Zeppole
Zeppole are Italian-style deep-fried dough balls with a tender ricotta interior and crispy golden exterior, perfect as a sweet treat for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ricotta cheese, eggs, and confectioners sugar (or vanilla) in a large mixing bowl.
- Add flour and baking powder; mix well to form a batter.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot Crisco (shortening) for deep frying.
- Fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain and serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using part-skim ricotta cheese instead of whole milk ricotta. Make sure your Crisco is properly heated before frying to achieve a golden brown exterior. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating a bit of lemon zest into the batter for a refreshing flavor. You can also dust the finished zeppole with additional confectioners sugar for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve zeppole warm, dusted with confectioners sugar, and perhaps accompanied by a side of Italian Custard for dipping. They make a delightful dessert or snack, and pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. For a full meal, consider serving them after a light pasta dish, such as Seashell Pasta Salad.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the zeppole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. For reheating, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, which helps retain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zeppole contains roughly 64 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can experiment with mascarpone or cottage cheese for varying textures and flavors. However, ricotta is traditional and gives the zeppole their unique taste. If using cottage cheese, blend it until smooth to mimic ricotta's consistency.
What can I do if my batter is too thick?
If your batter seems too thick, you can add a splash of milk or an extra egg to loosen it up. The consistency should be thick enough to hold shape but still spoonable. Adjusting the moisture can help achieve the ideal frying texture.
How do I know when the zeppole are done frying?
The zeppole are done when they turn a rich golden brown color, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes per batch. You can also test one by cutting it open to ensure it's cooked through. Proper frying temperature is key to achieving that perfect texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).