Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (2025)

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Spam Fritters are an absolute British classic. Here I show you how to make them at home in the easiest and most delicious way possible!

Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (1)

Homemade Spam Fritters

Anyone else’s childhood just come streaming back to them? You know, the spam fritters you either got from the chippy, or, dare I say, the ones you got from the store to oven bake?? C’mon we’ve all been there 😂

For those of you completely lost right now and wondering how and why you ended up here, let’s just clear a few things up really quickly.

What is Spam?

Spam is a canned meat mainly consisting of pork and ham. It’s fairly universally distributed but also fairly controversial (love it or hate it kinda deal #teamlove)

What are Spam Fritters?

Spam fritters are essentially slices of spam deep fried in a batter. Word has it these came about in WW2 when there was a shortage of fish in Britain, so we decided to replace it with Spam. As you do.

Today I’m going to show you just how easy it is to make your own Spam fritters. Here’s exactly how I like mine:

Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (2)

Now, the cheese and mustard is negotiable, but the beer batter is not. We’ll talk more about the batter in just a sec, but first let’s talk Spam.

For this recipe you’ll just need the one can of Spam, which will give you 8 fritters. It’s important to get the Spam out in once piece (just follow the can instructions) don’t scrape around with knife.

Rest it on it’s side and slice into 8 even wedges. If you’re using mustard just a thin slather on top then press down the cheese.

What is the best cheese to use?

Cheddar or Swiss work great. In all cases just make sure it’s sliced to the exact size of the fritters.

Can I make them without cheese and mustard?

Absolutely! Classic Spam fritters don’t have either and still taste delicious. I’m just extra.

Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (3)

Beer Batter

Using beer in the batter is perfect for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, it contains foaming agents which make the batter nice and bubbly (the more air bubbles, the crisper the batter). The second reason is it adds a richer flavourin comparison to milk or water.

Baking Powder

Alongside plain flour, seasoning and beer, I always add a tsp of baking powder. The baking powder causes a chemical reaction in the hot oil which produces tiny air bubbles in the batter, and as I just mentioned, the more of those tiny air bubbles the crispier the batter. Think of it like tiny holes in honeycomb.

Beer Batter Tip #1 – Make sure you don’t overwork the batter or you’ll burst all the bubbles and the batter won’t be quite as crispy. Some small lumps in the batter are fine.

Beer Batter Tip #2 – Work quick! You want the batter nice and bubbly/frothy when it hits the oil. The longer you leave it the flatter it goes.

How to make batter for fritters (quick summary)

  1. Combine flour, white pepper, salt and baking powder.
  2. Dredging all your fritters.
  3. Pour in beer and mix.
  4. Dredge each fritter in the beer batter

Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (4)

Deep Fried Spam Fritters

I’ve seen similar recipes to this shallow fry the fritters, but deep frying is a far superior method. You get a far more uniformed batter and it’s much crispier.

If you’re not confident deep frying then these are the perfect introduction. Because the Spam is already cooked, at the very least you won’t get food poisoning if you stuff it up 😂But all jokes aside deep frying is incredibly easy, especially with this recipe.

Tips for deep frying Spam

  • Oil: Important to use an oil with a high smoking point such as sunflower, vegetable or rapeseed. Do not use olive oil.
  • Heat: You’ll need to get the temp up to 180C/356F before adding the fritters. If the oil isn’t hot enough they’ll absorb too much oil and come out soggy.
  • Batches: Work in batches of 3-4 so a) they don’t stick together and b) it doesn’t lower the temp too much. If you’re not overly confident then start with just one.

After a couple of minutes each side they’ll hopefully look something a little like this:

Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (5)

Serving Spam Fritters

Once they’re done in the oil, pop them on a wire rack with paper towels UNDERNEATH (I find they go soggy as they cool if placed directly on paper towels). Allow them to cool then tuck in!

Traditionally Spam fritters are either served at the chippy, or with chips and beans/peas. Here I’ve just served them as some finger food with a good helping of ketchup!

If you’re looking for a similar beer battered recipe then check out my Beer Battered Onion Rings!

But for now, let’s tuck into the full Spam Fritters recipe shall we?!

Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (6)

How to make Spam Fritters(Full Recipe & Video)

Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (7)

Spam Fritters

Spam Fritters are an absolute British classic. Here I show you how to make them at home in the easiest and most delicious way possible! I recommend skimming through the recipe notes before getting started!

