Ever find yourself with leftover bagels, wondering what to do with them? I know I have! Well, fret no more, because I've got a fantastic solution that turns those stale bagels into a delightful treat: Bagel Zeppole! Think of it as a mashup of Italian zeppole and good ol' bagels. I stumbled upon this idea after a disastrous bagel-making attempt—way too many bagels, not enough stomachs. So, what’s a girl to do but experiment? Thus, Bagel Zeppole were born! They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor. And let me tell you, they're incredibly addictive!
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use any type of bagel you have on hand – plain, sesame, everything, or even cinnamon raisin for a sweeter twist. The basic process involves crushing the bagels, mixing them with a few simple ingredients to form a dough, frying until golden brown, and then topping with powdered sugar and, if you're feeling fancy, a luscious ricotta cream. The slight tang from the ricotta complements the fried dough perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth. One time, I even tried adding a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta cream and, believe me, it was a game changer! A friend said it reminded them of Christmas morning, which honestly, is the vibe I’m always aiming for.
So, whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress your friends, a fun way to use up leftover bagels, or simply a delicious treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Bagel Zeppole are the answer. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, even for a novice baker. I’ve taught my niece, who’s basically a walking disaster in the kitchen, how to make these, and she nailed it on the first try. Seriously, if she can do it, so can you! Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste so incredibly good. It’s like a culinary hug in every bite. Alright, enough gabbing, let’s get cooking!
Required Equipments
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot
- Slotted Spoon
- Baking Sheet
- Piping Bag (optional)
Bagel Zeppole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat: Frequently Asked Questions
Bagel Zeppole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
Transform leftover bagels into a delicious and unique dessert with this easy Bagel Zeppole recipe! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with powdered sugar and ricotta cream, these fried treats are incredibly addictive.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the Bagel Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed bagels, warm milk, melted butter, sugar, yeast, salt, and egg. Mix well until a sticky dough forms. It's okay if the dough is a little rough; we're going for rustic charm, not perfection!
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. This is where the magic happens, so be patient!
- Heat the Oil: While the dough is rising, heat your frying oil (vegetable or canola oil works great) in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy. Don't guess; trust the thermometer!
- Shape the Zeppole: Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter or knife to cut out circles or squares, or get creative with other shapes. Alternatively, you can transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large tip for easy shaping.
- Fry the Zeppole: Carefully drop the dough pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed up. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning – nobody likes burnt zeppole!
- Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried zeppole from the oil and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly before topping.
- Prepare the Ricotta Cream (Optional): In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy. This adds a touch of elegance and tanginess, but feel free to skip if you're feeling lazy. I won’t tell!
- Top and Serve: Dust the bagel zeppole generously with powdered sugar. If using, pipe or spoon the ricotta cream on top. Garnish with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of honey. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade bagel zeppole while they're warm and fresh!
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 300 kcal
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 50mg
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2F27439_OE_-Frittata_0400_preview-ca3569aba8114502999b3e204192d8f2.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
