Description
Delicious and crispy Stuffed Ziti Fritta features tender ziti pasta tubes filled with a rich blend of cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian cheeses, breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. This appetizer or snack pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce for dipping and offers a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese Filling
- 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)
Breading and Frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 5 to 6 cups vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian cheese blend until smooth.
- Set Up Piping Bag: Transfer the cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a filling tube tip, or alternatively, use a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off.
- Stuff the Ziti: Insert the piping tip into one end of each cooked ziti tube and fill with the cheese mixture until all pasta is stuffed.
- Prepare Dredging Station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Pasta: Roll each stuffed ziti in flour, shaking off excess, dip into beaten eggs, then roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs to coat completely.
- Freeze: Spread breaded ziti on a sheet pan and freeze for about 30 minutes to firm up, preparing them for frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour 5 to 6 cups of oil into a deep frying pan or pot and heat over medium-high till it reaches 350°F. Maintain temperature between 350°F and 375°F for even cooking.
- Fry Ziti: Remove ziti from the freezer and fry in batches, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon until golden brown on all sides (under 1 minute).
- Drain Excess Oil: Use paper towels to drain the fried ziti and remove any residual oil.
- Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded ziti before frying helps them hold their shape and results in a crispier crust.
- Ensure oil temperature is well-maintained to prevent greasy or undercooked fritters.
- Use a piping bag with a filling tip for easy and even stuffing of the pasta.
- Can substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil for frying if preferred.
- Keep cooked and stuffed ziti refrigerated if not frying immediately, but consume fresh for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Stuffed Ziti Fritta, fried pasta, Italian appetizer, cheese stuffed pasta, crispy fried pasta, Italian snack, deep-fried ziti
