Cassava and Cheese Pastel Fritters
Crispy Brazilian pastel-style fritters filled with creamy cheese and tender cassava, perfect as a snack or appetizer. This brazilian-inspired snacks ready in about 35 minutes turns peeled and grated cassava (yuca) root, shredded mozzarella cheese, 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 180 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled and grated cassava (yuca) root
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups peeled and grated cassava with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 large beaten egg, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley; mix thoroughly into a sticky dough.
- Step 2: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 3: Using your hands, form the cassava mixture into small oval-shaped fritters about 3 inches long, then carefully drop them into the hot oil in batches.
- Step 4: Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes each batch, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp on all sides; remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cassava and Cheese Pastel 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 Pastel 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 Pastel 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 Pastel Fritters 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 Cassava and Cheese Pastel 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.
