Imagine walking into a cozy kitchen, the comforting aroma of sautéed onions mingling with the rich scent of melting cheese filling the air. That’s the essence of Frico – an Italian delight that captures the heart with its deliciously crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior. I first encountered this dish during a family gathering, where my aunt served it as a warm appetizer. The joy on everyone’s faces as they took their first bites sparked my love for this comforting potato and cheese cake.
Frico is wonderfully adaptable, allowing me to experiment with different cheeses or even sneak in some leftover veggies for extra flavor. It’s a breeze to make, too – perfect for those days when you want a satisfying meal without the stress. Whether paired with a fresh salad for lunch or served as finger food at gatherings, this flavorful dish is sure to impress. So, grab your skillet, and let’s bring this cherished Italian classic into your kitchen!
Why is Frico a must-try recipe?
Comforting Aroma: The delightful scent of sautéed onions and melting cheese is irresistible and brings warmth to any kitchen.
Flavor Explosion: Combining potatoes, onions, and gooey cheese creates a rich, savory experience for your taste buds.
Easy to Customize: Swap cheeses or add leftover veggies for a unique twist on this classic dish.
Quick Preparation: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, Frico is sure to become a favorite at gatherings or family meals!
Frico Ingredients
• For the perfect cheesy potato delight.
For the Base
- Red Potatoes – Provide the structure and heartiness; use waxy potatoes for best results.
- Onion (brown or white) – Enhances sweetness and depth of flavor through sautéing.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning and elevating all flavors.
For the Creaminess
- Montasio Cheese – Offers rich creaminess; substitutions can include Fontina, Gruyère, or Comté.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps achieve that crispy texture.
- Olive Oil – Used for cooking, it adds flavor and helps get that beautiful golden color.
Enjoy the delightful preparation of your Frico dish, embracing the aroma and flavors that will fill your home!
How to Make Frico
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Prepare Ingredients: Start by finely slicing one onion and setting it aside. Peel and grate 1.5 lbs of red potatoes, ensuring they are ready for that satisfying texture.
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Sauté Onions: In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
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Cook Potatoes: Add the grated potatoes to the pan, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Cook for 15 minutes, tossing occasionally until they are just cooked through and tender.
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Incorporate Cheese: Gently mix in cubed Montasio cheese, stirring until it begins to melt just slightly, creating a creamy blend with the potatoes.
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Form Frico: Spread the mixture evenly in the pan. Allow it to cook until the bottom is golden brown, which should take about 6-7 minutes.
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Flip Frico: Use a plate to carefully slide the Frico onto it, then invert the pan over the plate and flip it to cook the other side until it turns golden brown, another 6 minutes.
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Serve: Once both sides are crisp and inviting, slide the Frico onto a serving board for a beautiful presentation.
Optional: Serve with a light arugula salad to enhance the meal’s freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Making Frico
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Quality Cheese Matters: Choose high-quality Montasio cheese for the best flavor. Fresh cheese will enhance the creamy texture of your Frico.
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Potato Prep: Grate your potatoes right before cooking to maintain moisture and prevent browning. Pre-grated potatoes can become too watery.
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Watch the Heat: Cook Frico on medium heat to encourage even browning without burning. Too high heat can result in a charred crust.
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Perfect Flip: Use two spatulas or a large plate to flip the Frico, ensuring it doesn’t break apart. This trick keeps your crispy, cheesy potato cake intact!
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Customization Options: Don’t hesitate to add in your favorite veggies or different cheeses to create a personalized Frico. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed!
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Serve Immediately: Frico is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If reheating, do so on the stovetop rather than the microwave to regain its crispiness.
Frico Variations & Substitutions
Ready to tweak your delightful Frico? Dive into these delicious ideas that invite you to play with flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is a warm, comforting experience.
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Cheese Swap: Replace Montasio with Gruyère for a nuttier taste or try smoked cheese for a unique twist. The smoky aroma adds a special depth, making every bite fascinating.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the potato mixture for an aromatic touch. These herbs will elevate your Frico, captivating your senses with every mouthful.
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Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach or roasted peppers for added color and nutrition. These veggies not only enhance the dish’s appeal but also provide a delightful contrast in texture.
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Protein Addition: Incorporate diced ham or cooked sausage for a heartier meal. The protein gives an extra punch to the traditional recipe, making it filling enough for dinner.
