There’s something about nibbling on edible flowers that just feels fancy, indulgent — who doesn’t love that? We’ve gathered together 15 dazzling recipes for one of the most popular esculent blooms out there: squash blossoms. Whether you’ve spotted packs of the bright orange and green flowers at your local farmers’ market and didn’t know where to begin, or are old pro at stuffing and frying ’em up and simply need an updated approach, we have you covered!
1. Spring Vegetable Lasagna with Heirloom Tomato Béchamel: Loaded with layers of veggies and creamy cheese, this fresh lasagna is a terrific one-pot meal. (via O&O Eats)
2. Squash Blossom Soup: Like eating a bowl of sunshine, this vibrant soup is packed with summer produce! (via Kitchen Konfidence)
3. Zucchini Blossom Fritters: Squash blossoms are paired with Parmesan and fresh basil then enrobed in a light batter to create these irresistible fritters. (via The Parsley Thief)
4. Zucchini, Corn and Chèvre-Stuffed Squash Blossoms: This recipe features a unique-yet-simple technique for preparing squash blossoms that promises to preserve their bright colors — click over to learn more! (via Bojon Gourmet)
5. Zucchini Blossom & Mozzarella Baked Eggs: An impressive recipe to throw together the next time you host brunch. (via Bitchin Camero)
6. Baked Squash Blossoms Stuffed with Beet Hummus (Vegan, Gluten-free): Stuffed squash blossoms get a healthy update with this baked, cheese-free version. (via Dolly and Oatmeal)
7. Maltagliati Pasta with Summer Vegetables Recipe: A glut of produce combines with pasta and briny ricotta salata to create a dish that screams summer. (via Aida Mollenkamp)
8. Squash Blossom Quesadillas: A thoughtful balance of flavors is featured in these quesadillas made with only five ingredients. (via Leite’s Culinaria)
9. Shaved-Squash Salad with Tomatoes, Zucchini Blossoms, Ricotta, and Thyme Oil: A playful combination of shaved squash shapes — some into ribbons, other rounds — coupled with blossoms and basil leaves creates a gorgeous salad that’s almost too pretty to eat! (via Martha Stewart)
10. Baby Zucchini and Blossoms with Sofrito: Flavorful and finely textured baby zucchini with their blossoms still attached are a natural pairing for aromatic sofrito. (via Herbivoracious)
11. Zucchini and Squash Blossom Soufflés: Each bite of this cloud-like cheese soufflé is dotted with a taste of delicate blossoms. (via The New York Times)
12. No-Knead Pizza Dough + Squash Blossom, Roasted Tomato and Pesto Pie: Throw these pizzas on the grill to bake when it’s too hot to light the oven — it doesn’t get much more summery than that! (via Two of a Kind)
13. Panko-crusted Baked Squash Blossom with Garden Herb Ricotta: Mint, sorrel and a dash of lemon zest lend just enough flavor to the cheese filling, allowing the blossom’s faint flavor to still shine through. (via Food to Glow)
14. Squash Blossom Frittata: Leeks, summer squash and the latter’s blossoms combine to create this stunning-yet-healthy frittata. (via Seaweed and Sassafras)
15. Squash Blossom Muffins: A bright surprise awaits in the center of these sweet-and-savory muffins! (via Chef Dennis)
Stuffed, sliced, fried, fresh — what’s your favorite way to use squash blossoms? Let us know in the comments below!