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Crispy Delicata Squash Rings with Smoky Ranch Dipping Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 61 reviews

These Crispy Delicata Squash Rings are perfectly seasoned, breaded, and shallow-fried to golden-brown perfection, served with a smoky ranch dipping sauce for a flavorful appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Squash Rings

  • 1 1/4 pound delicata squash, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick circles, seeds and membrane removed (about 16 rings)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Peanut oil (or vegetable oil), for shallow frying
  • Finely chopped cilantro or parsley, optional garnish

Smoky Ranch Dipping Sauce

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (depending on desired spiciness)
  • 1/2 (scant) teaspoon salt
  • Pinch black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped cilantro or parsley leaves

Instructions

  1. Gather and prep smoky ranch ingredients. Begin by gathering and prepping all of your smoky ranch ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
  2. Make smoky ranch dipping sauce. To prepare the ranch, add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl, and whisk very well until completely combined and smooth. Cover and keep chilled in the fridge until ready to use.
  3. Gather and prep squash ring ingredients. Next, gather and prep all of your crispy delicata squash ring ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
  4. Season the squash rings. Place the delicata squash rings into a large bowl, and sprinkle over them the chipotle powder, the smoked paprika, the granulated onion and garlic, plus a couple of good pinches of salt and black pepper, and toss to coat.
  5. Set up dredging station. Set up your dredging station by adding your flour to a large shallow bowl, having your whisked eggs ready, and combining the panko breadcrumbs with the parmesan in another large, shallow bowl.
  6. Bread the squash rings. Dip each delicata squash ring lightly into the flour, and tapping off any excess, then dip into the whisked eggs, then gently press into the panko/parmesan mixture. Place the breaded ring onto a large tray or baking sheet to hold, and repeat with the rest of the squash rings until all are coated.
  7. Heat oil for frying. Next, add enough peanut or vegetable oil to a large skillet for shallow frying (should cover the bottom and come about a 1/2 inch up the pan), and heat the oil on medium-high until it shimmers.
  8. Fry the squash rings. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium, and add a few rings into the hot oil at a time, frying them on the first side for about 3 ½ minutes, then flipping and frying on the other side for about 2 minutes more, until the rings are golden-brown on both sides.
  9. Drain and season. Remove the crispy delicata squash rings and allow them to drain on a wire rack placed over a paper towel or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the freshly-fried rings with a touch of salt/pepper and/or additional smoked paprika or chipotle powder, if desired. Repeat with the rest of the delicata squash rings, until all are fried.
  10. Serve. To enjoy, sprinkle with a flourish of chopped cilantro leaves (if desired), and serve with some of the smoky ranch dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Keep the smoky ranch dipping sauce chilled until ready to serve for best flavor and texture.
  • Use peanut or vegetable oil for shallow frying to achieve a crisp crust.
  • Adjust chipotle powder amount in the sauce for desired spice level.
  • Drain fried rings on a wire rack to keep them crispy and prevent sogginess.

Keywords: delicata squash recipe, crispy squash rings, smoky ranch dipping sauce, appetizer recipes, vegetarian snacks

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/crispy-delicata-squash-rings-with-smoky-ranch-dipping-sauce-recipe/