Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the authentic restaurant texture, you can bake them for a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the breaded ziti on a lined baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. The exterior won't be quite as crispy, but they'll still be delicious.

Why did my cheese leak out during frying?

This typically happens if the pasta wasn't completely sealed with breading or if the oil temperature is too low. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with breading and don't skip the freezing step - it really helps set the filling. Also, verify your oil temperature stays between 350°F-375°F.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Ziti works best because of its perfect size and straight tubular shape, but you could try other tube pastas like penne or rigatoni. Adjust filling amounts accordingly, as these shapes may hold different amounts of cheese.

How many should I prepare per person?

For an appetizer, plan on 3-4 pieces per person. If serving as part of a larger spread or buffet, 2-3 pieces per person should be sufficient. This recipe makes about 60 pieces, perfect for a crowd!

Stuffed Ziti Fritta Recipe

This incredible Stuffed Ziti Fritta is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that will make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Italian restaurant! Perfectly al dente ziti pasta tubes filled with a rich, creamy cheese blend, then breaded and fried to golden perfection. Each bite delivers a magnificent contrast between the crispy exterior and the molten cheese center that will have everyone reaching for more. Ready in under an hour, this impressive dish is actually much simpler to make than it looks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create that famous Italian restaurant appetizer right in your own kitchen at a fraction of the cost.
Perfect Party Food: These bite-sized delights are ideal for gatherings, game days, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests.
Customizable: The basic recipe is outstanding as is, but you can easily adjust the cheese blend or add herbs to make it your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep these ahead of time and keep them frozen until you’re ready to fry, making entertaining stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ziti Pasta: The perfect tubular shape for stuffing with delicious cheese filling. Make sure to cook it just until al dente so it holds its shape.
Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the filling that melts beautifully when fried.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds a traditional Italian flavor and light texture to the filling.
Mozzarella Cheese: Provides that classic stringy cheese pull when you bite into the ziti.
Italian Cheese Blend: A mix of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago adds depth and complexity to the filling with their sharp, nutty flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: The first layer of the breading station that helps the egg adhere to the pasta.
Eggs: Act as the “glue” in the breading process, ensuring the breadcrumbs stick properly.
Breadcrumbs: Create that essential crispy exterior that contrasts with the creamy filling.
Oil for Frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is ideal for achieving that perfect golden crunch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your Stuffed Ziti Fritta? Here are some delicious ideas:

Meat Lover’s Version: Add finely minced cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni to the cheese mixture.
Herb Infusion: Mix fresh chopped basil, parsley, or oregano into the cheese filling for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese mixture for heat-seekers.
Garlic Lover’s Dream: Add roasted garlic to the cheese filling for an extra dimension of flavor.
Veggie Boost: Mix in finely chopped spinach (squeeze out all moisture first!) or sun-dried tomatoes.

How to Make Stuffed Ziti Fritta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prepare the Filling

Cook your ziti pasta in salted water until just al dente. Immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. While the pasta cools, combine the cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian cheese blend in a bowl until smooth and well-mixed.

Step 2: Fill the Pasta

Transfer your cheese mixture to a piping bag with a filling tip, or use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Insert the tip into one end of each ziti tube and gently squeeze to fill with the cheese mixture. You’ll feel the pasta become heavier as it fills.

Step 3: Bread the Filled Pasta

Set up your dredging station with three separate bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Roll each filled ziti piece first in flour (tap off excess), then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Place the breaded pieces on a sheet pan.

Step 4: Chill Before Frying

Pop the breaded ziti into the freezer for about 30 minutes. This firms up the cheese filling so it won’t leak out during frying and helps maintain the pasta’s shape.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat several inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Working in small batches, carefully lower the breaded ziti into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on all sides, which happens quickly – less than a minute! Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Arrange on a serving platter with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Serve immediately while the exterior is crispy and the filling is hot and molten.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Keep your oil between 350°F and 375°F for the perfect crispiness without burning. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Batch Control: Don’t overcrowd the frying pan – this lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy ziti.
Proper Draining: Use multiple layers of paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep your ziti crispy.
Perfect Pasta: Cook the ziti just until al dente – overcooked pasta will fall apart during filling and frying.
Filling Technique: Hold the pasta tube vertically while filling to help the cheese reach all the way to the bottom.