5 from 7 votes

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Servings (click & slide): 8 fritters

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: British

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Calories per serving: 229kcal

Author: Chris Collins

Cost per serving: £1.50 / $2

Equipment:

Ingredients (check list):

  • 1x 12oz/350g can of Spam
  • 1 cup / 150g Plain/All Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup / 240ml COLD Beer (see notes)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/4 tsp each: White Pepper, Salt
  • Oil, for deep frying (see notes)

Optional

  • 4 squares of Cheese, halved/sliced to the size of one fritter (Cheddar or Swiss work great)
  • Dijon Mustard, as needed

Instructions:

  • Remove spam from tin (follow instructions on can, make sure it comes out whole). Place on chopping board and slice into 8 equal sized wedges. I find this easiest by halving (2), halving those halves (4), then halving each of those (8).

  • Lay each wedge flat and very lightly spread with dijon mustard (not too much, just enough for the cheese to stick ~1/2tsp). Lay each slice of cheese on top and firmly press down so it sticks to the spam.

  • Combine flour in a bowl with baking powder, white pepper and salt. Making sure the cheese stays intact, carefully (but thoroughly) coat each fritter in flour.

  • At this point pour 3-4cups/750ml-1litre oil in a deep pan and heat it to 180C/356F.

  • Once all the fritters are coated in the flour pour in the COLD beer. Use a whisk to stir (don't over beat or the bubbles with burst, some small lumps are fine). If you go OTT with the beer and it's too thin just mix in a few pinches more flour, vice versa with the flour. Again, you want the batter as airy and cold as possible so don't beat the hell out of it. It should be somewhat thin, but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

  • Use a fork to lower the fritters into the batter, allow them to fully coat, then carefully transfer into the hot oil. Work in batches of 3-4. You want to work fairly quickly as you want the batter to be as cold and bubbly as possible.

  • Once the fritters are in the oil the temp will drop, so try and keep it at a steady 180C/356F (increase heat as needed). Allow them to fry for a couple of minutes, then flip and continue cooking until golden. Remove one by one and place on a wire rack with paper towels UNDERNEATH (don't place straight on paper towels or they'll go soggy). Repeat with second batch.

Quick 1 min demo!

Notes:

a) Beer - Really important the beer is left unopened in the fridge until the last minute. You want it nice and cold and bubbly so it makes the most crispy/airy batter. In terms of what beer to use I usually go for Fosters or Heineken but any lager beer will work. Beer works best as it gives a richer flavour and the alcohol burns off quick (so crispier batter) but a neutral flavoured soda water can sub at a push.

b) Oil - You need to use an oil with a high smoking point. Sunflower, vegetable and rapeseed all work well and are great for their neutral flavours. Peanut oil is great, but obvious injects a mild peanut flavour. Do not use olive oil.

c) Batter - Really important to not over mix the batter, you don't want to beat the bubbles out. Because it's a rough and ready batter, it's easily adjustable, so if you go slightly OTT with the beer you can easily mix in more flour to thicken.

d) Tips for Deep Frying - If you're not confident with deep frying I recommend just testing with one in the first instance, then increase from there (up to 4 in the pan). Important to make sure the oil reaches temp before adding the fritters AND that it maintains, otherwise the fritters will absorb too much oil and they'll be oily/soggy.

e) Classic Spam Fritters - Classic spam fritters of course don't use mustard/cheese, so feel free to make these without and continue the recipe as stated.

f) Calories - Difficult to calculate how much oil is soaked up and how much batter is used, but nutrition based on using all the batter and 1/2tsp oil soaked up per fritter. No cheese or mustard.

Your Private Notes:

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Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts

Spam Fritters

Amount Per Serving

Calories 229Calories from Fat 129

% Daily Value*

Fat 14.32g22%

Saturated Fat 4.575g23%

Trans Fat 0.608g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1.672g

Monounsaturated Fat 7.642g

Cholesterol 31mg10%

Sodium 601mg25%

Potassium 190mg5%

Carbohydrates 14.91g5%

Fiber 0.5g2%

Sugar 0.04g0%

Protein 7.59g15%

Vitamin C 0.4mg0%

Calcium 37mg4%

Iron 1.19mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.