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Spice It Up: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a dash of heat, perfect for spicy food lovers. This little addition can turn your comforting dish into a flavor explosion.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free potato flour instead of regular flour if yours includes it. Your Frico will still turn out crispy and delicious, staying true to its comforting roots.
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Vegan-Friendly: Substitute Montasio with a plant-based cheese and use olive oil instead of butter. You can still indulge in Frico with all its savory goodness while accommodating a vegan diet.
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Extra Crunch: Top your Frico with panko breadcrumbs before cooking for an even crispier crust. The added texture takes this classic dish to the next level of satisfaction!
How to Store and Freeze Frico
Fridge: Store any leftover Frico in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for optimal crispiness that retains its delightful texture.
Freezer: If freezing, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can keep Frico for up to 2 months, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty.
Reheating: To reheat frozen Frico, first, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, place it back in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to restore its crunchy exterior.
Make-ahead Tip: Prepare Frico in advance and store it in the fridge overnight. It will be even quicker to cook the next day, giving you more time to enjoy with family and friends!
Make Ahead Options
Frico is a fantastic dish for busy home cooks seeking to save time during the week! You can prepare the onion and potato mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply slice the onion and grate the potatoes, then mix them together and refrigerate in an airtight container. To prevent the potatoes from browning, keep them submerged in cold water until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to enjoy your Frico, just mix in the cheese and follow the cooking instructions as usual. This way, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready with minimal effort, just as satisfying as if made fresh!
What to Serve with Frico?
Imagine pairing this cheesy potato delight with fresh flavors and hearty sides that enhance its deliciousness.
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Arugula Salad: The peppery, crisp arugula salad drizzled with olive oil provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy Frico, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: Golden, buttery garlic bread complements the cheesy, savory notes of Frico, making for an indulgent feast that’s hard to resist.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of the crispy potato and onion cake perfectly.
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Tomato Sauce: A simple homemade tomato sauce brings acidity and freshness, transforming your Frico into a comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully with Frico; its crispness cuts through the richness and elevates each bite with bright acidity.
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Light Dessert: Finish your meal with a fruit sorbet or panna cotta for a sweet and refreshing conclusion, cleansing the palate after savoring the delightful Frico.
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Herbed Quinoa: A light, herbed quinoa salad can offer a refreshing grain dimension, adding texture and light flavors that complement the creamy Frico.
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Balsamic Glaze: Drizzling a bit of balsamic reduction over your Frico can introduce a sweet-tart element, making each bite even more tantalizing.
Frico Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes work best for Frico?
Absolutely! For the best results, use red potatoes as they provide a hearty structure and creaminess when cooked. Waxy potatoes, in particular, hold their shape and create a delightful texture. You can also experiment with Yukon Gold potatoes if you’re looking for a slightly richer flavor.
How should I store leftover Frico?
Very! Store any leftover Frico in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore that crispy texture. This method works wonders to regain its delightful crispness!
Can I freeze Frico for later?
Absolutely! To freeze Frico, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze the Frico for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side to bring back that perfect crunch.
What should I do if my Frico is falling apart during cooking?
Ah, don’t worry! If your Frico is falling apart, it often results from not letting it cook long enough on one side. Make sure it’s golden brown before flipping, and consider using two spatulas to help assist with the flip to keep it intact. Finishing it with a medium heat ensures the potatoes and cheese are cooked through.
Is Frico suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, of course! Frico is inherently gluten-free as it’s made with potatoes, cheese, and onions. Just be sure to check any specific substitutions if you’re altering the recipe (like certain cheeses or additional ingredients) to ensure they adhere to gluten-free standards.
Can I use different types of cheese in Frico?
The more, the merrier! While Montasio cheese is traditional, feel free to get creative. Gruyère, Fontina, or Comté can be used as alternatives. Each cheese will impart a different flavor, so choose based on your personal preference or what you have on hand. Combining cheeses can create delightful variations as well!
Delicious Frico: Cheesy Potato and Onion Cake to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Finely slice one onion and set it aside. Peel and grate 1.5 lbs of red potatoes.
- Melt 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
- Add the grated potatoes to the pan, season with salt, and cook for 15 minutes, tossing occasionally until tender.
- Gently mix in cubed Montasio cheese, stirring until it starts to melt, creating a creamy blend.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 6-7 minutes.
- Carefully slide the Frico onto a plate, then invert the pan and flip to cook the other side until golden brown, another 6 minutes.
- Slide the Frico onto a serving board and serve immediately.