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Southern Fried Squash with Sassy Ranch Dip Recipe

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3.8 from 90 reviews

A delicious Southern Fried Squash recipe featuring crispy fried yellow squash rounds coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter, served with a zesty sassy ranch dipping sauce. Perfect as a savory snack or side dish with a crunchy golden exterior and tender interior.

Ingredients

Fried Squash

  • 3 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4 inch circles
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups cornmeal mix (White Lily brand)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley (plus a dash for buttermilk)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sassy Ranch Dip

  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 teaspoon Texas Pete Dry Dust Seasoning
  • Sprinkle of dried parsley flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Squash: Wash the yellow squash thoroughly, then slice into 1/4 inch thick round pieces to ensure even frying.
  2. Create Dredging Station: In one bowl, combine buttermilk with a dash of garlic salt. In another bowl, mix the cornmeal with 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley to season the coating evenly.
  3. Coat the Squash: Dip each squash slice first into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the cornmeal mix. Repeat this process with all rounds and set aside on a plate or in a bowl.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet, enough to cover the bottom, and heat over medium heat until it reaches approximately 325°F (hot but not smoking).
  5. Fry the Squash: Place coated squash slices in a single layer in the hot oil, ensuring the bottom of the skillet is covered but slices aren't overcrowded. Fry each batch for 3 to 5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip carefully with a fork and fry the other side until equally golden and crisp.
  6. Drain and Season: Remove fried squash from the skillet and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste while still hot.
  7. Repeat Frying in Batches: Continue frying remaining batches of squash, repeating the dredging, frying, and draining steps until all slices are cooked. Expect about three batches if using three squash.
  8. Prepare Sassy Ranch Dip: In a bowl, mix ranch dressing with Texas Pete Dry Dust Seasoning and a sprinkle of dried parsley flakes until well combined.
  9. Serve: Plate the crispy fried squash with the sassy ranch dip on the side for a flavorful accompaniment perfect for dipping.

Notes

  • Ensure oil temperature stays consistent around 325°F for optimal crispiness without burning.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet to allow even frying and maintain oil temperature.
  • Use wire rack for draining to keep the fried squash crispy instead of soggy.
  • Adjust seasoning for dipping sauce to taste, adding more seasoning or parsley if desired.
  • This recipe yields about 8 servings, ideal as a side or appetizer.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/southern-fried-squash-with-sassy-ranch-dip-recipe/