Crispy, golden perfection meets comforting fall flavors in this irresistible Country Fried Butternut Squash recipe. Tender slices of butternut squash are coated in a boldly seasoned mix of flour, cornmeal, and spices like paprika and cayenne, then double-dipped with a buttermilk and egg wash for a delightfully crunchy crust. Fried to a beautiful golden brown in hot oil, this dish serves as a standout appetizer, a hearty side dish, or even a vegetarian main course. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this recipe delivers Southern comfort with a seasonal twist. Pair it with a tangy dipping sauce or enjoy it on its own for a unique take on classic fried fare.
Peel the butternut squash and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and slice the squash into 1/4-inch thick half-moons.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce (if using).
Dredge each piece of butternut squash in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge it again in the flour mixture to create a double coating.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of batter dropped into it sizzles immediately.
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the coated squash pieces into the hot oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried squash to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve the country-fried butternut squash warm, with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish to your main course.
Calories |
5379 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 442.1 g | 567% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.7 g | 334% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 269.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 385 mg | 128% | |
| Sodium | 4229 mg | 184% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 359.9 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 49.2 g | 176% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.1 g | ||
| Protein | 52.7 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 620 mg | 48% | |
| Iron | 19.6 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 3458 mg | 74% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.