on a skillet for best reheating.

Zucchini Fritters

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Servings: 6 fritters
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium / large zucchini, shredded
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Method
 

  1. Start by shredding the zucchini. Place in a clean towel or paper towel and squeeze out the excess water.
  2. Place the zucchini in a bowl with the cottage cheese, egg, parm if using, seasoning, and breadcrumbs. Stir until combined.
  3. Heat a large skillet and warm a couple of tablespoons of oil on medium.
  4. Place the panko breadcrumbs on a plate and season with a little salt and pepper. Take a few tablespoons of filling and roll then flatten slightly into fritter shapes. Press one side and then the other into the panko then into the pan. Fry for a few minutes on each side.
  5. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, some chopped green onion, or diced cherry tomatoes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Dinners, Recipes

Easy Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich Follow along Easy Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich

Follow along for easy, family-friendly meals ๐Ÿค

Crispy bacon, juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, creamy avocado, and all layered onto a toasted sandwich roll. Itโ€™s simple, high protein, and so good for lunch or an easy dinner.

Ingredients:
2 slices bacon
1 small chicken breast, pounded thin
All-purpose chicken seasoning
Freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Sandwich roll
Mayonnaise
1/2 avocado, mashed with salt
Lettuce
Tomato

Directions:
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside. Remove some of the grease from the pan.

Season a thinly pounded chicken breast generously with chicken seasoning and cook in the same pan until golden and cooked through. Once flipped, top with freshly grated mozzarella and let melt.

Spread mayonnaise onto one side of a sandwich roll and mashed salted avocado onto the other side.

Layer with bacon, cheesy chicken, lettuce, and tomato.

Save this easy sandwich recipe for later and follow for more quick meal ideas.
Healthy Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos Follow al Healthy Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos
Follow along for easy, family-friendly dinners ๐Ÿค

These healthy chicken Caesar smashburger tacos are one of my favorite easy high-protein dinners lately. Crispy seasoned chicken pressed onto tortillas, topped with Caesar salad and Parmesan. Theyโ€™re quick, flavorful, and so good for busy nights.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
8 mini tortillas
Salt Pepper Garlic powder
chopped Romaine lettuce
Caesar dressing
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Press a thin layer of ground chicken onto each tortilla and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place chicken side down onto a hot skillet and cook for about 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Flip and cook the tortilla side for another 2 to 3 minutes until slightly crispy.
Great and Parmesan on top of the chicken. Honey.

Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing. Top each taco with the Caesar salad mixture and more parm.

These are crispy, high protein, and so easy to make.

Save this easy dinner recipe for later and follow for more quick meal ideas.
High protein stuffed bell pepper pasta ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซ‘ All the High protein stuffed bell pepper pasta ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซ‘

All the cozy stuffed pepper flavors but turned into a creamy cheesy skillet pasta thatโ€™s so easy for weeknights

Ingredients

12 oz pasta 
1 lb ground Italian chicken sausage or sausage of choice 
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion diced
3 bell peppers diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
ยฝ tsp salt
ยผ tsp pepper
1ยฝ cups marinara sauce
1 cup blended 
ยพ cup mozzarella cheese
ยผ cup parmesan cheese
2 cups spinach

Instructions

cook pasta until al dente

brown sausage and cook peppers and onion until soft. Add to pasta. 

Blend the cottage cheese and marinara 

Stir the blended sauce and seasoning into the beverage and pasta mixture. 

add pasta spinach and cheese and stir until creamy
If youโ€™ve been trying to make a really good breakf If youโ€™ve been trying to make a really good breakfast burrito at homeโ€ฆ this is the one.

Crispy hashbrown, bacon, creamy avocado, and a soft cheesy egg layer, all wrapped up and toasted until golden. Itโ€™s simple, filling, and always a hit.

How to make it
Cook 1 hashbrown patty until crispy
Cook 2 slices of bacon, then remove and leave a little fat in the pan
Whisk 2 eggs and pour into a nonstick pan, spreading thin
Top with cheese and keep the eggs soft (donโ€™t overcook)
Fold into a rectangle and set aside

Assemble:
Mash 1/2 avocado with a little salt and mix with chopped bacon
Spread onto a warmed bun buntortilla
Add chopped hashbrown and the egg
Fold the sides in, then roll tightly

Tips:
Donโ€™t overfill and make sure everything is tucked in well
Place seam side down in a pan to crisp the tortilla

Serve with hot sauce and youโ€™re done

Save this one for later and follow for more easy meal ideas
One of my favorite things to order out. The Hills One of my favorite things to order out.

