Name: Crispy Stuffed Fried Dough Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Italian, American
Ingredients: Dough; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 -1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1- 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 -1/4 cups warm water (instant read thermometer 109 degrees); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Frying oil: Vegetable oil or peanut oil; Filling #1: Italian Three Cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Fresh cracked pepper; Filling #2: Sausage, Peppers & Mozzarella; 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled; 1 red bell pepper, sautéed; 1 green bell pepper, sautéed; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan; Filling #3: Spinach & Ricotta; 2 cups chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry; 1 cup ricotta; 1/2 cup mozzarella; Garlic powder; Nutmeg (optional); Filling #4: Pepperoni Pizza; Pepperoni slices, chopped; Mozzarella; Parmesan

If you've ever visited an Italian festival, local bakery, or neighborhood feast, you've probably been tempted by the irresistible aroma of freshly fried dough.

While many people think of sweet fried dough dusted with powdered sugar, these are a savory stuffed fried dough version and is just as popular in many Italian households.

Imagine a crisp, golden pizza dough, filled with melty cheese, seasoned meats, or flavorful vegetables tucked inside every bite.

This homemade stuffed fried dough recipe is easy to customize with your favorite fillings, making it perfect for appetizers, lunch, game day, or even a satisfying dinner.

The dough fries up beautifully, light and crispy, while the fillings stay hot and delicious.

Whether you love classic Italian flavors or want to create your own combinations, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This Focaccia Recipe

Crispy outside with a soft, chewy interior.
Endless filling combinations.
Perfect for using leftover meats and vegetables.
Great for parties and family gatherings.
Easy to freeze before or after frying.
Can be made ahead for entertaining.
Tastes just like Italian festival food.
Kid-friendly and adult-approved.

Delicious Filling Ideas

Chicken Parmesan
Meatball & Mozzarella
Prosciutto & Fontina
Broccoli & Cheddar
Buffalo Chicken
Pulled Pork & Cheddar
Jalapeño Popper
Taco Beef & Pepper Jack
Bacon Cheeseburger
Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken
Reuben Style
Philly Cheesesteak
Roasted Garlic
Chicken Alfredo
Italian Beef & Provolone
Caprese with Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil
Eggplant Parmesan
Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese

Questions and Answers and Tips

Can I bake these instead? Yes. Brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes until golden.
Can I air fry them? Absolutely. Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What cheese melts best? Low-moisture mozzarella, provolone, fontina, Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Gruyère all melt beautifully.
Can I freeze them? Yes. Freeze either before frying or after cooking. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Do not overfill or the dough may burst.
Make sure fillings are cool before assembling.
Seal edges tightly with a fork.
Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 365°F.
Fry only a few at a time to keep the oil hot. Let excess moisture drain from vegetables before using.
Fresh mozzarella should be patted dry.
Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

Pin for later Crispy Stuffed Fried Dough Recipe

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Italian, American

Yield: 12

Author: Claudia Lamascolo

Crispy Stuffed Fried Dough Recipe

Imagine a crisp, golden dough filled with melty cheese, seasoned meats, or flavorful vegetables tucked inside every bite.

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 5 MinInactive time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 20 M

Ingredients

Dough
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 -1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 teaspoon sugar
1- 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 -1/4 cups warm water (instant read thermometer 109 degrees)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Frying oil: Vegetable oil or peanut oil
Filling #1: Italian Three Cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh cracked pepper
Filling #2: Sausage, Peppers & Mozzarella
1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1 red bell pepper, sautéed
1 green bell pepper, sautéed
1 cup shredded mozzarella
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Filling #3: Spinach & Ricotta
2 cups chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry
1 cup ricotta
1/2 cup mozzarella
Garlic powder
Nutmeg (optional)
Filling #4: Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni slices, chopped
Mozzarella
Parmesan
Pizza seasoning
Small spoonful of pizza sauce (don't overfill)
Filling #5: Ham & Swiss
Diced ham
Swiss cheese
Dijon mustard (optional)
Filling #6: Buffalo Chicken
Cooked shredded chicken
Buffalo sauce
Mozzarella
Blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Filling #7: Cheeseburger
Cooked ground beef
Cheddar cheese
Diced onions
Pickles (optional)
Filling #8: Mushroom & Caramelized Onion
Sautéed mushrooms
Caramelized onions
Gruyère or mozzarella

Instructions

Dissolve yeast and sugar in 109-degree warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Mix in the flour and salt.
Add yeast mixture and olive oil.
Knead for about 10 to 12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in an oiled bowl and cover.
Let it rise for 1 hour.
Divide the dough into 10–12 balls.
Roll each into a 6-inch circle.
Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center.
Fold over or roll and firmly seal the edges using water if needed.
Heat oil to 350 degrees.
Fry the stuffed dough in the heated oil for 2–3 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.

Notes

Delicious Filling Ideas

Chicken Parmesan
Meatball & Mozzarella
Prosciutto & Fontina
Broccoli & Cheddar
Buffalo Chicken
Pulled Pork & Cheddar
Jalapeño Popper
Taco Beef & Pepper Jack
Bacon Cheeseburger
Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken
Reuben Style
Philly Cheesesteak
Roasted Garlic
Chicken Alfredo
Italian Beef & Provolone
Caprese with Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil
Eggplant Parmesan
Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese

Questions and Answers and Tips

Can I bake these instead? Yes. Brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes until golden.
Can I air fry them? Absolutely. Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What cheese melts best? Low-moisture mozzarella, provolone, fontina, Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Gruyère all melt beautifully.
Can I freeze them? Yes. Freeze either before frying or after cooking. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
Do not overfill or the dough may burst.
Make sure fillings are cool before assembling.
Seal edges tightly with a fork.
Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 365°F.
Fry only a few at a time to keep the oil hot. Let excess moisture drain from vegetables before using.
Fresh mozzarella should be patted dry.
Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

613

Fat (grams)

34 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

15 g

Carbs (grams)

46 g

Fiber (grams)

3 g

Net carbs

44 g

Sugar (grams)

6 g

Protein (grams)

29 g

Sodium (milligrams)

943 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

95 mg

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