Stringy and Crispy Cheese Bunuelos

These cheese bunuelos are balls full of cheesy flavor that are crispy and golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Commonly served as an appetizer or snack in Colombian households for Christmas, these cheese bunuelos can really be served at any time of year.

To make them, a dough is made with cornstarch, cornmeal, milk, egg, parmesan, sugar, and baking powder. Then, it is shaped into balls before being fried until golden brown.

What are Cheese Bunuelos?

Cheese bunuelos are savory, cheese-flavoured snacks that originated in Colombia. Traditionally, they are served over Christmas for a holiday treat.

Often, cheese bunuelos use soft white cheeses such as cotija, queso fresco, ricotta, or cottage cheese. This version includes parmesan cheese which imparts saltiness and nutiness to the fried morsels.

Pro Tips

• Thoroughly mix the ingredients until they are combined into a dough.
• Use a measuring spoon to divide the dough into even-sized balls.
• If the dough is too wet to shape, you can add extra cornmeal or cornstarch to thicken the dough.
• Moistening your hands with water before shaping the bunuelos can help prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.
• The ideal temperature for frying the cheese bunuelos is 350 F to 375 F (177 C to 190 C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bunuelos Gluten-Free?

Yes, these bunuelos are gluten-free as they contain naturally gluten-free flours like cornstarch and cornmeal.

Are Cheese Bunuelos Healthy?

While these bunuelos aren’t exactly healthy as they are fried, there are ways you could make them healthier. To do so, you could air fry the balls rather than frying them.

Why are My Bunuelos Greasy?

If you find that your bunuelos have a greasy texture, it could be that your oil wasn’t hot enough for frying. Make sure that the oil is heated to at least 350 F (177 C) to ensure that the bunuelos fry without absorbing too much oil.

How to Store Cheese Bunuelos

If you have any cheese bunuelos left over, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat them, simply warm them in the oven or an air fryer which will make them crispy again.

How to Make Cheese Bunuelos

Step 1

Step 1

In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cornmeal, parmesan, sugar, and baking powder until combined. Add the egg and milk, and knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms.

In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cornmeal, parmesan, sugar, and baking powder until combined. Add the egg and milk, and knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms.

Step 2

Step 2

Divide the dough into balls. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown.

Divide the dough into balls. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown.

Step 3

Step 3

Serve immediately!

Serve immediately!