Give it up, my crispy, cheesy friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this recipe. I am literally obsessed with these Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar Zucchini Fritters. They are my everything. If you love the combination of spice and cheese, you must try my Jalapeño Cheddar Sourdough Boule for another savory treat.
We’re talking crispy, golden edges. We’re talking melty, sharp cheddar in every single bite. And we’re talking a spicy little kick that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. This is not a drill. This is dinner (or lunch, or a snack, or an appetizer…you get it).
If you’ve ever stared at a giant zucchini and thought, “What now?” I have your answer. Right here. These fritters are the ultimate transformation. They turn humble veggies into a flavor-packed party. Let’s get into it!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
- Category: Appetizer, Side, Main
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 12 fritters
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
My love for these started in my grandma’s kitchen. She made simple zucchini pancakes. I wanted to power up the flavor big time.
So I added a mountain of cheddar. Then I threw in some diced jalapeños for that kick. The first time I made them, I ate four straight off the pan. My family fought over the last one. That’s when I knew this recipe was magic.
Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Spicy Jalapeño & Cheddar Zucchini Fritters Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Now, they’re my go-to for everything. Game day? Yes. Meatless Monday? Absolutely. Need to use up that garden zucchini? This is your destiny.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
This recipe is all about simple, powerful ingredients. Fresh zucchini is the star, but the cheddar and jalapeño are the co-stars that steal the show! For another fantastic way to use fresh, seasonal produce, my Delicious Fresh Peach Fritters are a must-make.
You probably have most of this in your pantry already. The shopping trip is super easy. Let’s check the fridge and get our stuff together.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Gather everything before you start. It makes the process so smooth and fun. No running around with zucchini hands!
- 2 medium zucchini (about 1 lb total)
- 1 teaspoon salt, for sweating the zucchini
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable), for frying
- For serving: sour cream or ranch dressing
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Here we go! The fun part. Follow these steps and you’ll have perfect, crispy fritters. I believe in you!
- Prep your zucchini. Grate it using a box grater. Put it all in a colander over a bowl. Toss with 1 tsp salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. This pulls out the water so your fritters aren’t soggy.
- Squeeze it dry! This is the secret step. Use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze ALL the excess liquid from the zucchini. Get it as dry as you can. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
- Mix the batter. In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add the dried zucchini, flour, cheddar, jalapeño, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Heat your oil. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot so the fritters sizzle when they hit the pan.
- Form and fry. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the hot oil. Gently press them down with your spatula to flatten. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crispy.
- Drain and serve. Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them cool for just a minute. Then serve immediately with a big dollop of cool sour cream. Come to Mama!
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Got the basic version down? Amazing! Now let’s play. Here are some of my favorite twists.
Add a handful of sweet corn kernels. It gives the best little pops of sweetness against the spice. I call them my zucchini corn fritters.
Swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Double the spicy, cheesy goodness! It’s a game-changer.
Mix in a tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro or dill. It adds a super fresh, herby brightness that cuts through the richness.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
These are best fresh, but I know life happens. Here’s how to keep the magic alive.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy!
To freeze, lay cooled fritters on a baking sheet and freeze solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 9g
- (Note: This is an estimate. Values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
I get asked these questions all the time. Here are my quick, personal answers to help you out!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can! For a lighter option, brush them with oil and bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll be softer than fried but still delicious.
My batter is too wet. Help!
No panic! The zucchini might have needed more squeezing. Just add another tablespoon or two of flour until the mixture holds together when you scoop it. You’ve got this.
What’s your perfect dipping sauce?
I’m a classic sour cream girl. But a chipotle ranch or a cool lime crema is absolutely incredible. The cool creaminess with the spicy fritter is a match made in heaven.
There you have it! My ultimate, can’t-live-without-it fritter recipe. It’s everything I want in a bite: crispy, cheesy, spicy, and totally satisfying.
This is one of those dishes that makes vegetarian eating an absolute joy. It’s packed with flavor and texture. I really hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do. And if you’re looking for another amazing zucchini recipe, my Snickerdoodle Zucchini Bread turns this versatile veggie into a sweet, spiced delight.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
