Beignets avec Fromage de Légumes: Crispy Veggie Cheese Fritters 🧀🥕
These French-inspired Beignets avec Fromage de Légumes (vegetable cheese fritters) are a delightful, savory snack or appetizer, featuring grated veggies bound with cheese and a simple batter for a crispy exterior and tender, cheesy interior. Perfect for parties, light lunches, or a quick bite— they’re vegetarian, customizable, and bursting with fresh flavors. Pair with a yogurt dip or aioli for dipping!
⏲️ Total Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4-6 (makes about 12-15 fritters)
🔥 Kcal: ~150 kcal per fritter
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups grated potatoes 🥔 (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup grated carrots 🥕 (about 2 medium)
- ½ cup finely chopped bell peppers 🌶️ (red and green, for color)
- ½ cup chopped onions 🧅 (about 1 small)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro 🌿
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
- ½ cup grated cheese 🧀 (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan for meltiness)
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- Water 💧 (as needed, about ½-¾ cup, to form a thick batter)
- Oil 🍳 (vegetable or canola, for frying)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
- Grate the potatoes and carrots using the large holes of a box grater. Finely chop the bell peppers and onions.
- In a large bowl, mix all the grated and chopped vegetables with 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Add 1 cup flour, ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp chili flakes (if using) to the veggie mixture.
- Stir in ½ cup grated cheese until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add water, starting with ½ cup, and mix until you get a thick, sticky batter that holds together (like pancake batter— not too runny). Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 3: Fry the Beignets
- Heat ½ inch of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C—test with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle).
- Drop heaping spoonfuls (about 2 tbsp each) of batter into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry in batches, without overcrowding.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Flip once using a slotted spoon.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
- Transfer fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like tangy yogurt, tzatziki, or spicy mayo.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Crispy Secret: Squeeze excess moisture from grated potatoes and carrots with a clean towel before mixing to prevent soggy fritters. 2
- Baked Version: For a healthier twist, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place on a parchment-lined sheet, brush with oil, and bake 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. 1
- Spicier Kick: Add cumin, garlic powder, or fresh minced garlic to the batter.
- Veggie Swaps: Try zucchini, broccoli, or corn for variety—aim for 3-4 cups total grated veggies. 8
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
- With Meat: For a non-veg version, mix in ½ cup cooked ground beef or bacon bits.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Dips & Sides: Serve with a creamy herb dip (yogurt + chives) or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. 1
- Occasions: Great as appetizers for brunches, picnics, or game days.
- Meal Idea: Top with a fried egg for breakfast fritters or stuff into pita for wraps.
🌿 Nutritional Benefits
- Veggies: Potatoes and carrots provide fiber, vitamins A and C for immune and eye health.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and protein for satiety.
- Baking Powder: Helps with lightness without excess oil.
- Overall: A veggie-packed way to sneak in nutrients—lower in calories if baked!
🥄 Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes, with optional cheese.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour.
- Vegan Variation: Omit cheese and use plant-based alternatives.
- Allergen Note: Contains dairy (if using cheese) and gluten; egg-free as written.
📊 Nutritional Facts (Per Fritter, Approximate)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg (if using cheese)
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
🗃️ Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Crisp up in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or air fryer at 375°F for 3 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat as above.
Who Will Love This Dish?
- Veggie Lovers: A fun way to enjoy hidden greens in crispy form.
- Snack Enthusiasts: Quick, addictive bites for any time of day.
- Home Cooks: Simple prep with pantry staples—kid-friendly too!
- Party Hosts: Impressive yet easy appetizers that disappear fast.
Why It’s Awesome
- Texture Heaven: Crispy outside, soft and cheesy inside—every bite is satisfying. 2
- Endless Customization: Swap veggies or add heat for your perfect fritter.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with no fancy equipment.
- Versatile: Fry, bake, or air-fry for dietary tweaks. 5
Conclusion
Beignets avec Fromage de Légumes are the ultimate crowd-pleasing fritters: golden, cheesy, and loaded with fresh veggies for a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re craving a savory snack or need easy apps, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss. Whip up a batch today and watch them vanish—bon appétit! 🧀✨
