Cassava and Cheese Fritters

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried cassava fritters stuffed with creamy cheese, offering a crispy exterior and soft, cheesy center. This brazilian-inspired snacks ready in about 35 minutes turns cassava (yuca) root, peeled and grated, mozzarella cheese, shredded, all-purpose flour 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 4, 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 4 Brazilian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and peel cassava root, then grate until you have 2 cups grated cassava. Place grated cassava in a clean cloth and squeeze out excess moisture.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups grated cassava, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well to form a sticky dough.
  3. Step 3: Take a small handful of the cassava mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place 1 tbsp shredded mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the edges over the cheese and shape into a ball, then gently flatten into a patty about 2.5 inches in diameter. Repeat to make 10-12 fritters.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry the fritters in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Step 5: Remove fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm to enjoy the melted cheese center with the crispy cassava exterior.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cassava and Cheese Fritters 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 Fritters?

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 Fritters?

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 Fritters for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Fritters?

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.

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