Description
Leftover Pasta Fritters are a delicious and creative way to repurpose cold leftover pasta into crispy, golden patties. Mixed with eggs, breadcrumbs, and optional cheese, these fritters are pan-fried to perfection, making a satisfying snack or appetizer that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups (packed) cold leftover pasta (sauce and pasta mixed together)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Chop the Pasta: Roughly chop the cold leftover pasta by placing it in a bowl and cutting it with scissors until the pieces are smaller and manageable.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the eggs, starting with 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs, and grated cheese (if using) to the chopped pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Mix all together thoroughly. Add more breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet.
- Test the Mixture: Scoop a small ball of the mixture and flatten it slightly to ensure it holds together well. If it crumbles, add more breadcrumbs until it becomes bindable.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat up.
- Form and Cook Fritters: Using a 1/3 cup measure, scoop packed portions of the mixture and place them carefully in the hot pan. Use the bottom of the measuring cup to press the patties to about 1 cm (2/5 inch) thickness. Cook as many fritters as fit comfortably in the pan.
- Fry the First Side: Cook the fritters on the first side for approximately 2 minutes or until they develop a dark brown, crispy crust.
- Fry the Other Side: Flip the fritters and cook on the second side for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until crispy and browned.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the pasta fritters immediately, garnished with finely chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Note 1: The pasta should be cold and preferably leftover from a previous meal with sauce mixed in for flavor.
- Note 2: Cheese is optional but adds extra flavor and helps bind the fritters.
- Note 3: Adjust breadcrumb quantity as needed to ensure the mixture holds together well when formed into patties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: leftover pasta, fritters, panko breadcrumbs, Italian snack, easy appetizer, pasta repurpose, crispy pasta patties
