Frico

There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of sautéed onions mingling with melting cheese and golden potatoes in the air. This dish, Frico, is an Italian classic that transforms humble ingredients into a crispy, cheesy delight. In just about 45 minutes, you can create a savory dish that pairs beautifully with various meals or stands alone as a delightful snack.

Frico is perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. It’s great to impress guests or satisfy your cravings. Plus, you can make it ahead and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy on the outside, meltingly cheesy on the inside.
• Simple ingredients create a hearty comfort food.
• Quick to prepare in about 45 minutes.
• Perfect for sharing at any gathering.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking.

For the Frico

• 1.5 lbs (640g) red potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 brown or white onion, finely sliced
• 8.8 oz (250g) Montasio cheese, cubed (about 1.5 cups)
• 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Montasio cheese can be substituted with Gruyère or Fontina.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Red potatoes can be replaced with Yukon Golds.
• Unsalted butter can be swapped with margarine.
• Montasio cheese can be exchanged for a similar melting cheese.
• Olive oil can be replaced with vegetable oil.

How to Make It

Get ready to create this delicious dish with these simple steps.

Slice the Onion

Finely slice 1 onion and set aside. Then, peel and grate 640g (1.5 lbs) of potatoes using a box grater, setting that aside separately.

Sauté the Onions

Melt 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the onions and sauté them until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Cook the Potatoes

Add the grated potato to the pan and season with a good pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes on medium heat until the potato is just cooked through. Remember to toss and turn the potatoes every so often for even cooking.

Mix in the Cheese

Add 250g (8.8 oz) of the cubed Montasio cheese and mix for a couple of minutes until well combined and the cheese starts to melt.

Spread and Cook

Once the cheese has started to melt, spread the frico out into an even layer. Leave it to cook on one side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown, checking occasionally by lifting the edges slightly with a spatula.

Flip the Frico

Once browned, slide the frico onto a plate. Place the pan upside down on top of the plate and flip it back over into the pan to cook the other side.

Finish Cooking

Cook for another 6 minutes on the other side until golden brown. Flip the frico onto a serving board or plate to serve.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture changes during freezing.
Reheat: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a box grater for consistent potato texture.
• Keep the heat moderate to prevent burning.
• Opt for freshly grated cheese for better melting.
• Toss with two wooden spoons for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a glass of white wine for a delightful evening.
• Great as a warm appetizer at gatherings.