The Hillstone Dip Duo dupe. Smoky chipotle pimento cheese, fresh guac, salty tortilla chipsโ€ฆ itโ€™s dangerously good and PERFECT for Cinco de Mayo or any gathering. 

For the chipotle pimento cheese dip, mix together 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup softened whipped cream cheese, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons diced pimentos, 1 chipotle peppers in adobo (or half if you like it less Smokey)  plus a little adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon finely grated yellow onion, and Lawryโ€™s seasoned salt to taste. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can meld together.  Let all your cheeses come to room temperature so they can blend easier.

For the guacamole, mash together 2 ripe avocados with finely diced onion, cilantro, fresh lime juice, and salt to taste.

Serve both dips side by side with salty tortilla chips @masa_chips

Save this Hillstone dip duo dupe for your next party, game day, or Cinco de Mayo spread
POV: you need a high-protein breakfast that everyo POV: you need a high-protein breakfast that everyone will eat. 

These high protein breakfast biscuits have been on repeat in my house. Theyโ€™re easy, meal prep-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings when you need something you can just grab and go.

Theyโ€™re packed with protein from eggs, sausage, cottage cheese, and cheese. 

Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage
4 eggs (scrambled)
1 egg (mixed in)
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup low-fat shredded cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt + pepper

Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned. Push to one side and scramble 4 eggs.

Add sausage + eggs to a bowl with 1 more egg, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.

Scoop with a 2 tbsp scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 375ยฐF for about 18 minutes, or until golden. Makes about 15 biscuits.

These are high protein, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep breakfasts ๐Ÿ™Œ
Easy Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich Follow along Easy Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich

Follow along for easy, family-friendly meals ๐Ÿค

Crispy bacon, juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, creamy avocado, and all layered onto a toasted sandwich roll. Itโ€™s simple, high protein, and so good for lunch or an easy dinner.

Ingredients:
2 slices bacon
1 small chicken breast, pounded thin
All-purpose chicken seasoning
Freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Sandwich roll
Mayonnaise
1/2 avocado, mashed with salt
Lettuce
Tomato

Directions:
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside. Remove some of the grease from the pan.

Season a thinly pounded chicken breast generously with chicken seasoning and cook in the same pan until golden and cooked through. Once flipped, top with freshly grated mozzarella and let melt.

Spread mayonnaise onto one side of a sandwich roll and mashed salted avocado onto the other side.

Layer with bacon, cheesy chicken, lettuce, and tomato.

Save this easy sandwich recipe for later and follow for more quick meal ideas.
Healthy Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos Follow al Healthy Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos
Follow along for easy, family-friendly dinners ๐Ÿค

These healthy chicken Caesar smashburger tacos are one of my favorite easy high-protein dinners lately. Crispy seasoned chicken pressed onto tortillas, topped with Caesar salad and Parmesan. Theyโ€™re quick, flavorful, and so good for busy nights.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
8 mini tortillas
Salt Pepper Garlic powder
chopped Romaine lettuce
Caesar dressing
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Press a thin layer of ground chicken onto each tortilla and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place chicken side down onto a hot skillet and cook for about 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Flip and cook the tortilla side for another 2 to 3 minutes until slightly crispy.
Great and Parmesan on top of the chicken. Honey.

Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing. Top each taco with the Caesar salad mixture and more parm.

These are crispy, high protein, and so easy to make.

Save this easy dinner recipe for later and follow for more quick meal ideas.
High protein stuffed bell pepper pasta ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซ‘ All the High protein stuffed bell pepper pasta ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซ‘

All the cozy stuffed pepper flavors but turned into a creamy cheesy skillet pasta thatโ€™s so easy for weeknights

Ingredients

12 oz pasta 
1 lb ground Italian chicken sausage or sausage of choice 
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion diced
3 bell peppers diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
ยฝ tsp salt
ยผ tsp pepper
1ยฝ cups marinara sauce
1 cup blended 
ยพ cup mozzarella cheese
ยผ cup parmesan cheese
2 cups spinach

Instructions

cook pasta until al dente

brown sausage and cook peppers and onion until soft. Add to pasta. 

