Description
Deliciously crispy artichoke fritters served warm with a smooth and tangy whipped goat cheese topping. These golden fritters combine tender artichoke hearts with a seasoned batter, fried to perfection for a crunchy exterior and soft interior. The whipped goat cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast, making this appetizer perfect for sharing or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Fritters
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches in skillet)
Whipped Goat Cheese
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the whipped goat cheese: In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened goat cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, and honey (if using) until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the fritters.
- Mix fritter batter: In a large bowl, combine the chopped artichoke hearts, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, egg, chopped parsley, and milk. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and a thick, cohesive batter forms.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
- Fry the fritters: Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of the artichoke batter into the hot oil. Fry the fritters for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; fry in batches if necessary for even cooking and crispiness.
- Drain and cool: Remove the fried fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let them cool slightly so they are safe and pleasant to eat.
- Serve: Arrange the fritters on a serving platter, topping each with a generous dollop of the whipped goat cheese. Serve warm for optimal flavor and texture, and enjoy this savory appetizer!
Notes
- You can omit honey from the whipped goat cheese for a tangier taste.
- Use fresh parsley to enhance freshness and color.
- Maintain medium heat while frying to ensure fritters cook through without burning.
- Drain fritters well on paper towels to reduce excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; fritters can lose crispiness if left to sit too long.
