Masa de Maíz con Queso Fresco
Homemade corn masa with fresh cheese and cilantro, perfect for dipping or as a side with grilled meats. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs corn masa flour, warm water, fresh queso fresco for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 250 g corn masa flour
- 150 ml warm water
- 150 g fresh queso fresco
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix masa flour and sea salt. Gradually add warm water while stirring until a soft, non-sticky dough forms (about 2 minutes).
- Step 2: Knead dough on a floured surface for 3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Divide dough into 8 equal portions, then flatten each into 10-cm discs using a tortilla press or rolling pin.
- Step 4: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook each disc for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly golden with brown spots.
- Step 5: Crumble queso fresco into fine pieces and mix with cilantro. Spread over warm masa discs while still hot.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil for a simple, flavorful side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Masa de Maíz con Queso Fresco take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Masa de Maíz con Queso Fresco?
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 corn masa flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Masa de Maíz con Queso Fresco?
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 Masa de Maíz con Queso Fresco 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 Masa de Maíz con Queso Fresco 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
