Appetizer · Italian · Lunch ·

Crispy Calabrian Fritelle with Ricotta and Spinach

Name: Crispy Calabrian Fritelle with Ricotta and Spinach
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup sparkling water; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil; Lemon wedges; Fresh parsley, chopped

Enjoy this traditional Italian appetizer, featuring a crispy exterior with a creamy ricotta and spinach filling, perfect for any occasion.

4.3(939 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 6, 2025

Crispy Calabrian Fritelle with Ricotta and Spinach — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Fritelle Batter

For the Ricotta and Spinach Filling

For Frying

For Serving

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 466 kcal
Protein: 17.75 g
Carbs: 40 g
Fat: 26.25 g
Fiber: 1.75 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1863 kcal
Protein: 71 g
Carbs: 160 g
Fat: 105 g
Fiber: 7 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour	684	19	142	2	5
1 teaspoon baking powder	2	0	1	0	0
½ teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
2 large eggs	140	12	1	10	0
1 cup sparkling water	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup ricotta cheese	428	29	12	32	0
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped	7	1	1	0	1
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese	110	10	1	7	0
1 garlic clove, minced	5	0	1	0	0
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil	480	0	0	54	0
Lemon wedges	5	0	2	0	1
Fresh parsley, chopped	2	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Batter

1
Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the sparkling water.
3
Mix Batter
Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth. Set aside.

Preparing the Ricotta and Spinach Filling

1
Mix Filling Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, chopped spinach, Parmesan, and minced garlic.
Tip: ⚠ Thoroughly dry the spinach after washing to prevent soggy fritelle.
2
Season the Filling
Season with salt and pepper, and stir until well combined.
3
Chill Filling
Refrigerate filling until ready to use.
Tip: 💡 Chill the batter and filling for a crisper outcome.

How to Make Crispy Calabrian Fritelle with Ricotta and Spinach

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Filling the Fritelle
Place a spoonful of ricotta mixture into a scoop of batter, ensuring it is well covered.
2
Frying the Fritelle
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Gently drop batter balls into hot oil.
3
Draining Excess Oil
Remove fritelle with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Sprinkle with salt immediately.