Bolinhos de Aipim with Cheese Filling
Golden fried Brazilian cassava croquettes stuffed with melting cheese, perfect as a savory snack or appetizer. This brazilian-inspired snacks ready in about 45 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed cassava (yuca) root, peeled and boiled
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup, cut into 1/2-inch cubes mozzarella cheese
- for frying, about 3 cups vegetable oil
- 1, beaten egg
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups boiled and mashed cassava root, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until forming a soft dough that holds together.
- Step 2: Take a golf ball-sized portion of the dough and flatten it in your palm. Place one 1/2-inch cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the dough around it, shaping into a smooth ball. Repeat until all dough and cheese are used.
- Step 3: Set up a dredging station: dip each filled ball first into 1 beaten egg, then roll thoroughly in 1 cup bread crumbs to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat to 350°F. Fry the croquettes in batches, about 4-5 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 5: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm as a cheesy snack or appetizer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bolinhos de Aipim with Cheese Filling take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Bolinhos de Aipim with Cheese Filling?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bolinhos de Aipim with Cheese Filling?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Bolinhos de Aipim with Cheese Filling for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Bolinhos de Aipim with Cheese Filling?
Brazilian snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
