How to Make Smoked Mozzarella and Ricotta Fritter

Smoked mozzarella and ricotta fritters make absolutely delicious appetizers, beginning any meal in great style. The fritters are fried in hot oil, resulting in a succulent fritter that's golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a savory blend of cheeses on the inside.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. ricotta cheese
• 1/4 lb. smoked mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1/2 c. fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• Canola oil
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup all purpose flour
• 2 1/4 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs)

Instructions

1. Heat the canola oil to 350 degrees F. Start heating the oil ahead of time so it will be the correct temperature when the fritters are ready to fry.

2. Mix the ricotta cheese, smoked mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and milk in a large mixing bowl and still well. Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl and add them to the cheese mixture.

3. Blend in the baking powder and enough flour to make a thick dough.

4. Place the panko in a shallow dish. Form the dough into fritters and roll the lightly in the panko.

5. Drop the cheese dough into the hot oil carefully and fry the fritters until they're golden, turning them often, for about 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Remove the fritters from the hot oil with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a layer of paper towels for about 5 minutes before serving.