Fried Cacio

Fried cacio is a delicious and simple appetizer to prepare. There are various regional variants of this dish; fried cacio can be made with different types of hard or semi-hard cheese, such as pecorino, provolone, or scamorza.

Here is a simple recipe for making fried cacio:

Ingredients

  • 200 g of cheese (pecorino, provolone, or scamorza)
  • Flour as needed
  • Oil for frying
  • Black pepper (optional)

Preparation

  1. Cut the cheese into slices about 1 cm thick.
  2. Dredge each cheese slice in flour, making sure to cover all sides.
  3. Heat plenty of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat (around 170-180 °C).
  4. When the oil is hot, fry the floured cheese slices for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn golden and crispy.
  5. Remove the fried cacio from the oil with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  6. (Optional) Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper for an added flavor boost.

Serve hot as an appetizer or snack.

Trivia

Fried cacio is a dish that is always a huge success at aperitifs or as an appetizer at a lunch among friends. Accompanied by a good glass of fresh white wine, perhaps a Trebbiano or a Verdicchio, it becomes a real pleasure for the palate. In some regions of Italy, fried cacio is also served with jam or honey for a sweet and savory contrast that is much appreciated.

Fried Cacio