Chiacchiere, a beloved Italian treat, is known for its light, crispy texture and sweet, powdered sugar topping. Traditional chiacchiere are made by rolling out dough, cutting it into strips, and deep-frying it until perfectly crispy. But what if you could make these in a fraction of the time? This quick version of chiacchiere uses lasagna sheets, turning a classic treat into an incredibly simple and fast recipe. If you’re in the mood for a sweet snack that’s easy to prepare, this is your go-to recipe!
Chiacchiere, sometimes called frappe or bugie, are an iconic Italian pastry typically enjoyed during Carnival and other festive occasions. Their name, meaning “chatter” in Italian, might refer to the way the dough puffs up and crisps when fried—creating a playful, airy texture. While traditionally made from a rich, sweet dough, this version uses lasagna sheets, cutting down preparation time without compromising on taste or crunch.
Yes! Traditional chiacchiere are made from scratch using a sweet dough. However, lasagna sheets are a great shortcut for this recipe, providing a similar texture with less effort.
While frying gives chiacchiere their signature crispiness, you could try baking them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy as fried ones but will still be delicious!
These chiacchiere are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They may lose some of their crunch after a while, so it's best to eat them quickly.
Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna sheets as a substitute for traditional lasagna sheets. Just be sure to check the packaging for any necessary adjustments to frying time.
Chiacchiere are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side of fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a scoop of gelato for an extra indulgent treat.
To store leftover chiacchiere, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to 2-3 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause them to lose their crunch.
You can freeze chiacchiere before frying. Simply lay the cut lasagna sheets on a baking sheet, freeze them for about 30 minutes, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to fry, cook them straight from frozen, adjusting the frying time slightly.
Cut the lasagna sheets: Using a sharp knife, cut the lasagna sheets into strips or any desired shape.
Cut the lasagna sheets: Using a sharp knife, cut the lasagna sheets into strips or any desired shape.
Heat oil: In a large frying pan, heat enough oil to submerge the chiacchiere. The oil should be about 2-3 inches deep. Heat to medium-high.Fry the chiacchiere: Add the lasagna sheet strips to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Heat oil: In a large frying pan, heat enough oil to submerge the chiacchiere. The oil should be about 2-3 inches deep. Heat to medium-high.Fry the chiacchiere: Add the lasagna sheet strips to the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Drain and serve: Remove the fried chiacchiere and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Once drained, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.
Drain and serve: Remove the fried chiacchiere and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Once drained, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar.