Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)

Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)

Baked squash fritters without cheese are a perfect meze or appetizer – loved by all!

So, here’s the thing.  When we first posted a recipe for baked squash fritters, we told you that there were many variations of squash fritters out there.  We also told you that our parents made several versions; some fried, some baked, some with cheese, others without.  And, we also mentioned that the type of squash used was going to greatly affect the outcome of what was ultimately cooked.  What we didn’t really think through was the confusion which could result when sharing these recipes.  What the heck do we call all these squash fritter subtypes?  How to easily differentiate one squash fritter from another? We thought about starting a series of recipe entries, like Squash fritter 1, Squash fritter 2, Squash fritter 3 … (you get the picture), but decided against that boring and generic nomenclature.  We are much more descriptive, so brace yourselves for a future of very wordy recipe titles, like this one for baked squash fritters without cheese.

Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)

This is a delicious baked squash fritter which, duh, does not contain cheese (hence the recipe title) :). This is a great alternative to the first squash fritter recipe we posted, and a perfect option for those who may be lactose intolerant, a cheese-hater (who even are you?!), or anyone who may have used up all of their feta with this recipe.

Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)

Helpful hints

What variety of squash should be used in these baked squash fritters without cheese?

The world is full of squash varieties, it’s really incredible.  Unfortunately, aside from some of the basics like butternut squash, acorn squash, spaghetti squash and pumpkin, the names of some of the others are unknown to us.  Our parents grow all manner of squash in their garden, and we don’t know what most of them are called.  The best we can do is tell you that the squash they used in the recipe which follows had light orange flesh, a pale green, kind of striped, outer skin, a bizarre phallic shape…and it was huge.  We think that any winter squash (except for spaghetti squash – which is weird) would work here.

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Remove as much water from the squash as possible.

As you will read in the recipe, we take great care to remove any excess water from the squash.   Most winter squash contain a fair amount of water.  If you are planning ahead, you can always grate your squash, drain it in a colander and then continue on with the recipe hours, or even a day, later.  If you are making these at the last minute however, a little bit of muscle to squeeze out the water will do the trick.  Just follow the steps in the recipe.

Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)
Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)
Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)

The semolina is a special ingredient in these baked squash fritters without cheese.

Although squash is the star ingredient here, the semolina is quite important too!  The semolina adds a lovely crunch and bite to these fritters; a great contrast to the soft, almost velvety texture of the squash.  Although you could theoretically replace the semolina with flour, you shouldn’t.  If you don’t have any semolina at home, go buy some! Once it’s in your pantry, you can not only make these fritters, but you can also use the semolina to make halva and galaktoboureko.  So much delicious-ness!

Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)
Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)
Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)

Looking for more delicious fritter recipes? We have these for you:

Zucchini fritters

Tomato fritters or domatokeftedes

Chickpea fritters or revithokeftedes

Baked squash fritters without cheese (Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες χωρίς τυρί)

Baked squash fritters without cheese are a perfect meze or appetizer – loved by all!

Baked squash fritters without cheese

Baked squash fritters without cheese are a perfect meze or appetizer – loved by all!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Light meal, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Greek
Prep Time: 50 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 25 fritters
Calories: 39kcal
Author: Mia Kouppa

Ingredients

  • 5 cups grated winter squash
  • 1 medium yellow onion grated
  • 1 tspn salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp thick semolina
  • olive oil for brushing on top of fritters before baking

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together the grated squash, onion and salt.  Let sit for approximately 10 minutes.
    5 cups grated winter squash, 1 medium yellow onion, 1 tspn salt
  • Begin to mix the grated squash and onion together by hand, using the same motions you would use if you were kneading bread.  Work the ingredients together this way for about 2 – 3 minutes.  You will notice that there is water being released from the mixture.
  • Transfer the squash and onion mixture to another large bowl, a handful at a time.  With every handful, squeeze out and discard as much liquid as you possibly can.  In this bowl, add to the squeezed out squash and onion, the olive oil, eggs, breadcrumbs and semolina.  Mix well.
    1 tbsp olive oil, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp thick semolina
  • Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375 °F
  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.  Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the vegetable mixture and shape it into a ball.  Press down lightly with the back of a spoon or the back of your hand to form a thick disc.  Repeat with all of the mixture.
  • Brush the top of the unbaked fritters with a bit of olive oil.  Place them in the middle rack of your oven and bake or 30 minutes.  Turn them over carefully, and then continue to bake for another 20 minutes.
    olive oil for brushing on top of fritters
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 39mg | Potassium: 123mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3167IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Thanks for sharing!

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