If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly captures the cozy spirit of home cooking while being delightfully simple, this Easy Squash Patties Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Bursting with tender yellow squash, the sharpness of cheeses, and a hint of garlicky warmth, these patties fry up crispy outside and soft inside. They’re satisfying, colorful, and come together quickly—making them the perfect way to brighten up any meal or snack time with flavors you’ll feel good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each one plays an indispensable role in crafting the perfect balance of texture and taste. From fresh veggies to sharp cheeses, every element blends together to form a harmonious and flavorful dish.
- 3 Cups Shredded Yellow Squash: The star of the show, providing moisture and a delicate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Helps draw out excess water and seasons the squash beautifully.
- 3 Large Eggs (Beaten): Acts as the binding agent holding the patties together.
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (Divided): Adds richness and ensures a golden, crispy crust.
- 2 Cloves Garlic (Minced): Infuses a rich, aromatic depth.
- 1/4 Cup Green Onion (Sliced): Gives a fresh, mild onion crunch.
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings a creamy, tangy bite that melts perfectly.
- 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers a satisfying crunch and helps with structure.
- Salt & Pepper (To Taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1/3 Cup Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dipping sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning: Introduces a zesty, slightly spicy kick to the sauce.
- 1 Clove Garlic (Minced): Boosts the sauce’s flavor with robust garlic notes.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and a subtle sharpness.
How to Make Easy Squash Patties Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Squash
Start by slicing both ends off your yellow squash, then grate using a box grater. Place the grated squash in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—this draws out excess moisture which is key to crisp patties.
Step 2: Squeeze and Dry
Once the squash has rested, grab handfuls and squeeze out as much liquid as possible over the sink. This step ensures your patties won’t be soggy and will hold together nicely. Transfer the well-drained squash back to a dry bowl.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Green Onion
While the squash drains, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced green onions, cooking and stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until fragrant and just softened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
To the drained squash, add the beaten eggs, garlic and green onion mixture, shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, panko breadcrumbs, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly—this is your delicious patty batter.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high. Once shimmering, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet, flattening each one with a spatula. Cook for roughly 2 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are crisp around the edges.
Step 6: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl. Chill the sauce until it’s time to serve—it pairs perfectly with the warm, crispy patties.
How to Serve Easy Squash Patties Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the patties right before serving. It not only adds a burst of green and freshness but also a subtle herbal note that complements the squash perfectly.
Side Dishes
These patties shine when paired with a crisp garden salad or a tangy coleslaw. For heartier meals, serve alongside grilled chicken or fish. Their mild, cheesy flavor adapts beautifully whether as a side or star of the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the box? Try stacking the squash patties like sliders and add a dollop of your dipping sauce and slice of tomato and lettuce. You can also crumble them over mixed greens as a crunchy salad topping for an unexpected treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place the patties in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, separate layers with parchment paper and avoid stacking too heavily.
Freezing
These patties freeze exceptionally well. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They keep for up to 2 months, ready to pop into a pan straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To revive their crispness, reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwave—this keeps the edges golden and delightful. About 3–4 minutes per side should do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use zucchini instead of yellow squash?
Absolutely! Zucchini is a wonderful substitute for yellow squash and will yield similar results in texture and flavor. Just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture the same way.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers in a pinch. Panko adds extra crunch, but other options work fine to help bind and crisp your patties.
Is the dipping sauce necessary?
While it’s optional, the dipping sauce really elevates the dish by adding a creamy, tangy contrast. It’s so easy to whip up and worth the extra step.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, try substituting eggs with a flax or chia egg and use vegan cheeses and mayonnaise alternatives. The texture might shift slightly but it’s definitely doable!
What’s the best way to prevent patties from falling apart?
Properly squeezing out squash water and using enough binding ingredients like eggs and panko are key. Also, cooking them on moderately high heat helps form a crust that keeps them intact.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Easy Squash Patties Recipe means inviting a bit of warmth, comfort, and fresh flavor to your table without any fuss. Crispy, cheesy, and vibrant, these patties are a joy to make and even more delightful to share. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderful dish—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Easy Squash Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Squash Patties are a delicious and simple way to enjoy fresh yellow squash. Crisped to golden perfection in a skillet, these patties combine shredded yellow squash, cheeses, and flavorful garlic and green onion, served with a tangy Cajun-spiced dipping sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they come together quickly and are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Squash Patties
- 3 Cups Shredded Yellow Squash
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 Large Eggs (Beaten)
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (Divided)
- 2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1/4 Cup Green Onion (Sliced)
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- Salt & Pepper (To Taste)
Dipping Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Cajun Seasoning
- 1 Clove Garlic (Minced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the Squash: Slice both ends off of the yellow squash. Using a box grater, shred the squash and place it in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt to start the moisture extraction process.
- Squeeze Out Moisture: Let the salted squash sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, in handfuls, squeeze the grated squash thoroughly over the sink to remove liquid. Transfer the drained squash to a dry bowl.
- Sauté Garlic and Green Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced green onion, cooking while stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat after cooking.
- Mix Patties Ingredients: To the drained squash, add the beaten eggs, sautéed garlic and green onion mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet used earlier and heat it over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Form and Cook Patties: Scoop tablespoonfuls of the squash mixture into the hot skillet, using a spatula to flatten each into a patty shape. Cook each patty for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve alongside the patties.
Notes
- Ensure to squeeze out as much moisture from the squash as possible to help the patties hold together and become crispy.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, add extra Cajun seasoning to the dipping sauce or sprinkle some directly into the patty mixture.
- These patties can be baked in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes if you prefer a lighter alternative to frying.
- Serve patties immediately for best texture, as they are crispiest when fresh.
