Go Back
Homemade Bollitos de Yuca (Cheese-Stuffed Fried Cassava Balls) photo

Bollitos de Yuca (Cheese-Stuffed Fried Cassava Balls)

These Bollitos de Yuca are a cheesy, crispy delight! Perfect for parties or as a snack, they are sure to impress everyone!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Latin American

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound cassava (yuca) peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 teaspoon curly parsley finely chopped
  • ½ cup milk whole or skim
  • teaspoons salt or more, to taste
  • 1 pound cheddar cubed
  • 1 medium egg
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups oil for frying

Equipment

  • Large pot or deep fryer for frying
  • Potato masher or food processor for mashing cassava
  • Mixing bowl for combining ingredients
  • Spoon or ice cream scoop for shaping the balls
  • Slotted spoon for removing fried bollitos
  • Paper towels for draining excess oil

Method
 

Directions
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cassava and boil until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain the cassava and let it cool slightly before mashing it with a potato masher or food processor until smooth.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed cassava, salted butter, chopped parsley, milk, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly sticky.
  3. Next, add the egg and flour to the cassava mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be cohesive but not tough.
  4. With your hands, take a small amount of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and fold the dough over to encase the cheese completely. Roll it into a ball shape and set aside. Repeat with the remaining dough and cheese.
  5. In a large pot or deep fryer, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough in; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
  6. Carefully add a few bollitos to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve your Bollitos de Yuca hot, perhaps alongside a dipping sauce like spicy salsa or garlic mayo. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavors!

Notes

  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy bollitos.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying; cook in batches.
  • Leftover bollitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Uncooked bollitos can be frozen for up to a month; fry them straight from the freezer.