Appetizer > Fritters > Portuguese Cheese Fritters

Serra da Estrela Cheese and Bacon Fritters Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup Serra da Estrela cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- Vegetable oil for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk together.
3. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. Fold in the grated Serra da Estrela cheese, bacon, and green onions.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
6. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the fritter batter into the hot oil.
7. Fry the fritters until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Serve the fritters warm.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 6 minutes
Temperature:
- Fry the fritters in oil at 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe makes about 12 fritters.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 260mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Serra da Estrela cheese can be substituted with any other soft, creamy cheese such as brie or camembert.
- Bacon can be substituted with ham or prosciutto.
- Green onions can be substituted with chives or shallots.

Variations:
- Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Substitute the bacon with cooked sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme for extra freshness.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to make uniform-sized fritters.
- Drain excess oil from the fritters by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the fritters on a platter with a dipping sauce such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Pairings:
- Serve the fritters as an appetizer with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve the fritters with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the fritters are not crispy enough, increase the temperature of the oil and fry them for a little longer.
- If the fritters are falling apart in the oil, add a little more flour to the batter to thicken it.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters to prevent bacterial growth.
- Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.

Food history:
- Serra da Estrela cheese is a traditional Portuguese cheese made from sheep's milk.

Flavor profiles:
- The fritters have a savory, cheesy flavor with a hint of smokiness from the bacon.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the fritters as an appetizer or a snack.

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Region: Portuguese

Taste: Savory, Salty, Crispy, Cheesy, Bacon, Bacon-Y