Name: Zucchini Bacon Fritters With Basil-Mayo Dipping Sauce
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 hr
Yield: Makes about 40 fritters
Ingredients: 1 cup basil; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; About 6 cups vegetable oil for frying; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne; 3 medium zucchini, chopped; 1/2 fresh jalapeño, stemmed and minced (including seeds); 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 3/4 cup whole milk; 6 slices crisp-cooked bacon, finely chopped; A deep-fat thermometer

Image may contain Nuggets Food Fried Chicken and Plant

Photo by Romulo Yanes

Fried zucchini is a classic snack, but watch what happens when it's amped up with smoky bacon and spicy jalapeño. The fragrant, floral basil dipping sauce is a terrific complement to the tender, light zucchini bites, filling your mouth with the scent of summer. (Editors' note: This recipe is solely the creation of Andrea Albin and has not been formally tested by the test kitchen.)

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

51 Zucchini Recipes for Using up All That Summer Squash
What other vegetable is this versatile? An unsung hero of the summer garden (and supermarket produce section), zucchini can be served raw, grilled, sautéed, spiralized, and more (it makes an incredible chocolate cake).
27 Reasons to Fritter the Day Away
It's fry time.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.

Recipe notes

51 Zucchini Recipes for Using up All That Summer Squash

27 Reasons to Fritter the Day Away