How to Serve

Dipping Sauces:

Warm marinara is the classic pairing, but try offering a variety of dipping options like garlic aioli, pesto, or spicy arrabbiata sauce.

Presentation:

Arrange on a platter with small dipping bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated parmesan.

Complete the Meal:

Serve as an appetizer before your favorite Italian main course, or alongside other finger foods for a spectacular antipasto spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead:

You can prepare these up through the breading step, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers:

While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

For the best texture, reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the authentic restaurant texture, you can bake them for a lighter version. Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the breaded ziti on a lined baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. The exterior won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.
Why did my cheese leak out during frying?

This typically happens if the pasta wasn’t completely sealed with breading or if the oil temperature is too low. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated with breading and don’t skip the freezing step – it really helps set the filling. Also, verify your oil temperature stays between 350°F-375°F.
Can I use a different type of pasta?

Ziti works best because of its perfect size and straight tubular shape, but you could try other tube pastas like penne or rigatoni. Adjust filling amounts accordingly, as these shapes may hold different amounts of cheese.
How many should I prepare per person?

For an appetizer, plan on 3-4 pieces per person. If serving as part of a larger spread or buffet, 2-3 pieces per person should be sufficient. This recipe makes about 60 pieces, perfect for a crowd!

Final Thoughts

These Stuffed Ziti Fritta bring restaurant-quality indulgence right to your kitchen table! The contrast between the crispy exterior and that heavenly, molten cheese filling creates an irresistible appetizer that’s bound to become a requested favorite. While they might seem intimidating at first, the process is actually straightforward and so worth the effort. Give them a try at your next gathering – just be prepared to share the recipe when everyone asks for your secret!

Stuffed Ziti Fritta Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 60 pieces 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

Stuffed Ziti Fritta is a delectable appetizer where tender ziti pasta is filled with a creamy blend of cheeses, coated in a crispy breaded layer, and fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized delights are perfect for gatherings or as a satisfying snack, paired with marinara sauce for extra flavor.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the ziti pasta in a large pot filled with salted, boiling water. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt cooking and prevent it from sticking together. Set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and the Italian cheese blend. Mix until smooth. The cheese mixture will be used to fill the ziti pasta.
Fill the Pasta
Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag fitted with a filling tube tip or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped. Carefully insert the tip into the center of each ziti tube and fill with the cheese mixture. Continue this process until all pasta tubes are filled and the cheese mixture is used.
Set Up the Dredging Station
Set up three bowls: one with flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs. This will be used to bread the stuffed ziti.
Bread the Ziti
Start by rolling each piece of filled ziti in flour to coat evenly, then shake off the excess. Dip the coated ziti into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered, and then roll in breadcrumbs to create a crispy outer coating.
Freeze the Breaded Ziti
Spread the breaded ziti pieces on a sheet pan and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up before frying. This helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
Heat the Oil
Pour several inches of oil into a deep frying pan or pot and heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F. Maintain an oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F while frying.
Fry the Ziti
Remove the breaded ziti from the freezer and fry several pieces at a time. Use a slotted spoon to turn the ziti to ensure even cooking. Fry until golden brown on all sides, which should take less than a minute. Transfer the cooked ziti to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve
Serve the Stuffed Ziti Fritta hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Microwave the cream cheese and ricotta for 20–30 seconds for smoother mixing.
Using piping tips designed for narrow tubes can make filling the ziti easier.
Freezing isn’t mandatory but helps to prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying. Even straight from the freezer, the cheese inside will be melty after frying.
Ensure the oil is at least 3–4 inches deep for proper frying.