Country Fried Squash: A Southern Delight Recipe

Country fried squash is a quintessential Southern side dish, beloved for its crispy exterior and tender, slightly sweet interior. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that perfectly complements any Southern meal, from fried chicken to grilled fish. This recipe provides detailed instructions on how to make perfect country fried squash every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginners.
* **Delicious flavor:** The combination of crispy breading and sweet squash creates a delightful flavor that everyone will enjoy.
* **Versatile:** Country fried squash is a great side dish for any meal, and it can also be served as an appetizer or snack.
* **Southern comfort food:** This dish is a classic Southern favorite that evokes feelings of nostalgia and home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Yellow Squash:** The star of the show! Choose squash that are firm and unblemished. About 2-3 medium-sized squash will serve 4-6 people.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** Used as the base for the breading. You can also use self-rising flour for a slightly lighter texture.
* **Cornmeal:** Adds a crispy texture and a subtle sweetness to the breading. Use fine or medium-ground cornmeal.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** Essential seasonings for flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** Enhances the savory flavor of the breading.
* **Onion Powder:** Adds a subtle onion flavor to the breading.
* **Paprika:** Adds color and a hint of smokiness to the breading. You can use regular or smoked paprika.
* **Eggs:** Act as a binder for the breading, helping it adhere to the squash.
* **Milk or Buttermilk:** Thins the eggs and adds moisture to the breading. Buttermilk will give the squash a tangier flavor.
* **Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil:** For frying. These oils have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the dry ingredients.
* **Shallow Dish or Pie Plate:** For beating the eggs and milk.
* **Another Large Bowl or Dish:** For coating the squash.
* **Large Skillet or Frying Pan:** For frying the squash.
* **Tongs or Slotted Spoon:** For turning and removing the squash.
* **Paper Towels:** For draining the fried squash.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

1. **Wash the Squash:** Thoroughly wash the yellow squash under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. **Trim the Ends:** Cut off the stem and blossom ends of the squash.
3. **Slice the Squash:** Slice the squash into ¼-inch to ½-inch thick rounds. Thicker slices will take longer to cook, while thinner slices may become too soft. Aim for a consistent thickness for even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Use a whisk to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures a uniform flavor in every bite.

* *Ingredient Amounts:* Use approximately 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Adjust to taste.

2. **Prepare Egg Wash:** In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs and milk or buttermilk. Beat until the eggs are well combined and slightly frothy. This mixture will help the breading adhere to the squash.

* *Egg Wash Amounts:* Use 2 large eggs and about 1/4 cup of milk or buttermilk. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to the egg wash for extra flavor.

Step 3: Bread the Squash

1. **Coat in Flour Mixture:** Place a handful of squash slices into the bowl with the flour mixture. Toss to coat each slice completely. Make sure every surface is covered in the flour mixture.
2. **Dip in Egg Wash:** Transfer the flour-coated squash slices to the dish with the egg wash. Dip each slice, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the egg mixture. Let the excess egg drip off.
3. **Coat Again in Flour Mixture:** Return the squash slices to the bowl with the flour mixture. Toss again to coat completely, ensuring a thick and even layer of breading. This second coating is crucial for a crispy exterior.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat the breading process with the remaining squash slices. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the bowls and ensuring each slice is properly coated.

Step 4: Fry the Squash

1. **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil or canola oil into a large skillet or frying pan to a depth of about ½ inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or test the oil by dropping a small piece of breading into it; if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
2. **Fry in Batches:** Carefully place the breaded squash slices into the hot oil in a single layer, without overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy squash. Work in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
3. **Fry Until Golden Brown:** Fry the squash slices for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip the squash slices halfway through cooking.
4. **Remove and Drain:** Once the squash slices are golden brown, remove them from the oil with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil. This helps to keep the squash crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. **Season (Optional):** Immediately after removing the squash from the paper towels, you can sprinkle with a little extra salt and pepper to taste. This is optional, but it can enhance the flavor.
2. **Serve Warm:** Serve the country fried squash warm as a side dish or appetizer. It pairs well with a variety of Southern dishes, such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread.
3. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for added visual appeal.

Tips for Perfect Country Fried Squash

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Frying in batches is essential to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispy squash. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy squash.
* **Maintain Oil Temperature:** Keep the oil temperature consistent at around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the squash will brown too quickly on the outside and remain undercooked on the inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the squash will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh yellow squash will have the best flavor and texture. Avoid using squash that are bruised or soft.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the breading generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. This will help to enhance the flavor of the squash.
* **Drain Well:** Make sure to drain the fried squash on paper towels to remove excess oil. This will help to keep the squash crispy.
* **Serve Immediately:** Country fried squash is best served immediately while it’s still hot and crispy.
* **Experiment with Spices:** Feel free to experiment with different spices in the breading. Some popular options include cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or Italian seasoning for an herbaceous touch.
* **Use Buttermilk:** Using buttermilk in the egg wash will give the squash a tangier flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk.

Variations

* **Spicy Country Fried Squash:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the breading for a spicy kick.
* **Cheesy Country Fried Squash:** Add grated Parmesan cheese or cheddar cheese to the breading for a cheesy twist.
* **Herb-Infused Country Fried Squash:** Add dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the breading for an herbaceous flavor.
* **Air Fryer Country Fried Squash:** For a healthier option, you can air fry the squash instead of frying it in oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the breaded squash slices for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Country fried squash is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **With Fried Chicken:** A classic Southern combination!
* **With Grilled Fish or Shrimp:** A lighter and healthier option.
* **With BBQ Ribs or Pulled Pork:** Perfect for a backyard barbecue.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a spicy aioli.
* **As Part of a Vegetable Platter:** Add to a vegetable platter with other Southern favorites such as fried okra, collard greens, and mashed potatoes.

Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover country fried squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the squash will lose its crispiness over time.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the squash slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. You can also reheat the squash in an air fryer for a few minutes until crispy. Reheating in a microwave is not recommended, as it will make the squash soggy.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 200-250 per serving
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
* Cholesterol: 50-75 mg
* Sodium: 300-400 mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
* Fiber: 2-3 grams
* Sugar: 5-7 grams
* Protein: 4-6 grams

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.*

Country Fried Squash Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2-3 medium yellow squash
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* ½ cup cornmeal
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder
* ¼ teaspoon paprika
* 2 large eggs
* ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
* Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying

**Instructions:**

1. Wash, trim, and slice the squash into ¼-inch to ½-inch thick rounds.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk or buttermilk.
4. Dredge the squash slices in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg wash, and then dredge again in the flour mixture.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the squash in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove and drain on paper towels.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious and crispy country fried squash! This Southern classic is sure to become a family favorite. Remember to adjust the seasonings to your liking and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations. Happy frying!