Name: Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Colombian
Ingredients: 3/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup cassava flour; 1/2 cup feta cheese, finely grated; 2 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons milk; 3-4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 297 reviews

If you are craving a delightfully crispy yet soft treat with a rich cheesy center, this Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos) Recipe will become your new favorite snack or breakfast companion. These golden, bite-sized fritters offer a perfect balance of savory cheese and a subtly sweet exterior, inspired by traditional Colombian cuisine. They are utterly addictive and surprisingly simple to make, making them ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying on a quiet Sunday morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four panels of a dough-making process on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby. The top left panel displays a blue pot filled with light yellow oil, shining smoothly. The top right panel reveals a white bowl with flour, two orange yolk eggs, shredded cheese, and milky liquid all layered together unevenly. The bottom left panel has the same white bowl now holding a rough, pale yellow dough ball. The bottom right panel shows the dough shaped into a smooth, round ball placed on a metal tray next to a blue-handled scraper. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor in your Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos) Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from the delicate crispiness to the creamy, cheesy heart that makes these fritters unforgettable.

Vegetable oil: This is essential for deep frying, providing a neutral flavor and achieving a golden crust.
Cornstarch: Adds a light crispiness and helps bind the fritters together without making them dense.
Cassava flour: Gives a subtle earthiness and creates a tender interior texture.
Feta cheese (finely grated): Delivers a tangy, salty flavor that is signature to Colombian Buñuelos.
Large eggs: Act as a binder and enrich the fritters for a fluffy bite.
Baking powder: Adds lightness, making sure the fritters puff up nicely.
Granulated sugar: Balances the saltiness of the cheese with a hint of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate dough.
Milk: Brings moisture to the dough, ensuring a soft and tender crumb inside.

How to Make Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing the dry ingredients — cornstarch, cassava flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt — in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with milk until well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring to form a smooth dough. Fold in the finely grated feta cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for that signature cheesy burst in every bite.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour the vegetable oil into a deep pan or fryer and heat it on medium until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). The right temperature is crucial: too hot and the fritters brown too fast on the outside while staying raw inside, too cool and they absorb excess oil, becoming greasy.

Step 3: Shape the Fritters

Once the dough is cool enough to handle, scoop out small portions and gently roll them into balls about the size of a golf ball. If the dough feels sticky, you can lightly oil your hands to make shaping easier and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Fry the Buñuelos

Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil in small batches, allowing them plenty of room to puff and fry evenly. Fry each batch for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the fritters are a beautiful golden color all around. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.

Step 5: Serve Warm

The magic of Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos) Recipe lies in enjoying them fresh out of the oil when they are at their crispiest and most fragrant. Resist the urge to wait too long—the contrast between the crispy shell and soft cheese center is unbeatable when warm.

How to Serve Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos) Recipe

A small white bowl lined with crumpled light brown parchment paper holds a pile of round golden brown fried dough balls, nine of them visible, with one lighter-colored ball near the front. The dough balls have a textured surface with some darker specks. The bowl is placed on a dark wooden surface, and in the blurred background, there is a glass jar with a wooden lid and a red and black checkered cloth. The backdrop has a soft gray tone and the whole scene is softly lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar on top can offer a charming sweet contrast to the salty cheese within these fritters. For a festive touch, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, which add color and bright aroma without overpowering the flavor.

Side Dishes

These cheese fritters pair beautifully with a simple fruit salsa or a tangy ají sauce to complement their richness. A fresh tomato and avocado salad or even just a squeeze of lime can elevate their taste, making your meal both vibrant and balanced.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place the buñuelos in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep their crispness, avoid stacking the fritters tightly; use parchment paper between layers if needed.

Freezing

You can freeze un-fried dough balls by arranging them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and keep for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispiness, reheat refrigerated or frozen fritters in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy and defeat that wonderful crunchy texture.

FAQs

What type of cheese can I use if I don’t have feta?

You can substitute feta with other salty, crumbly cheeses like queso fresco, cotija, or even a mild mozzarella for a less tangy but still melty filling. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and has a bit of saltiness to enhance the flavor.

Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?

While traditional Colombian Buñuelos are deep-fried to achieve their signature crispness, you can bake them at 400°F (205°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden. However, they won’t be quite as crispy or tender inside as the fried version.

Is cassava flour necessary in this recipe?

Cassava flour brings a subtle earthiness and unique chewiness that make the buñuelos authentic. You can experiment with other gluten-free flours, but the texture and flavor might vary. Combining with cornstarch helps achieve the right lightness.

Can I make the dough a day ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying to ensure the best texture and even cooking.

What is the best oil for frying these fritters?

Vegetable oil is preferred due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. Alternatives like canola or peanut oil work well, but avoid olive oil as it can burn and impart unwanted taste during frying.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about making and sharing this Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos) Recipe. The process is straightforward, the ingredients simple yet special, and the outcome simply irresistible. Whether you serve them as a snack, breakfast, or party appetizer, these little golden fritters are sure to win hearts and fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll be delighted by every crunchy, cheesy bite.

Cheese Fritters (Colombian Buñuelos) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need