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Polpette Fritte (Breaded & Fried Meatballs)
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GIOVANNI'S KITCHEN

Polpette Fritte (Breaded & Fried Meatballs)

These Polpette Fritte take something traditional and make it something you can eat standing with a drink in hand.

By Giovanni Siracusa

 |  

October 20, 2025

Polpette Fritte (Breaded & Fried Meatballs)

By Giovanni Siracusa

Ingredients

  • Ingredients for the Polpette:

  • 1

    lb ground beef

  • 75

    g stale bread

  • 2

    nectarines, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes 

  • 2

    eggs

  • 80

    g Parmigiano Reggiano, grated

  • 75

    g Breadcrumbs in mixture + extra for coating

  • 1/2

    cup chopped parsley 

  • Whole milk, for soaking

  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Peanut oil, for frying

  • Ingredients for the Creamy Dipping Sauce:

  • 20

    g butter

  • 20

    g all-purpose flour

  • 200

    g whole milk

  • 40

    g Swiss cheese, grated

  • 40

    g Gruyère cheese, grated

  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

TOTAL TIME

35 minutes

20-25 servings

There’s something special about a plate of fried meatballs. Whether served for aperitivo or Sunday lunch, each bite has that balance of warmth and texture you can only get from home cooking.

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STEP 1

Soak the bread in milk for a few minutes until soft, then squeeze out the excess liquid.

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STEP 2

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, Parmigiano, salt and pepper. Add the soaked bread and mix until just combined, along with the breadcrumbs, just enough for the mixture to hold together.

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STEP 3

Shape the mixture into small round meatballs.

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STEP 4

Roll each meatball gently in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

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STEP 5

Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp on all sides.

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STEP 6

Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

STEP 7

Make the Creamy Dipping Sauce
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

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STEP 8

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds, just until smooth and slightly foamy. Don’t let it brown.

STEP 9

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Add the Swiss and Gruyère, stirring until fully melted and silky.

STEP 10

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Pour a glass of Gratsi Rosé and let simple flavors do what they do best. Buon Appetito!

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