Fritter

Called sfingi and alternately sfina and zeppole, these classic southern Italian fritters are made from pasta bignè, or cream puff dough. Since there is no sugar in the dough, rolling the fritters in cinnamon sugar gives them the right touch of sweetness.

Also called bimuelos, these are a typical Sephardic Hanukkah dessert. The oil in which they are deep-fried commemorates the time during the second century B. C. when a vial of oil, enough for only one day, is said to have burned in the Temple for eight days after the Jews' victory over their Syrian oppressors.

These are called arancini (little oranges).

"I'm hoping to get the recipe for a terrific appetizer I tried at Hamiltons' at First & Main in Charlottesville, Virginia," says Sue Carter of Murieta, California. "The seafood fritters came with lettuce leaves (to wrap around the fritters) and a spicy sauce."

This is a colorful variation on the classic potato latke.

A crisp, gluten-free snack that pairs well especially well with drinks, these cheesy panisse have the perfect custardy texture and buttery flavor.

A golden brown, lacy fritter filled with summer’s sweetest corn.

Golden lentil dumplings dunked in creamy yogurt and topped with chaat masala.

Frozen cauliflower deserves to be more than a side. Here a quick zap in the microwave primes the veggie crumbles to become a hearty vegetarian main.

Cottage cheese (yes, really) gives these pan-fried goodies moisture and richness.

Inspired by Indian bhajia, these actually crispy fritters feature a hint of coconut for a subtle sweetness. 

A textbook example of a back-pocket recipe, these zucchini fritters can be made quickly with what you have on hand—and they’ll impress every time.

These Persian potato fritters are miraculously crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and taste best dipped in a quick ‘n’ zesty yogurt. 

Try eating just one of these picarones, doughnut-like Peruvian confections that are drenched in a fig-flavored syrup.

A great appetizer or an indulgent snack, these crispy little fritters are best eaten right away.

Easy, cheesy, beautiful mozzarella fritters. 

No flipping required for this deliciously satisfying dish of one large-format crispy potato pancake topped with dressed greens and eggs.

Crispy, fried bhajia are a popular snack across India, and chef Preeti Mistry’s version makes the most of spring produce.

Crispy, bronzed potato patties and a fiery green sauce to dip them in.