How to make Supplì al Telefono

Why cooks start here

Supplì al Telefono is cooked the way Rome cooks it — good olive oil used without counting, salt judged by hand, and no fuss about the plate. This is the home version, written down the way an Italian family cook actually puts it on the table.

Supplì al Telefono, a quintessential Roman street food, finds its roots in the bustling kitchens of Italy's capital. Typically enjoyed as an antipasto or a savory snack, these morsels are a staple at casual gatherings and lively aperitivo hours. Each family in Rome has its own cherished version, with recipes handed down through generations, ensuring that no two supplì are ever quite the same. Crisp on the outside with a golden breadcrumb shell, supplì reveal a creamy, savory rice filling upon the first bite. The melted mozzarella stretches like a telephone wire, giving the dish its playful name. Seasoned with just the right touch of salt and pepper, each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, making them impossible to resist.