Tried this recipe?Show me how you got on by tagging @dontgobaconmyheart_ on IG and #dontgobaconmyheart

Looking for more?You'll find plenty more delicious comfort food like this in my Debut Cookbook 'Comfy'

If you loved this Spam Fritters Recipe then be sure to pin it for later! Already made them or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments below and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!

Classic Spam Fritters Recipe | Don't Go Bacon My Heart (2025)

FAQs

Are spam fritters healthy? ›

Though Spam is convenient, easy to use and has a long shelf-life, it's also very high in fat, calories and sodium and low in important nutrients, such as protein, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it's highly processed and contains preservatives like sodium nitrite that may cause several adverse health effects.

What to serve with spam fritters? ›

Traditionally, these fritters are served with creamy mashed potatoes or crispy chips, and mushy peas or beans, and that's exactly how I serve mine.

What meat is spam fritter? ›

Cut SPAM® Chopped Pork into six thick slices. Put the flour into a mixing bowl and gradually add the cold water and whisk until the mixture is fully blended and smooth. It should be quite a thick coating batter.

Is Spam the most unhealthy food? ›

Here's Why Health Experts Consider Spam Unhealthy!

It comprises no Vitamin C or A. It has less calcium than real meat (like chicken breasts or turkey breasts that possess almost double of it). Spam is high in sodium and can potentially cause heart issues and elevated blood pressure.

Which Spam is the healthiest? ›

Spam Lite is objectively healthier than the original Spam because it's made with less pork fat and sodium, and it tastes like a no-name, generic Spam substitute. Spam contains very few ingredients, and removing any of these messes with what makes it so special and singular.

What is the best way to fry Spam? ›

Heat oil in a pan to about 300 deg. I use peanut oil. Dip Spam in egg then flour and fry til golden brown. I serve with Chicken gravy and mashed Potatoes.

What is the best thing to eat with Spam? ›

Try cooking up some Spam and using it in place of other meats in some of your favorite dishes, such as burgers, tacos, or fried rice. You can even have Spam for breakfast by mixing it into a hearty skillet hash or add it to donuts for a sweet and savory dessert!

Why do you put baking powder in fritters? ›

They just need a simple, light batter of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder mixed with seltzer to tie them together. The seltzer and baking powder ensure that the fritters are shatteringly crisp–even slightly tired vegetables emerge from the oil crunchy, fresh, and sweet.

Should fritter batter be thick? ›

Should fritter batter be thick? Yep! You want it thick and chunky (from the apples) so that the fritters hold together when you scoop 'em.

What if fritter batter is too wet? ›

Add flour to your wet batter! Large veggies have a high water content (which we know equals soggy fritters). But don't stress! Adding flour to a wetter batter will give you the thick consistency you want.

What does Spam stand for? ›

Some say SPAM stands for Specially Processed American Meat, others believe it is a portmanteau for spiced ham, while others say it stands for Shoulder of Pork and Ham. As it relates to email, spam is not an acronym. What does the term spam refer to? Spam refers to unwanted, unsolicited junk emails.

How to eat spam fritters? ›

They can be served with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside mushy peas, as traditionally served in England.

Does fried spam taste like bacon? ›

Review: I love everything about Spam, from the slightly unsettling aroma that it has uncooked to the unique (take that however you will) flavor. It tastes like the crispiest part of bacon when cooked right, but with more salt, somehow.

Are fritters healthy to eat? ›

As to whether corn fritters are healthy, as a university-qualified nutritionist, I can simply say they are delicious and satisfying. They comprise a fulfilling balance of fat, protein and carbohydrates. And are enjoyable for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

How many calories are in a spam fritter? ›

Return To Address
Typical ValuesPer 75g ServingPer 100g
Energy976 kJ / 234 kcal1301 kJ / 312 kcal
Fat14.2g18.9g
(of which Saturates)(4.0g)(5.4g)
Carbohydrate18.9g25.2g
5 more rows

Is Spam healthier than bacon? ›

One 2-ounce serving of the original Spam variety contains 180 calories and just a handful of micronutrients like zinc, potassium, iron, and copper. It also boasts 16 grams of fat. Bacon, on the other hand, has about 263 calories in a 2-ounce portion with an estimated 19.6 grams of fat.

Is cooked Spam good for you? ›

The short answer: no. Spam is not a healthy thing to eat. A 12-ounce can contains six servings. A single serving holds 16 grams of fat, including six grams of saturated fat.

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