Olive Garden Italian Donut
Olive Garden Italian Donuts, or Zeppoli, are delicious, bite-sized fried dough balls that are soft on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior. These donuts are dusted with powdered sugar and often served with a chocolate dipping sauce for the ultimate indulgence. Inspired by traditional Italian desserts, this easy-to-make recipe brings the flavors of Olive Garden into your home. Perfect for any occasion, these donuts are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Deep saucepan or Dutch oven (1 unit)
- Slotted spoon (1 unit)
- Mixing Bowls – 2 units
- Whisk: 1 unit
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – 1 unit
- Thermometer (optional, 1 unit)
- Paper towels (1 roll, for draining the donuts)
- Serving plate (1 unit)
- Measuring cups & spoons (for precise ingredient measurements)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- Vegetable or canola oil enough for frying, approx. 2-3 inches in a saucepan
- Powdered sugar for dusting, about 1/2 cup
- Optional: Chocolate or raspberry sauce for dipping
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Heat the Oil:
- In a deep saucepan, pour enough vegetable or canola oil to submerge the donuts, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature or test with a small piece of dough (it should sizzle immediately).
Fry the Donuts:
- Using a spoon or your hands, drop small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) into the hot oil. Fry in batches, turning the donuts occasionally, until they are golden brown and float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes per batch). Remove the donuts with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- While the donuts are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. For extra flavor, serve with chocolate or raspberry sauce for dipping.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Olive Garden Italian Donuts are now ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ricotta Choice: Fresh ricotta yields the best texture, but you can use store-bought ricotta. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before using.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for crispy, non-greasy donuts. If the oil cools too much, the donuts may absorb excess oil.
- Storage: These donuts are best eaten fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Reheat in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
- Flavor Variations: Add cinnamon sugar, chocolate chips, or citrus zest to the dough for different flavor profiles.