Cheesy Veggie Alcapurrias

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

Crispy, golden fritters filled with a creamy blend of cheese and vegetables, a popular Puerto Rican street food made vegetarian-friendly with plantain and corn. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs green plantains, mozzarella cheese, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.0 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and grate plantains into a bowl. Add shredded mozzarella, chopped onion, minced garlic, 1 tbsp cilantro, corn, 2 tbsp flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the mixture holds together when pressed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Veggie Alcapurrias take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Cheesy Veggie Alcapurrias?

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 green plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Veggie Alcapurrias?

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 Cheesy Veggie Alcapurrias 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.

Is Cheesy Veggie Alcapurrias vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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