Best Easy Pizza Fritta Napoletana Recipe

Deep-fried pizza dough stuffed with ricotta, cicoli, and mozzarella puffs into golden perfection. A protein-packed mediterranean indulgence that's a beloved family tradition in Naples.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 385 kcal
#mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) 1 lb
  • fresh ricotta cheese 1 cup
  • cicoli (Italian pork cracklings) 1 cup
  • fresh mozzarella cheese, diced 6 oz
  • vegetable oil (for deep frying) 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • fresh basil leaves, torn 8 pieces
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 39%
Protein 17 g 18%
Fat 18 g 43%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal balls and rest them covered for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.

  2. 2

    Roll each dough ball into a 7-inch round on a lightly floured surface, making sure not to overwork the dough.

  3. 3

    Combine ricotta, cicoli, mozzarella, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place a generous spoonful of filling in the center of each round.

  4. 4

    Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges tightly to seal, ensuring no air is trapped to prevent bursting during frying.

  5. 5

    Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or pot. Fry each stuffed pizza for 3–4 minutes per side, turning until golden and puffed. Drain well and sprinkle with torn basil leaves before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The essential ingredients that define Pizza Fritta Napoletana are the pizza dough and the decadent filling of fresh ricotta, cicoli (Italian pork cracklings), and mozzarella cheese. The combination creates authentic Neapolitan flavor and texture, with cicoli providing savory richness and ricotta giving creamy softness.
Q. How do I master frying without burning or undercooking?
The critical point for perfect Pizza Fritta is controlling oil temperature at 350°F and turning each stuffed pizza during frying. Fry 3–4 minutes per side, allowing the dough to puff and turn golden. Overcrowding lowers oil temperature and risks greasy or unevenly cooked results, so fry in batches if needed.
Q. How can I keep Pizza Fritta crispy and prevent sogginess?
Properly sealing the dough edges is key to avoiding leaks and promoting a uniformly puffed, crispy texture. Thorough draining after frying and not overfilling with moist cheese also prevent sogginess. Serve immediately for the most satisfying crunch.
Q. What are the nutrition facts for one serving?
Each 180g serving contains approximately 385 kcal, 38g carbohydrates (39%), 17g protein (18%), and 18g fat (43%). This makes Pizza Fritta Napoletana a protein-rich mediterranean treat, with a balanced contribution from fats and carbs.
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