Frico is a traditional Italian comfort food from the Friuli region, made with sautéed potatoes and onions combined with plenty of melted Italian Montasio cheese. This dish is crispy on the outside yet soft and gooey on the inside, similar to a cheesy potato rosti. It’s perfect as a snack, light lunch, or dinner served with a simple salad or crispy grilled polenta. The combination of crispy edges and melted cheese offers an indulgent treat especially satisfying in colder weather.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (640g) red potatoes, peeled and grated

• 8.8 oz (250g) Montasio cheese, cubed (or substitute Gruyere, Fontina, Comte)

• 1 brown or white onion, finely sliced

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Finely slice the onion and set aside. Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater. Keep onions and potatoes separate.

2. Melt butter and olive oil in a 9.5-inch (24cm) nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

3. Add grated potatoes and season with salt. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes, tossing and turning the potatoes regularly to ensure even cooking.

4. Add the cubed Montasio cheese and stir for a couple of minutes until the cheese begins to melt and combine with the potatoes.

5. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Check frequently to avoid burning.

6. Slide the frico onto a plate, then invert the pan over the plate and flip the frico back into the pan to cook the other side.

7. Cook for another 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the other side.

8. Slide onto a serving plate and serve warm, with salad or grilled polenta if desired.

Nutrients

• Calories: 204 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15 g

• Protein: 10 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Saturated Fat: 6 g

• Sodium: 266 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Calcium: 185 mg

The Origins and Regional Significance of Frico

Frico’s roots in Friuli, a region known for its rich culinary heritage, reflect the rustic and resourceful nature of Italian mountain cuisine. Historically, dishes like frico were created out of necessity—using readily available ingredients such as potatoes, onions, and local cheeses. Montasio cheese, a staple of the region, plays a crucial role in defining the dish’s character with its creamy texture and nutty flavor.

This cheese is a semi-hard, cow’s milk cheese aged to different degrees, from fresh to well-matured, offering varying intensities of flavor. When melted in frico, Montasio develops a luscious, slightly elastic texture that binds the potatoes and onions together, creating an irresistible medley of tastes and mouthfeel. The dish’s regional identity is deeply connected to this cheese, though it can be substituted with other Italian or Alpine cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or Comté, which share similar melting properties.

Balancing Textures: Crispy Outside, Soft Inside

One of the most captivating aspects of frico is its remarkable contrast in texture. The outer layer crisps up beautifully in the pan, creating a golden-brown crust that adds crunch and visual appeal. Meanwhile, the inside remains tender and creamy thanks to the melted cheese and the soft cooked potatoes. Achieving this balance is a delicate art, relying on careful cooking and timing to ensure neither side burns or remains undercooked.

The grated potatoes are sautéed gently to cook through while maintaining a slight bite, which provides structure to the dish. Meanwhile, the sautéed onions contribute sweetness and moisture, softening the potato mixture and complementing the savory richness of the cheese. This interplay of textures—crisp edges, gooey center, and tender vegetable bits—makes each bite complex and deeply satisfying.

Flavor Profile and Ingredient Harmony

Frico’s flavor is a beautiful interplay of creamy, savory, sweet, and slightly nutty notes. The Montasio cheese brings a mild yet distinct richness, balanced by the natural sweetness of caramelized onions. The potatoes offer a neutral, starchy backdrop that absorbs and enhances these flavors.

Using quality unsalted butter and olive oil to sauté the onions and potatoes contributes a subtle richness and depth without overpowering the primary ingredients. Salt seasoning is applied carefully to bring out the natural flavors without masking the nuances of the cheese or vegetables.

This harmony of simple, fresh ingredients results in a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced, comforting but not heavy, and classic yet versatile.

Techniques for Perfecting Frico

Cooking frico requires attention to detail and patience. The process begins by finely slicing onions and grating potatoes separately to ensure even cooking and texture. Sautéing the onions slowly allows their sugars to caramelize gently, developing sweetness and softening them to meld beautifully with the potatoes.

The potatoes must be cooked slowly and stirred frequently to avoid sticking or burning, while encouraging even browning. Adding the cheese toward the end and stirring briefly helps it begin to melt and bind the mixture before the final shaping.

The unique flipping method—sliding the frico onto a plate and then inverting the pan to cook the other side—ensures both sides develop a crispy crust without breaking apart. This step requires a gentle touch but rewards with a perfectly cooked golden-brown frico.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Frico is traditionally served warm, often accompanied by simple side dishes that complement but don’t overshadow its rich flavors. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast and cuts through the richness of the cheese and potatoes.

Grilled polenta is another classic pairing, offering a smoky, firm texture that pairs beautifully with the soft frico. For a heartier meal, frico can be served alongside roasted vegetables or cured meats to add variety and substance.

It can also be enjoyed as a standalone snack or appetizer, cut into wedges and served with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a dollop of tangy sour cream or crème fraîche for added richness.

Nutritional Insights

Frico is a nutrient-dense dish that combines carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in a satisfying balance. The potatoes provide energy-giving carbohydrates and dietary fiber, while the Montasio cheese delivers high-quality protein and calcium vital for bone health.

The fat content, coming mainly from the cheese and butter, adds richness and satiety, making the dish satisfying and energy-dense. While the sodium content is moderate, it can be adjusted by moderating added salt or selecting cheeses with lower salt levels.

The dish’s relatively simple ingredients and balanced macronutrient profile make it a wholesome comfort food when enjoyed in appropriate portions.

Variations and Adaptations

While traditional frico relies on Montasio cheese and potatoes, the recipe is adaptable. Using alternative cheeses such as Gruyere or Fontina can offer different flavor profiles, each adding its unique nutty or buttery characteristics.

For a twist, additional ingredients like fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme), sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized shallots can be incorporated to add depth and variety. Some versions include pancetta or bacon for a smoky, savory boost.

Frico can also be made smaller as individual servings or shaped into larger pans for family-style dining. Its versatility makes it a great dish to experiment with while honoring traditional techniques.

Conclusion

Frico is a comforting and flavorful dish that beautifully showcases the simplicity and richness of traditional Italian cooking. Its crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior provide a perfect balance of textures, while the harmonious combination of sautéed potatoes, sweet onions, and Montasio cheese delivers a deeply satisfying flavor experience.

Rooted in the culinary traditions of Friuli, frico offers both nostalgic comfort and elegant versatility. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a light lunch, or part of a more substantial meal, it invites you to savor the richness of rustic Italian flavors.

Adding this recipe to your website will inspire readers to explore the charm of authentic Italian comfort food made with simple ingredients and time-honored techniques. Frico’s warmth, richness, and texture make it a perfect dish to enjoy throughout the year, especially when shared with loved ones.