Baked Spaghetti Squash Fritters

Baked Spaghetti Squash Fritters puts spaghetti squash, egg and garlic powder at the center of a meatless recipe and finishes in about 60 minutes, enough for 12 fritters (more depending on size).

• Yield 12 fritters (more depending on size)
• Ready in 60 minutes
• Prep 20 minutes
• Cook 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 medium spaghetti squash (you'll end up with 2 packed cups of cooked spaghetti squash, (454-510 grams))
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse (kosher salt)
• Pinch of black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose or whole wheat flour

Instructions

1. For the spaghetti squash, slice it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and either: 1) place the spaghetti squash cut-side down in a 9X13-inch pan with an inch of water and bake at 400 degrees F for 30-35 minutes until a fork pierces through the skin very easily OR 2) use the beloved Instant Pot method detailed here (basically, add 1 cup of water and the rack to the IP, add the spaghetti squash, seal the lid, and cook at high pressure for 7 minutes, quick release the pressure, and you are good to go).
2. Scrape out the tender, cooked strands of spaghetti squash when it is cool enough to handle. Measure 2 packed cups (about 16-18 ounces) into a medium bowl. Let the squash cool to room temperature.
3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
4. Add the egg, garlic powder, parsley, salt, pepper, panko, Parmesan, and flour to the bowl with the squash. Mix until evenly combined.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and generously grease with nonstick cooking spray (don't skimp here or the fritters will stick!).
6. Scoop out the fritter dough onto the prepared baking sheet in mounds, a couple inches apart.
7. Flatten the mounds until they are evenly about 1/4-inch thick or so.
8. Bake the fritters for 10 minutes until they are browning on the bottom. Remove the pan from the oven and using a thin, metal spatula, flip the fritters and bake for another 8-10 minutes until golden on both sides.
9. Serve immediately!

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.