Mofongo de Plátano con Queso

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

A traditional Puerto Rican side dish featuring creamy mashed green plantains blended with garlic, cheese, and herbs. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs green plantains, olive oil, garlic cloves 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 4 large green plantains and cut into 1-inch chunks. Boil in a pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes until very tender. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot with the plantains. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy, adding 1/4 cup vegetable broth as needed to achieve a soft, spreadable texture.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese and a pinch of salt. Continue mashing until cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a cohesive dough-like consistency.
  4. Step 4: Form the mixture into 4 oval patties about 1 inch thick and let rest for 10 minutes before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mofongo de Plátano con Queso take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Mofongo de Plátano con Queso?

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 Mofongo de Plátano con Queso?

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 Mofongo de Plátano con Queso 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 Mofongo de Plátano con Queso 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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