Recipe

Crispy Cheese Fritters with a Twist

Savory Cheese Delights: A Modern Twist on Italian Sciatt

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Italian cuisine with this modern twist on the classic dish, Sciatt. These crispy cheese fritters are a perfect blend of gooey cheese and crunchy exterior, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack.

Appetizer› Sciatt

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

30 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free buckwheat flour and all-purpose flour), Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free (if using an egg substitute)

Allergens

Dairy, Gluten (if not using gluten-free flours), Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free

Ingredients

200g (7 oz) Bitto or Casera cheese, cut into small cubes 200g (7 oz) Bitto or Casera cheese, cut into small cubes
150g (1 cup) buckwheat flour 150g (1 cup) buckwheat flour
50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour 50g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 egg 1 egg
200ml (3/4 cup) sparkling water 200ml (3/4 cup) sparkling water
Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 6g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 1g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1.
In a mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and sparkling water.
3.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
4.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5.
Take a cube of cheese and dip it into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated.
6.
Carefully drop the coated cheese into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
7.
Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8.
Repeat the process with the remaining cheese cubes and batter.
9.
Serve the crispy cheese fritters hot, accompanied by a dipping sauce or a side of fresh greens.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Buckwheat flour — Buckwheat flour adds a unique nutty flavor to the fritters. If you can't find buckwheat flour, you can substitute it with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Bitto or Casera cheese — These traditional Italian cheeses are ideal for their melting properties. If you can't find them, you can use Fontina or Gruyère as alternatives.

Tips & Tricks

Make sure the cheese cubes are well-chilled before dipping them into the batter to prevent excessive melting during frying.
Use a deep pan or fryer with enough oil to ensure the fritters cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
Serve the fritters immediately after frying to enjoy them at their best, while the cheese is still gooey and the exterior is crispy.

Serving advice

Serve the crispy cheese fritters as an appetizer or part of an antipasto platter. They pair well with a tangy tomato sauce, a spicy aioli, or a balsamic reduction for dipping.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy cheese fritters on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil. Serve them alongside a small bowl of dipping sauce and a side of mixed greens for an appealing presentation.