Bread patties in a pan

Name: Bread patties in a pan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: Stale bread 5 cups; Whole milk 1.1 cups; Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 2.5 oz; Eggs 1; Garlic 1 clove; Parsley to taste; Breadcrumbs to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste; Fontina cheese 1.5 oz; Breadcrumbs to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste

it de es fr br

Vegetarian

Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Makes: 10 pieces
Cost: Low

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Diletta Secco

Pan-fried bread dumplings are a real hit in Southern Italy. People get creative with leftover bread, turning it into something really special. It's like magic! These skillet bread dumplings come together with chunks of stale bread soaked in milk and eggs. They’re tossed with fresh parsley, garlic and loads of cheese. And you know what? The gooey melted fontina tucked inside each ball is a game-changer. Really, when you bite in, you hit this pool of cheesy, tender goodness. So so good. Folks in the region love serving these with a spoonful of homemade tomato sauce, some mayo, or even a big crispy salad on the side. And it's all about getting the most flavor from simple stuff. Plus, it’s perfect for using up that leftover bread.

In Southern Italy, these pan-fried bread dumplings are a fun way to make appetizers or just jazz up a regular night at home. They get golden and a little crunchy on the outside from pan-frying, while the centers stay moist thanks to the cheese. Sometimes, people switch up the fillings or go for other vegetarian takes, like Pallotte cacio e ova with eggs and cheese, or even bread balls made with potatoes or chickpeas. Pretty much anything goes. It’s all about mixing things well so the balls hold together and burst with flavor. This bread dumplings in pan idea works great for anyone who likes tasty, easy food that’s a bit different from your usual meatball. Top them with a tangy tomato sauce for extra punch, or just eat them as is—every bite feels like comfort food with a twist.

Anyone who enjoys homemade bread dumplings or wants to try a new way to use stale bread will find these dumplings fun, soft, and cheesy. They fit right in with the laid-back, generous spirit of Southern Italian kitchens. Hosting a casual get-together? These will be a hit. Cozy night in? Perfect! Their savory flavor and comforting texture are really, really delightful. Cannot go wrong.

INGREDIENTS

For about 10 patties: Stale bread 5 cups (300 g); Whole milk 1.1 cups (260 g); Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese 2.5 oz (70 g); Eggs 1; Garlic 1 clove; Parsley to taste; Breadcrumbs to taste; Fine salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; Extra virgin olive oil to taste

For filling and breading: Fontina cheese 1.5 oz (40 g); Breadcrumbs to taste

For cooking: Extra virgin olive oil to taste

Preparation

How to prepare Bread patties in a pan

To prepare the bread patties in a pan, cut the bread into slices and remove the crust 1, then break it into small pieces 2. Transfer the bread into a bowl, pour the milk and let it soften for a few minutes 3.

Add the egg 4, grated cheese 5, and parsley 6.

Salt 7, pepper, and season with a crushed garlic clove 8. Knead the mixture with your hands 9.

Add breadcrumbs only if the mixture is too soft 10. Set the mixture aside and cut the fontina cheese into small cubes 11. Now form the patties by taking a portion of the mixture 12.

Flatten them in the center 13 and insert a cube of fontina cheese 14. Continue until all the mixture is used 15.

Then coat each patty in breadcrumbs 16 17. Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan 18.

Let them brown on one side 19, then turn them over 20 and finish cooking on the other side. Serve the bread patties in a pan hot 21, accompanied by your favorite sauces!

Storage

You can store the bread patties in a pan in the refrigerator for 2 days, in an airtight container. If you want to prepare them the day before, you can store the raw and breaded patties in the refrigerator for one day.

Freezing is not recommended.