What are squash blossoms?
Squash blossoms are edible flowers that come from squash and pumpkin plants. You’ll likely recognize them by their vibrant yellow petals and light green stems.
Though difficult to find at your local grocery store, squash blossoms are often available at farmers’ markets from late spring to late summer, so keep an eye out!
These delicate flowers can be stuffed, fried, or used in a variety of other dishes. Keep reading for some of our favorite recipes with squash blossoms.
What are squash blossoms?
Squash blossoms are edible flowers that grow on squash plants. You’ll want to know how to tell the difference between the male and female blossoms before you start harvesting.
Male vs. female
Male blossoms grow on long, skinny stems. Female blossoms have a small squash at the base of the flower.
Chefs tend to prefer male blossoms for stuffing because harvesting them doesn’t mean you’ll be sacrificing any squash. You can use female blossoms in your recipes, but if you do, you won’t get any squash from that plant.
Harvesting and preparation
Pick the blossoms in the early morning when they’re open.
Squash blossoms are fragile and easily bruised, so handle them gently. To clean them, rinse them carefully to get rid of any dirt or insects. Then, carefully remove the stamen (or anther) from the center of each blossom.
Ingredients for Stuffed Squash Blossoms
You’ll need two main components to make these delicious appetizers: the filling and the coating.
The Filling: Choosing Your Flavors
Here are some ingredients to consider for the filling:
- Goat cheese base: A creamy goat cheese provides a tangy base for your filling. You can use plain goat cheese, or experiment with herb-infused varieties.
- Sweetness: A drizzle of honey will add a touch of sweetness and complexity, enhancing the other flavors. Local wildflower honey or herb-infused honey can add even more depth.
- Parmesan: A bit of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory element.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh basil is a classic complement to the other flavors, but you could also experiment with thyme or chives.
The Coating: Achieving Crispy Perfection
For the coating, you’ll need:
- Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give you a light and crispy texture.
- Egg wash: An egg wash helps the breadcrumbs stick to the delicate blossoms.
- Olive oil: Drizzling the blossoms with olive oil before baking or frying adds flavor and helps them brown beautifully.
Crispy Baked Squash Blossoms with Goat Cheese and Honey: A Step-by-Step Recipe
This baked squash blossom recipe is easy enough to execute even on a weeknight and delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. Here’s how to make them:
Preparing the Blossoms
- Gently open the blossoms and remove the stamen (anther).
- Pat the blossoms dry with a paper towel.
Making the Filling
- In a bowl, combine goat cheese, Parmesan cheese, honey, and chopped basil.
- Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Stuffing the Blossoms
- Carefully spoon the filling into each blossom.
- Use about ½ to 1 teaspoon of filling per blossom.
- Gently close the petals around the filling.
Coating and Baking
- Dip each stuffed blossom in the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Dredge the blossom in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.
- Place the coated blossoms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Other ways to cook (and flavor) squash blossoms
While stuffing and baking squash blossoms are popular preparations, there are other ways to enjoy these delicate flowers.
Frying squash blossoms
You can also deep-fry or pan-fry squash blossoms. You’ll need to adjust your cooking time accordingly; frying will likely take less time than baking.
For a light and crispy coating, try using a tempura batter.
Flavor variations
Here are some ideas for tweaking the flavors of your squash blossom recipes:
- Ricotta and lemon filling. Combine ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and fresh herbs for a lighter, brighter filling.
- Spicy chorizo filling. Add cooked chorizo to the goat cheese filling for a spicy kick.
- Vegan options. Use vegan cheese alternatives and a plant-based honey substitute to make a vegan version of any squash blossom recipe.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you stuff and fry them, use them as a pizza topping, or toss them into a quesadilla, squash blossoms give you a delicious taste of summer. Serve your crispy squash blossoms as an appetizer or side dish, and garnish them with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey.