Name: Stuffed Ziti Fritta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ pound ziti pasta (cooked and drained; about half of a standard package); 2 ounces cream cheese (softened); ¼ cup ricotta cheese; ¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Italian cheese blend (Parmesan, Roman, and Asiago); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs (beaten); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 5 to 6 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)

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Introduction

Stuffed Ziti Fritta is a deliciously crispy and cheesy fried pasta treat that’s perfect as a snack or appetizer. Filled with a blend of creamy cheeses and coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, each bite bursts with flavor. Ready in under an hour, it’s an irresistible dish to share with family and friends.

A white bowl filled with bright red, chunky marinara sauce sits at the top right corner, surrounded by a large pile of golden-brown mozzarella sticks coated in a crispy, textured breadcrumb crust. The mozzarella sticks are piled high, with their crunchy surfaces showing small flecks of seasoning, and are arranged on a white marbled surface covered partially with newspaper print beneath. The overall image looks warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ pound ziti pasta, cooked and drained (about ½ of a standard package)
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Italian cheese blend (Parmesan, Roman, and Asiago)
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
5 to 6 cups vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta, then run cold water over it to cool and prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian cheese blend until well combined.
Step 3: Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a filling tube tip. Alternatively, place it in a Ziploc freezer bag and snip off a corner to make a piping bag.
Step 4: Insert the piping tip into the hollow center of each piece of cooked ziti and fill with the cheese mixture. Fill as many pieces as possible until the cheese is used up.
Step 5: Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Coat each filled ziti by rolling it in flour, shaking off excess, dipping it in the beaten eggs, then rolling it thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
Step 7: Arrange the breaded ziti on a sheet pan and freeze for about 30 minutes to firm up while heating the oil.
Step 8: Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F, maintaining the temperature between 350°F and 375°F throughout frying.
Step 9: Fry the frozen, breaded ziti in batches, turning with a slotted spoon until golden brown on all sides, about less than 1 minute. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 10: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture before coating.
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Try stuffing with different cheese combinations like feta and Parmesan for a unique twist.
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent soggy fritters.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed ziti fritta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crunch.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a pile of golden-brown fried mozzarella sticks with a coarse, crunchy coating, arranged around a small white bowl filled with bright red chunky marinara sauce, which has visible bits of herbs and tomato pieces. The mozzarella sticks are placed against a background of black and white printed paper, which is set on a white marbled surface. The colors contrast well, with the warm orange of the fried sticks and the vibrant red sauce standing out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the stuffed ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can fill and bread the ziti in advance, then freeze them for up to a week before frying. Just fry them straight from frozen for best results.

What can I serve with stuffed ziti fritta?

They pair beautifully with marinara sauce, but you can also serve them with pesto, ranch dressing, or a spicy arrabbiata sauce for dipping.