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

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta and Cheese Filling

1/2 pound ziti pasta, cooked and drained (about 1/2 of a standard package)
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Italian cheese blend (Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago)

Coating

1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs

Frying

5 to 6 cups vegetable or canola oil, for frying

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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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece
Calories: 70kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg