This delicious Fried Squash Blossom recipe is the perfect appetizer for summer BBQs and get-togethers! The delicate flowers, with their very mild flavor and a subtle hint of zucchini, are a seasonal delicacy and they are absolutely incredible. Today, they are celebrated in farmer’s markets and gourmet restaurants alike. I don’t think I have ever seen them in a regular grocery store, but you can often find them at farmer’s markets or if you grow a garden you can just go harvest them from your squash plants as they start coming in to season! Fried zucchini blossoms are the perfect recipe for special occasions or to elevate a regular weeknight dinner as they add a touch of elegance to any meal. For more easy recipes for tasty fried appetizers, check out my Fried Yellow Squash, Fried Pickles, Plantain Tostones, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Southern Fried Okra!
Why We Love This Recipe
This fried stuffed blossom recipe can be enjoyed as a side dish, a unique appetizer, or even as a main course. The light, crispy texture combined with the unique, delicate flavor of the fried blossoms creates an intriguing culinary experience that’s both refined and utterly delicious. These edible flowers aren’t just a feast for your taste buds; it’s quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a fancy dinner party or a simple family gathering.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Fresh Zucchini Blossoms – Zucchini blossoms have a delicate flavor and texture. Garlic & Herb Goat Cheese – Adds a creamy and flavorful filling. Freshly Grated Gruyere Cheese – Gruyere brings a nutty flavor to the filling. Egg Yolk – Helps to bind the cheese filling. All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the batter. Cornstarch – This helps to create a crispy batter. Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent for the batter, making it light and airy. Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish. I prefer kosher salt for its pure taste. Ice Cold Water – Essential for the batter to ensure lightness as it inhibits gluten formation, keeping the batter crispy. Frying Oil – A neutral oil like canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil works well. For a healthier version, olive oil can be used, but it may alter the taste slightly.
How to Make Fried Zucchini Flowers
Tips for Success
The fresher the blossoms, the better the flavor and texture of your dish, so choose fresh zucchini flowers that are vibrant and free from spots or wilting. Squash blossoms are delicate, so handle them gently when washing and stuffing to prevent tearing them. This care will keep their beautiful shape intact through the cooking process! If the oil is not hot enough, the blossoms will absorb too much oil and become greasy, but if it’s too hot then they will burn on the outside before cooking through! So make sure to maintain the correct oil temperature (around 350°F) for frying. Overcrowding can lower the oil’s temperature and lead to soggy blossoms, so fry them in small batches to ensure the blossoms cook evenly and the oil temperature remains constant. After frying, let the blossoms drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This setup helps to remove excess oil and keeps the blossoms crispy. Fried squash blossoms can lose their crispiness as they sit, so for the best experience serve them immediately after cooking to enjoy them hot and fresh for the best experience. Always check the blossoms before reheating and consuming them to ensure they haven’t spoiled, especially if they’ve been stored for more than a day. If you notice any off smells or discoloration, it’s best to discard them.
Substitutions and Variations
If zucchini blossoms are unavailable, pumpkin flowers can be a good alternative. You can substitute garlic & herb goat cheese with plain goat cheese or even a mixture of cream cheese and herbs. Parmesan cheese, or Pecorino Romano cheese would make great substitutions for Gruyere, and cream cheese, feta cheese, or ricotta cheese would work well instead of goat’s cheese. In case of allergies, a little cream can help achieve a similar consistency to the egg yolk. Arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative to cornstarch. Enhance the flavor of your filling by incorporating fresh herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or chives. You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, or chickpea, almond, or rice flour to make this recipe gluten-free. Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or your favorite spice blend to the batter for an extra kick. For a healthier version, you can bake the stuffed squash blossoms instead of frying them. Feel free to experiment with different kinds of fillings, like cooked mushrooms, finely chopped vegetables, or even a small piece of mozzarella for a gooey center. For a different batter texture, substitute ice water with a light beer or ginger ale. This gives a unique flavor and a light, airy texture to the batter.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
Deep Fryer Cheese Curds Crispy Fried Onion Strings Baked Greek Fries Crispy Coconut Shrimp (Fried or Baked) Juicy Idaho Finger Steaks Homemade Egg Rolls
A thin, smooth batter coats the blossoms evenly without overpowering their delicate flavor. Remember to use ice-cold water to prevent the formation of gluten, which can make the batter heavy.
Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Crispy Homemade Onion Rings
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