Zucchini! Seriously, is there anything this veggie *can’t* do? I swear, every summer I’m drowning in the stuff. So, I’m always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to use it up. And let me tell you, these **Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters**? Total game changer. They’re crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, and just… addictive! I mean, who knew zucchini could be so good?!

I’ve tried a *ton* of different fritter recipes over the years – some were okay, some were downright disasters (oops!). But these? These are special. The cottage cheese adds this amazing creaminess and tang that you just don’t get with other recipes. And the texture? Forget about it! Crispy edges giving way to a soft, flavorful center. Trust me, you’re gonna love ’em as a quick snack, a light lunch, or even a side dish. They are so good!

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Seriously, what’s not to love? These little guys are seriously addictive! But if you need convincing, here’s why I keep making them:

Quick and Easy Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Twenty minutes, start to finish! I mean, come on! Perfect for when you need something FAST.
A Delicious Way to Eat Zucchini

Even zucchini haters will be converted. I swear! They’re savory, crispy, and so flavorful.
Vegetarian Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters Recipe

Meat-free and packed with protein from the cottage cheese. A win-win!
They’re versatile! Snack? Side? Light meal? You name it!
Um, hello? You get to use up that mountain of zucchini from your garden!

Ingredients for Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Okay, let’s talk ingredients. Nothing too fancy here, promise! But a few things are important. You’ll need:

2 cups grated zucchini (make sure you squeeze out the extra water – I’ll tell you how in a bit!).
1 cup cottage cheese (I like small curd, full fat for the best flavor, but use what you’ve got!).
½ cup all-purpose flour (spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off – no digging in!).
2 large eggs (the glue that holds everything together!).
2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?).
¼ teaspoon salt (or more, to taste!).
¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is always best, if you have it!).
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying these little beauties up!).

See? Simple! Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, buckle up! Here’s how we turn that pile of zucchini into golden, crispy perfection. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

Preparing the Zucchini for Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Okay, this is *the most* important step, I swear! Nobody wants soggy fritters. So, first, grab your box grater and grate those zucchinis. Now, dump the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel (or cheesecloth, if you’re fancy!). Gather up the edges of the towel and twist, twist, twist! Squeeze like you mean it! You want to get as much water out as possible. Seriously, you’ll be surprised how much liquid comes out. This step is key to getting that crispy texture we’re after. Trust me on this one!

Mixing the Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters Batter

Now for the fun part! In a medium bowl, toss that squeezed-out zucchini with the cottage cheese, flour, eggs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is *just* combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. We don’t want tough fritters, right? Just make sure everything is evenly distributed. My favorite part is the smell of the fresh garlic mixing with the zucchini, it smells so fresh!

Cooking the Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil nice and hot, but not smoking! Careful, it splatters! Once the oil is shimmering, drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the fritters will steam instead of fry. I usually do about 3-4 at a time, depending on the size of my skillet.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them! If they’re browning too quickly, turn the heat down a bit. Once they’re cooked through, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. And that’s it! Serve ’em up while they’re still warm and crispy. Yum!

Tips for the Best Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Want to take your fritters from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:

Seriously, don’t even *think* about skipping the zucchini-squeezing step! It’s crucial.
Taste the batter before you start frying and adjust the seasoning to your liking. More salt? A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick? Go for it!
Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give those fritters some room to breathe.
Medium heat is your friend. Too high, and they’ll burn on the outside before they’re cooked through. Too low, and they’ll be greasy.
Make sure they’re nice and golden brown before you flip ’em! That’s when you know they’re crispy perfection.

Variations for Your Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic fritter. Now let’s get a little crazy, shall we? The beauty of these **Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters** is that they’re super adaptable! Wanna add some fresh herbs? Go for it! Dill and chives are my faves. A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes? Adds a nice kick! Shredded carrots? Why not! Feel like swapping out the cottage cheese? Ricotta works great too! Seriously, the possibilities are endless. Have fun with it!

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Okay, so you’ve got a pile of these golden goodies…now what? Well, they’re pretty darn tasty on their own, but a little something extra never hurts, right? I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt. Tzatziki sauce is also amazing! A sprinkle of fresh herbs (dill or parsley are great) and a squeeze of lemon? *Chef’s kiss!* So good!

FAQ About Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get about these awesome **Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters**:

Can I use a different type of cheese for these Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters?

Absolutely! Cottage cheese gives them a unique tang, but if you’re not a fan, ricotta cheese is a great substitute. You could also try feta for a saltier flavor, or even a shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar (though those will melt more!). Just keep in mind that the flavor will change depending on what you use, but hey, that’s part of the fun of experimenting!

How do I prevent the Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters from being soggy?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Soggy fritters are a bummer, but totally avoidable. The key is really squeezing as much moisture as possible out of the zucchini before you mix everything together. And don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re frying them! That lowers the oil temperature and can make them greasy. Finally, make sure your oil is hot enough before you add the batter. Follow those steps, and you’ll be golden (literally!).

Can I freeze Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters?

Good news – you sure can! Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. When you’re ready to eat them, you can reheat them in a skillet with a little oil, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or even in the air fryer for extra crispiness! They might not be *quite* as good as fresh, but they’re still pretty darn tasty!

Storing and Reheating Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop those **Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters** in an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. When you’re ready for round two, the air fryer is your best friend for reheating and getting them crispy again! The oven works too, but takes a bit longer. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information for Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters

Okay, just a heads up: Nutrition info is tricky! It’ll vary based on the brands and exact amounts you use, so this is just an estimate, okay?

Rate This Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters Recipe

Loved these **Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters**? Leave a comment and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe – your feedback helps other cooks!

Unbelievably Tasty Zucchini Cottage Cheese Fritters in 20

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Author: Olivia Ray
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy and savory zucchini cottage cheese fritters perfect for a quick snack or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Grate zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture.
Mix zucchini, cottage cheese, flour, eggs, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Spoon small portions of the batter into the pan.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Serve warm.

Notes

Use a clean towel to remove moisture from zucchini.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve with sour cream or yogurt for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 fritters
Calories: 150
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Hi, I’m Olivia!

Home cook, food stylist, and founder of Mealona. I created this space to take the stress out of everyday cooking. With years of experience developing approachable, crave-worthy meals, I’m here to help you cook smarter not harder. Let’s make meal planning something you actually look forward to!

About Me