Leftover Pasta Fritters Recipe
These Leftover Pasta Fritters are a delicious and inventive way to repurpose cold leftover pasta into crispy, golden patties. Combining eggs, breadcrumbs, and optional cheese with chopped pasta, these fritters are pan-fried until perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining tender inside. A fantastic savory snack or light meal served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 fritters 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups (packed) cold leftover pasta (sauce and pasta mixed together)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Chop the pasta: Roughly chop the leftover pasta with scissors in a bowl to make it easier to combine with other ingredients.
- Mix ingredients: Add eggs, starting with 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs, and grated cheese (if using) to the chopped pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix thoroughly.
- Test consistency: Scoop some mixture and flatten it slightly to test if it holds together. If too loose, add more breadcrumbs gradually until the mixture can hold its shape.
- Heat oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Form fritters: Scoop a level 1/3 cup of the mixture (packed well) and release it into the hot pan. Use the bottom of the cup to pat it into about 1 cm (approximately 2/5 inch) thickness. Repeat to fill the pan without overcrowding.
- Cook first side: Fry the fritters for about 2 minutes until the bottom becomes dark brown and crispy.
- Flip and cook other side: Turn the fritters and cook for an additional 1 to 1.5 minutes until the other side is also crispy and golden brown.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat cooking with remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnished with finely chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Note 1: Using leftover pasta that already has sauce mixed in adds flavor and moisture to the fritters.
- Note 2: Grated cheese is optional but adds a creamy richness and helps bind the mixture.
- Note 3: Adjust the amount of breadcrumbs as needed to ensure the mixture holds together for proper shaping and cooking.
Keywords: Leftover pasta, pasta fritters, fried fritters, repurpose leftovers, snack, Italian, panko, cheese, easy recipe
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/leftover-pasta-fritters-recipe/
