Savory Zucchini Cottage-Cheese Fritters

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Cottage-Cheese Fritters

If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by an overflowing garden or grocery haul of zucchini, you’re not alone. But instead of dreading another sautéed side dish, here’s a recipe that transforms humble zucchini into something truly crave-worthy:

Crispy. Golden. Packed with protein. And shockingly simple.

These Savory Zucchini Cottage-Cheese Fritters are the answer to:

• Your weeknight dinner dilemmas
• The need for a healthy, protein-rich vegetarian meal
• A delicious way to use summer zucchini
• A meal prep-friendly dish that reheats like a dream

Why are these fritters different from the rest?

• They’re light yet filling
• Golden and crisp on the outside, soft and cheesy inside
• Each serving packs an impressive 12 grams of protein

The secret? Cottage cheese. It melts slightly as the fritters fry, adding creaminess and holding everything together while delivering a boost of protein.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, planning a summer brunch, or just want something warm and crispy to dip into your favorite sauce, these fritters will quickly become a go-to recipe.

They’re:

• Quick to prep
• Made with just a handful of everyday ingredients
• Customizable with endless flavor twists

So if you’re ready to turn that zucchini into the most delicious fritter of your life—keep reading. This guide has everything you need to nail it.

Ingredient Spotlight: Zucchini & Cottage Cheese

Zucchini

Zucchini is a hydrating, low-calorie vegetable that adds moisture and texture to these fritters. It also provides vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. The trick to perfect fritters is squeezing out the liquid to ensure a crisp texture.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese adds a rich, creamy bite along with protein to make these fritters more filling. It blends into the batter and melts slightly as the fritters cook, delivering that signature softness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups grated zucchini, squeezed dry (this is about 2 medium zucchini)
• ½ cup cottage cheese, any fat level works, but full-fat gives richer flavor
• 1 egg, large
• ¼ cup flour, all-purpose (or substitute with almond flour for low-carb)
• 1 tsp garlic powder, for a savory boost
• Salt & pepper, to taste (start with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper)
• Oil for frying, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil

Optional Add-Ins:

• Finely chopped chives or green onions for added flavor
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a salty umami kick
• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat
• Fresh herbs like parsley or dill for brightness
• Finely chopped spinach or kale for extra greens
• Shredded carrots or sweet potatoes for a subtle sweetness and extra texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Zucchini

Grate your zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is critical to ensure your fritters hold together and crisp up properly. Expect to remove about ½ cup or more of liquid.

2. Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• The squeezed, grated zucchini
• Cottage cheese
• One egg
• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

Mix everything together thoroughly until a thick batter forms. The mixture should be cohesive but not runny. If it feels too wet, add a tablespoon more flour.

3. Heat the Oil

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to shimmer before adding the batter.

4. Fry the Fritters

Using a ¼-cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop, portion out mounds of batter into the skillet. Flatten each slightly with the back of a spatula to create a patty about ½ inch thick.

Fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip gently to avoid breaking them. If your skillet is small, cook in batches and add more oil as needed.

5. Drain and Serve

Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle with a touch of flaky salt or fresh chopped chives while still warm, if desired.

6. Serve

These fritters are amazing served with a simple dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream and sprinkled with chopped chives (just like in the photo!). You can also serve them with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, ranch, or spicy aioli.

Pro Tips for Perfect Zucchini Fritters

• Squeeze thoroughly: Removing moisture from the zucchini is the most important step. If you skip this, your fritters may be soggy.
• Use a nonstick or well-seasoned skillet: This prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
• Cook over medium heat: Too hot and they’ll burn before cooking through; too low and they’ll soak up oil.
• Make ahead: You can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours before frying.
• Reheat like a pro: Use a toaster oven or skillet to bring back that crispy texture.
• Rest the batter: Letting the mixture rest for 10 minutes allows the flour to hydrate and makes shaping easier.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: This ensures even cooking and maintains the oil temperature for crispier results.

Variations to Try

• Low-Carb/Keto: Swap flour for almond flour or coconut flour. Adjust quantity as these absorb moisture differently.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or chickpea flour.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Add shredded cheddar, feta, or mozzarella for extra richness.
• Spicy: Mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or some diced jalapeño.
• Breakfast-Style: Serve with a poached egg on top and a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Mediterranean-Inspired: Add oregano, lemon zest, and feta cheese.
• Indian-Inspired: Use garam masala, turmeric, and a bit of cumin.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan cottage cheese and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).

Serving Suggestions

These fritters are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Paired with dips like tzatziki, hummus, or ranch.
• For Brunch: Serve with scrambled or poached eggs, a fruit salad, and coffee.
• In a Wrap: Tuck into a warm pita or flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, and yogurt sauce.
• Meal Prep: Add to lunchboxes with a grain salad and steamed veggies.
• As a Burger Alternative: Use two fritters in place of a burger patty on a bun with pickles and aioli.
• Party Platter: Make mini fritters for finger food with a trio of dips.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerate

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freeze

Individually wrap fritters or place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keeps well for up to 2 months.

Reheat

To retain crispiness:

• Toaster oven: 375°F for 5–8 minutes
• Skillet: Heat on medium with a tiny bit of oil until warm and crispy
• Oven: 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through

Avoid microwaving if you want them crispy—it softens the texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes! Ricotta will give a similar texture but with a slightly milder flavor. Drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

What if my fritters fall apart?

Try adding a little more flour or another egg to help bind. Also ensure your zucchini is very dry before mixing.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, though they won’t get as crispy. Bake at 400°F on a greased sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the crispy texture and mild cheesy flavor. You can even sneak in more veggies like finely grated carrot.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes. Store it covered in the fridge for up to a day before frying.

What dipping sauces go best with these fritters?

Great choices include garlic yogurt dip, lemon herb aioli, spicy mayo, or avocado crema. These elevate the fritters and add complementary flavors.

Can I air fry these fritters?

Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and lightly spray both sides of each fritter. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crisp as pan-fried but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re trying to use up summer’s zucchini harvest or searching for a satisfying, protein-packed vegetarian dish, these Savory Zucchini Cottage-Cheese Fritters are a must-try. They deliver on texture, flavor, and convenience, and they’re just as delicious the next day as they are fresh off the skillet.

The golden, lacy edges, the soft yet structured center, and the burst of savory flavor make them irresistible. Plus, the customizable add-ins mean you can tailor them to your taste every time. With how quick and easy they are to prepare, they’re bound to become a regular feature on your table.

So go ahead—make a batch (or two), serve them with your favorite dip, and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, golden-brown bite. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends or freeze a few for later!

Tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments or tag your fritters on social media—we’d love to see them!