Fried Pizza Strips

Name: Fried Pizza Strips
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Type 0 flour 4 cups; Water 1 ¼ cup; Extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tbsp; Fresh brewer's yeast 0.2 oz; Fine salt 1.7 tsp; Dried tomatoes (without oil) 5.25 oz; Green olives pitted 2 cups

it de fr es br

Lactose Free
Vegetarian
Vegan

Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Serving: 4
Cost: Low
Note plus the rising time (3-4 hours)

PRESENTATION

Recipe by
Ivana Ester Marra

Fried pizza strips—really popular in Campania—are perfect for those nights when you want something salty, like during a game or movie. These fried pizza dough strips are seriously good and always a hit. Just stretch some dough into strips, fill them with olives and sun-dried tomatoes, and fry until they're golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and tender inside.

In Naples and other parts of Southern Italy, this snack is part of the beloved pizza fritta tradition. It shows just how delicious fried dough can be. And look, unlike panzerotti or mozzarella sticks, these deep-fried pizza sticks really pack a savory punch with their fillings. No need for dips—although dipping them in sauce or topping them with stracciatella cheese? Pretty much the best.

The best part? Just grab a handful and enjoy while chatting with friends or watching the game—no fancy setup. In Campania, they are sometimes called scugnizzi Napoletani. Often seen at parties or during an aperitivo, they're a crowd favorite. The moist dough and tangy sun-dried tomatoes mean these fried pizza strips disappear fast.

While fantastic solo, pairing them with cold cuts or extra sauce? For sure, it elevates the snack. Unlike the simpler gnocco fritto from the north, served with cheese or cured meats, these pizza strips have their own flavor punch—super tasty. People whip up big batches because, well, they vanish.

Whether you're after an easy fried pizza recipe for a game night or just some crispy, homemade pizza strips for a chill evening, these deep-fried appetizers turn any gathering into a party. So, here's the deal: make sure you have plenty because everyone will want seconds or even thirds. Enjoy the crunch and the flavors of this Southern Italian favorite. They'll bring a taste of Campania straight to your table—no question.

INGREDIENTS

Type 0 flour 4 cups (500 g)

Water 1 ¼ cup (300 g)

Extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tbsp (20 g)

Fresh brewer's yeast 0.2 oz (5 g)

Fine salt 1.7 tsp (10 g)

for filling: Dried tomatoes 5.25 oz (150 g) - (without oil); Green olives 2 cups (80 g) - pitted

Preparation

How to prepare Fried Pizza Strips

To prepare the fried pizza strips, first pour the yeast into half of the indicated water dose 1. Mix well to dissolve it 2 and pour it into a large bowl where you have already added the flour 3.

Start mixing with a fork 4, then add the remaining water 5 and mix again 6.

Add oil 7 and finally the salt 8. Work it further in the bowl, then transfer onto a surface and continue kneading 9.

When you achieve a rather smooth consistency 10, shape into a ball 11 and transfer it into a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap 12 and let it rise for 6 hours at room temperature.

After this time, chop the sun-dried tomatoes 13 and slice the olives 14. Then take back the dough, which will have doubled in volume 15.

Transfer it onto a surface 16 and deflate it by pressing with your hands 17. Add sun-dried tomatoes and olives 18.

Close the dough to incorporate them 19 and knead quickly 20 until obtaining a homogeneous mixture 21.

Now roll out the dough with a rolling pin 22 and using a pastry wheel, make first vertical strips and then some diagonal cuts 23, to create diamond shapes 34.

Now heat the oil well and immerse a few pieces at a time, using a skimmer 25, cook until they are golden brown. Drain them 26, transfer onto absorbent paper, add a pinch of salt, and serve your fried pizza strips 27.