Butternut Squash Latkes: The Ultimate Healthy & Delicious Alternative to Classic Potato Pancakes
Craving a classic latke but looking for a healthier, veggie-packed twist? Look no further! These Butternut Squash Latkes offer a delightful, guilt-free alternative to the traditional potato pancake. They are incredibly flavorful, made with minimal oil, and perfectly suited for those following specific dietary plans like 21 Day Fix, 2B Mindset, or WW. Get ready to fall in love with these golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fritters that are as nutritious as they are delicious!
I am absolutely thrilled to share this recipe for butternut squash latkes. The journey to creating these began with a common dietary dilemma, one many health-conscious home cooks can relate to. While I’ve encountered sweet potato latkes before – a popular healthier twist – they often come with their own set of considerations, especially for those adhering to strict meal plans. For instance, on the 21 Day Fix program, sweet potatoes are categorized as a “yellow” container food, which limits portion sizes and frequency.
This little detail led to a brilliant realization: if sweet potatoes work well in latkes, why not butternut squash? The flavors are remarkably similar – both offering that lovely hint of sweetness and earthy goodness – but with one significant advantage: butternut squash is categorized as a “GREEN” container food on the 21 Day Fix plan! This simple swap dramatically increases the nutritional value and allows for a more generous serving size, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying, healthy meal or snack.
And guess what? It absolutely worked! The result was beyond my expectations – perfectly golden, flavorful latkes that are not only delicious but also incredibly healthy and align beautifully with various dietary goals.
Crafting Your Perfect Butternut Squash Latkes
The preparation is surprisingly simple, yielding truly remarkable results. I used a Paderno spiralizer/shredder to achieve uniformly shredded butternut squash, which is key to getting that classic latke texture. But don’t worry if you don’t have one; I’ll share alternatives!
Once shredded, the butternut squash is combined with a few simple, wholesome ingredients: finely diced onion for a savory depth, fresh garlic for an aromatic kick, and a seasoning of salt and pepper to enhance all the natural flavors. Beaten eggs act as the perfect binder, holding everything together so your latkes maintain their shape while cooking.
For cooking, I employed a minimal amount of olive oil complemented by cooking spray. This method creates a beautifully crispy exterior without excessive fat, ensuring these latkes remain light and guilt-free. The outcome? Truly amazing butternut squash latkes that are both satisfying and incredibly fresh-tasting.
What makes them even better? A generous dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on top. The tangy coolness of the yogurt provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, savory latkes, elevating the flavor profile to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a simple addition that makes a huge difference!
Essential Ingredients for Butternut Squash Latkes:
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful, healthy latkes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of shredded butternut squash (see tips below for shredding options)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 Tbsp finely diced yellow or white onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- A generous sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Olive oil cooking spray (or another preferred healthy cooking spray)
No Paderno? No Problem! Easy Ways to Shred Butternut Squash
Don’t fret if you don’t own a Paderno spiralizer or a similar shredding tool. You can still easily prepare your butternut squash for these delicious latkes. Here are a couple of popular and effective methods:
- Food Processor: If you have a food processor with a grating disk attachment, this is an excellent and quick option. Simply peel and deseed your butternut squash, cut it into smaller, manageable chunks that fit into the feed tube, and let your processor do the work. It will shred the squash in seconds!
- Box Grater: The good old-fashioned box grater is a reliable tool. After peeling and deseeding your squash, use the largest holes on your box grater to shred it. Be careful with your fingertips and use a kitchen towel or a specialized glove for safety if needed. This method requires a bit more elbow grease but is perfectly effective.
Regardless of your chosen method, aim for consistent, fine shreds. This helps the latkes bind together better and cook evenly, ensuring that perfect crispy-tender texture.
Beyond Latkes: More Delicious Butternut Squash Recipes to Try
Butternut squash is a versatile and nutrient-dense vegetable that shines in a variety of dishes. If you find yourself with extra squash or simply love its flavor, try these other fantastic recipes from my collection:
- Hearty Butternut Squash Soup: A comforting and creamy, dairy-free, and gluten-free soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
- Lazy Butternut Squash Lasagna: A unique one-skillet, gluten-free lasagna that offers all the flavors of traditional lasagna with a healthy twist.
- Warm Honey Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring sweet roasted butternut squash, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese.
- Easy Shrimp, Kale, and Butternut Squash Sauté: A quick, healthy, and satisfying meal packed with protein and greens.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These butternut squash latkes are incredibly versatile. While a dollop of Greek yogurt is my personal favorite topping, don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Classic Sweet: A spoonful of unsweetened applesauce is a traditional latke topping that pairs wonderfully with the subtle sweetness of butternut squash.
- Savory Kick: For a spicier option, mix a bit of sriracha or hot sauce into your Greek yogurt, or serve with a sprinkle of fresh chives or dill.
- Herbal Freshness: Fresh parsley or cilantro can add a bright, herbaceous note.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, use a plant-based sour cream or yogurt alternative.
These latkes make an excellent side dish for roasted chicken or fish, a light lunch, or even a wholesome breakfast. They’re also perfect for meal prepping, as they reheat well in a toaster oven or air fryer, maintaining their delightful crispiness.
Butternut Squash Latkes Recipe Card
Ready to make these incredible latkes? Here’s the full printable recipe, designed for ease and deliciousness. Enjoy!
Butternut Squash Latkes
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash shredded or spiralized
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sprinkle salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded butternut squash, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
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Generously coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, add half a teaspoon of olive oil and swirl it around to lightly coat the pan.
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Carefully spoon about 1/3 cup of the squash mixture into the hot pan for each latke. Gently press down on each latke with the back of a fork to flatten them slightly. Cook for approximately three minutes, or until the bottoms are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Flip the latkes, pressing down again with the spatula to flatten. Continue cooking for about another three minutes, or until both sides are golden and the latkes are cooked through.
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Remove the cooked latkes from the pan and place them on a plate. Repeat the process with the remaining butternut squash mixture, adding the other half teaspoon of olive oil and more cooking spray as needed for subsequent batches.
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Serve your delicious butternut squash latkes immediately while warm. They are absolutely fantastic topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt!
Notes
WW link for personal points: Calculate your personal points for Butternut Squash Latkes here.
Nutrition Information
Whether you’re looking for a healthier holiday dish, a fresh take on comfort food, or simply a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, these Butternut Squash Latkes are sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying crunch, all while knowing you’re making a wholesome choice for yourself and your family. Happy cooking!