Oladyi (Cottage Cheese Fritters)

Golden outside and soft in the center, these cottage cheese fritters stay tender from the dough and rich from the melted cheese filling. They feel comforting and substantial without needing much on the side.

Stack of cottage cheese fritters on a plate with sour cream and berry jam on the side on a stainless steel countertop

Recipe

Cook’s Note: Keep the heat at medium so the fritters brown fully before the filling overheats. If the dough feels sticky, flour your hands lightly instead of adding too much extra flour.

Prep: 20 Minutes

Cook: 15 Minutes

Serves: 3-4

Best served with: sour cream, jam, or a simple herb dip

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150 g) cottage cheese (farmer’s cheese or tvorog)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar

Filling

  • 150 g hard cheese, grated (5 oz)
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tbsp sour cream

Steps

  1. Stir the cottage cheese and eggs together in a bowl until mostly smooth.
  2. Add the sugar, salt, and flour and mix into a soft dough.
  3. Stir in the baking soda and vinegar until evenly combined.
  4. Mix the grated cheese, garlic, dill, and sour cream in a separate bowl.
  5. Divide the dough into small portions.
  6. Flatten each one, add a spoonful of filling, and seal the dough around it.
  7. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  8. Cook the fritters seam-side down for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
  9. Transfer to a plate and serve warm.

Why This Recipe Works

Cottage cheese keeps the dough tender, while the cheese filling melts into the center and gives each fritter more richness. Moderate heat lets the outside turn golden before the middle finishes cooking.

Pairing Suggestion

Serve with hot tea, sour cream, or berry jam.

Leftover Strategy

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crisp again at the edges.

Make It Yours

  • Add black pepper or smoked paprika to the filling.
  • Swap sour cream for thick yogurt.
  • Add finely chopped green onion for more bite.
  • Use farmer’s cheese for a firmer dough.

Kitchen Connections

Foundation: Simple Batter (to be linked)
Next Dish: Try Blini (Thin Crepes) next for another soft breakfast built from a simple batter.

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