Blend the cottage cheese and marinara 

Stir the blended sauce and seasoning into the beverage and pasta mixture. 

add pasta spinach and cheese and stir until creamy
If youโ€™ve been trying to make a really good breakf If youโ€™ve been trying to make a really good breakfast burrito at homeโ€ฆ this is the one.

Crispy hashbrown, bacon, creamy avocado, and a soft cheesy egg layer, all wrapped up and toasted until golden. Itโ€™s simple, filling, and always a hit.

How to make it
Cook 1 hashbrown patty until crispy
Cook 2 slices of bacon, then remove and leave a little fat in the pan
Whisk 2 eggs and pour into a nonstick pan, spreading thin
Top with cheese and keep the eggs soft (donโ€™t overcook)
Fold into a rectangle and set aside

Assemble:
Mash 1/2 avocado with a little salt and mix with chopped bacon
Spread onto a warmed bun buntortilla
Add chopped hashbrown and the egg
Fold the sides in, then roll tightly

Tips:
Donโ€™t overfill and make sure everything is tucked in well
Place seam side down in a pan to crisp the tortilla

Serve with hot sauce and youโ€™re done

Save this one for later and follow for more easy meal ideas
One of my favorite things to order out. The Hills One of my favorite things to order out.

The Hillstone Dip Duo dupe. Smoky chipotle pimento cheese, fresh guac, salty tortilla chipsโ€ฆ itโ€™s dangerously good and PERFECT for Cinco de Mayo or any gathering. 

For the chipotle pimento cheese dip, mix together 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup softened whipped cream cheese, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons diced pimentos, 1 chipotle peppers in adobo (or half if you like it less Smokey)  plus a little adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon finely grated yellow onion, and Lawryโ€™s seasoned salt to taste. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can meld together.  Let all your cheeses come to room temperature so they can blend easier.

For the guacamole, mash together 2 ripe avocados with finely diced onion, cilantro, fresh lime juice, and salt to taste.

Serve both dips side by side with salty tortilla chips @masa_chips

Save this Hillstone dip duo dupe for your next party, game day, or Cinco de Mayo spread
POV: you need a high-protein breakfast that everyo POV: you need a high-protein breakfast that everyone will eat. 

These high protein breakfast biscuits have been on repeat in my house. Theyโ€™re easy, meal prep-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings when you need something you can just grab and go.

Theyโ€™re packed with protein from eggs, sausage, cottage cheese, and cheese. 

Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage
4 eggs (scrambled)
1 egg (mixed in)
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup low-fat shredded cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt + pepper

Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned. Push to one side and scramble 4 eggs.

Add sausage + eggs to a bowl with 1 more egg, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.

Scoop with a 2 tbsp scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 375ยฐF for about 18 minutes, or until golden. Makes about 15 biscuits.

These are high protein, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep breakfasts ๐Ÿ™Œ
Easy Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich Follow along Easy Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich

Follow along for easy, family-friendly meals ๐Ÿค

Crispy bacon, juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, creamy avocado, and all layered onto a toasted sandwich roll. Itโ€™s simple, high protein, and so good for lunch or an easy dinner.

Ingredients:
2 slices bacon
1 small chicken breast, pounded thin
All-purpose chicken seasoning
Freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Sandwich roll
Mayonnaise
1/2 avocado, mashed with salt
Lettuce
Tomato

Directions:
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove and set aside. Remove some of the grease from the pan.

Season a thinly pounded chicken breast generously with chicken seasoning and cook in the same pan until golden and cooked through. Once flipped, top with freshly grated mozzarella and let melt.

Spread mayonnaise onto one side of a sandwich roll and mashed salted avocado onto the other side.

Layer with bacon, cheesy chicken, lettuce, and tomato.

Save this easy sandwich recipe for later and follow for more quick meal ideas.
Healthy Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos Follow al Healthy Chicken Caesar Smashburger Tacos
Follow along for easy, family-friendly dinners ๐Ÿค

These healthy chicken Caesar smashburger tacos are one of my favorite easy high-protein dinners lately. Crispy seasoned chicken pressed onto tortillas, topped with Caesar salad and Parmesan. Theyโ€™re quick, flavorful, and so good for busy nights.

Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken
8 mini tortillas
Salt Pepper Garlic powder
chopped Romaine lettuce
Caesar dressing
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Press a thin layer of ground chicken onto each tortilla and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place chicken side down onto a hot skillet and cook for about 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Flip and cook the tortilla side for another 2 to 3 minutes until slightly crispy.
Great and Parmesan on top of the chicken. Honey.

Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing. Top each taco with the Caesar salad mixture and more parm.

These are crispy, high protein, and so easy to make.

Save this easy dinner recipe for later and follow for more quick meal ideas.
High protein stuffed bell pepper pasta ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซ‘ All the High protein stuffed bell pepper pasta ๐Ÿ๐Ÿซ‘

All the cozy stuffed pepper flavors but turned into a creamy cheesy skillet pasta thatโ€™s so easy for weeknights

Ingredients

12 oz pasta 
1 lb ground Italian chicken sausage or sausage of choice 
1 tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion diced
3 bell peppers diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
ยฝ tsp salt
ยผ tsp pepper
1ยฝ cups marinara sauce
1 cup blended 
ยพ cup mozzarella cheese
ยผ cup parmesan cheese
2 cups spinach

Instructions

cook pasta until al dente

brown sausage and cook peppers and onion until soft. Add to pasta. 

Blend the cottage cheese and marinara 

Stir the blended sauce and seasoning into the beverage and pasta mixture. 

add pasta spinach and cheese and stir until creamy
If youโ€™ve been trying to make a really good breakf If youโ€™ve been trying to make a really good breakfast burrito at homeโ€ฆ this is the one.

Crispy hashbrown, bacon, creamy avocado, and a soft cheesy egg layer, all wrapped up and toasted until golden. Itโ€™s simple, filling, and always a hit.

How to make it
Cook 1 hashbrown patty until crispy
Cook 2 slices of bacon, then remove and leave a little fat in the pan
Whisk 2 eggs and pour into a nonstick pan, spreading thin
Top with cheese and keep the eggs soft (donโ€™t overcook)
Fold into a rectangle and set aside

Assemble:
Mash 1/2 avocado with a little salt and mix with chopped bacon
Spread onto a warmed bun buntortilla
Add chopped hashbrown and the egg
Fold the sides in, then roll tightly

Tips:
Donโ€™t overfill and make sure everything is tucked in well
Place seam side down in a pan to crisp the tortilla

Serve with hot sauce and youโ€™re done

Save this one for later and follow for more easy meal ideas
One of my favorite things to order out. The Hills One of my favorite things to order out.

The Hillstone Dip Duo dupe. Smoky chipotle pimento cheese, fresh guac, salty tortilla chipsโ€ฆ itโ€™s dangerously good and PERFECT for Cinco de Mayo or any gathering. 

For the chipotle pimento cheese dip, mix together 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup softened whipped cream cheese, 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons diced pimentos, 1 chipotle peppers in adobo (or half if you like it less Smokey)  plus a little adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon finely grated yellow onion, and Lawryโ€™s seasoned salt to taste. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the flavors can meld together.  Let all your cheeses come to room temperature so they can blend easier.

For the guacamole, mash together 2 ripe avocados with finely diced onion, cilantro, fresh lime juice, and salt to taste.

Serve both dips side by side with salty tortilla chips @masa_chips

Save this Hillstone dip duo dupe for your next party, game day, or Cinco de Mayo spread
POV: you need a high-protein breakfast that everyo POV: you need a high-protein breakfast that everyone will eat. 

These high protein breakfast biscuits have been on repeat in my house. Theyโ€™re easy, meal prep-friendly, and perfect for busy mornings when you need something you can just grab and go.

Theyโ€™re packed with protein from eggs, sausage, cottage cheese, and cheese. 

Ingredients:
1 lb breakfast sausage
4 eggs (scrambled)
1 egg (mixed in)
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup low-fat shredded cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt + pepper

Cook the breakfast sausage in a skillet until browned. Push to one side and scramble 4 eggs.

Add sausage + eggs to a bowl with 1 more egg, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.

Scoop with a 2 tbsp scoop onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 375ยฐF for about 18 minutes, or until golden. Makes about 15 biscuits.

These are high protein, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep breakfasts ๐Ÿ™Œ

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