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Cheese-Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Choose your cheeses for these crispy-outside, melty cheese-inside appetizer. Serve them with a tangy marinara (and perhaps a glass of sparkling wine!) to balance the rich, creamy cheesiness.
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Course Appetizer
Cuisine American, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 10 to 12 medium to large squash blossoms
  • cups shredded mozzarella, provolone, or other melting cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil or parsley
  • 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan, aged gouda, pecorino, or other hard grating cheese
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (a gluten-free flour is fine here)
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 1 Tbsp. milk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Marinara sauce, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Remove stamens from squash blossoms. Trim stems to about 2 inches. 
  • For filling, in a medium bowl combine the mozzarella (or other melting cheese), mayonnaise, basil, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper (if using). In a shallow dish combine flour, salt, and black pepper. In small bowl whisk together egg and milk.
  • Stuff each blossom with a heaping tablespoon of the filling, lightly squeezing flower together to enclose filling. Working with one at a time, brush blossoms with egg mixture, then transfer to flour mixture, turning and pressing to coat. Transfer to a waxed paper-lined tray. Sprinkle coated blossoms with remaining flour mixture. Chill, loosely covered, at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  • In a large skillet add ¼ inch vegetable oil. Heat until very hot and shimmering. Working in 2 batches, fry blossoms in oil, turning once or twice, until golden on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt to taste, and additional parmesan and fresh basil. Serve with marinara sauce.
Keyword cheese appetizers, make ahead appetizer, squash blossoms, summer recipe
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