Cassava and Cheese Empanadas with Garlic Mojo

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy empanadas made with cassava dough filled with melted cheese and served with a vibrant garlic and cilantro mojo sauce. This latin american-inspired snacks ready in about 35 minutes turns cassava flour, warm water, salt into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups cassava flour with 1 tsp salt. Slowly add 1 cup warm water and 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, stirring until a dough forms. Knead gently for 3 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a 6-inch diameter circle on a lightly floured surface.
  3. Step 3: Place 3 tbsp shredded queso blanco or mozzarella cheese on one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Fold dough over to enclose filling and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 cup vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry empanadas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Step 5: For the garlic mojo sauce, combine 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot empanadas alongside the vibrant garlic mojo for dipping, enjoying the contrast of crispy cassava dough and melted cheese with fresh, tangy sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cassava and Cheese Empanadas with Garlic Mojo take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Cassava and Cheese Empanadas with Garlic Mojo?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cassava and Cheese Empanadas with Garlic Mojo?

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 Cassava and Cheese Empanadas with Garlic Mojo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Cassava and Cheese Empanadas with Garlic Mojo?

Latin American 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.

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