Irresistible Puerto Rican Cheese Fritters Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’ll be cooking up a classic Puerto Rican dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or snack – Puerto Rican Cheese Fritters, also known as Sorullitos de Queso. These crispy cornmeal fritters have a soft and cheesy center that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Growing up in Puerto Rico, I have fond memories of eating Sorullitos de Queso at family gatherings or grabbing them as a quick snack on the go. These fritters are a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine and are loved by many for their delicious taste and simple preparation.

In this recipe, I’ll be sharing with you my family’s version of Sorullitos de Queso that uses a combination of cornmeal and flour for the perfect texture and flavor. So, let’s get started and make some delicious Puerto Rican Cheese Fritters!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a cheese lover and a fan of Puerto Rican cuisine, then this recipe is a must-try! These Puerto Rican cheese fritters, also known as sorullitos de queso, are crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside. They are a popular snack or appetizer in Puerto Rico and are sure to impress your guests.

These fritters are made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, such as cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, and of course, cheese. The combination of these ingredients creates a deliciously savory and slightly sweet flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Not only are these fritters easy to make, but they are also versatile. You can serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as garlic aioli, salsa, or even honey mustard.

What sets these fritters apart from other cheese fritters or corn fritters is the use of Puerto Rican cornmeal, also known as masa de harina or harina de maíz. This type of cornmeal is finer and smoother than regular cornmeal, which gives these fritters a unique texture and flavor.

Overall, this recipe is a great way to introduce yourself to Puerto Rican cuisine, or to impress your friends and family with a new and tasty snack. So, grab your apron and get ready to make some delicious sorullitos de queso!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Puerto Rican Cheese Fritters:

• 2 cups of Puerto Rican cornmeal (or regular cornmeal)
• 1 1/2 cups of water
• 1 tsp of salt
• 2 cups of shredded or grated cheese (cheddar, edam, or a mix of both)
• 2 tbsp of sugar
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of milk
• 2 eggs
• Oil, for deep frying

Note: If you can’t find Puerto Rican cornmeal, regular cornmeal will work just fine. You can also substitute the cheese for a dairy-free version or omit it altogether for a version of corn fritters.

The Recipe How-To

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking our Puerto Rican Cheese Fritters, or Sorullitos de Queso as we call them on the island. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, so you’ll be enjoying these sorullitos in no time!

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of milk and 2 eggs. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese to the mixture and mix until the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape the Fritters

Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form a cylinder-shaped fritter, about 2-3 inches long. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used up.

Step 4: Fry the Fritters

Heat up enough oil in a deep saucepan or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the fritters to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until they turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the sorullitos de queso hot and crispy outside, soft and cheesy inside, with your favorite dipping sauce. These fritters make for a perfect appetizer or snack, and they’re also a great addition to any Puerto Rican-inspired meal.

Note: If you want to make these fritters without cheese, you can simply omit the cheese from the recipe and follow the same steps. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add other ingredients like chopped jalapeños or herbs to create your own unique version of this classic Puerto Rican dish.

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to mix things up a bit or simply don’t have all the ingredients on hand, there are some substitutions and variations you can make to this Puerto Rican cheese fritters recipe.

Firstly, if you don’t have cornmeal on hand, you can use all-purpose flour instead. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will differ from the traditional Puerto Rican cornmeal fritters.

You can also substitute the type of cheese used in this recipe. Instead of using Edam cheese, you can use cheddar, mozzarella or even Parmesan cheese. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture will be slightly different.

If you prefer a sweeter version of corn fritters, you can add a bit more sugar to the batter. On the other hand, if you want a more savory version, you can skip the sugar entirely.

If you want to make sorullitos without cheese, simply omit the cheese from the recipe. The fritters will still be delicious and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.

For a gluten-free version of this recipe, you can use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. It will yield a slightly different texture, but the taste will still be great.

If you prefer smaller fritters, you can shape the dough into corn sticks or nuggets instead of the traditional cylindrical shape. This will also make them easier to serve as an appetizer.

Overall, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions of this recipe. Puerto Rican recipes are known for their versatility, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Serving and Pairing

Sorullitos de queso (Puerto Rican cheese fritters) are the perfect appetizer to serve at any gathering or party. They are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of dips and sauces to enhance their flavor.

One classic dipping sauce for sorullitos is mayo-ketchup, which is a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup. This sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste to the fritters. Another popular option is garlic sauce, which is made with garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. The garlic sauce adds a zesty and refreshing flavor that complements the cheesy and crispy outside of the sorullitos.

In addition to dips and sauces, you can also pair sorullitos with other Puerto Rican dishes. They are a great side dish for arroz con gandules (rice and pigeon peas) or mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and pork cracklings). Sorullitos are also perfect with a cold beer or a glass of sangria.

To serve sorullitos, arrange them on a platter or basket and sprinkle them with some fresh cilantro or parsley. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for a snack, sorullitos de queso are the perfect choice for a delicious and satisfying appetizer.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

One of the best things about Puerto Rican cheese fritters recipe is that they can be made ahead of time and reheated for later consumption. You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to save time on the day of serving.

To make these fritters ahead of time, mix the batter, shape them into small sticks, and place them on a baking sheet. Cover the sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to serve, heat the oil in a deep frying pan and fry the fritters until they are golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. You can also reheat them in the oven preheated to 350°F for 5-7 minutes until they are crispy again.

You can store the leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use the oven or air fryer to keep the crispy texture. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the fritters soft and chewy.

These fritters are a perfect snack or appetizer, and they are also great for parties and gatherings. With their crispy cornmeal exterior and soft, cheesy interior, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, make a big batch of Puerto Rican cheese fritters and enjoy them anytime!

Tips for Perfect Results

Before diving into the recipe, let me share with you some tips to ensure that your Puerto Rican cheese fritters come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Firstly, make sure that the oil is heated to the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside, leaving the inside undercooked. On the other hand, if the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become greasy. The ideal temperature for deep-frying is between 350-375°F.

Secondly, use cold milk and eggs straight from the fridge. This will help the fritters to have a crispy texture when fried. If the dairy products are at room temperature, the fritters will turn out dense and doughy.

Thirdly, avoid overcrowding the pot when frying. Frying too many fritters at once will cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in greasy and soggy fritters. Fry the fritters in small batches to ensure that the oil temperature remains consistent.

Fourthly, make sure to drain the excess oil from the fritters before serving. Place the fritters on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the excess oil.

Fifthly, experiment with different types of cheese. While the recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, you can also use grated Parmesan, crumbled feta, or any other cheese of your liking. Trying different types of cheese can add a new twist to the classic recipe.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with the spices. You can add a pinch of cumin or paprika to the batter for an extra kick of flavor. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or bell peppers for a spicy and colorful twist.

With these tips in mind, you are now ready to make the perfect Puerto Rican cheese fritters.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, Puerto Rican cheese fritters, or sorullitos de queso, are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that will transport your taste buds to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a crispy outside and soft inside cornmeal fritter that is bursting with cheesy flavor.

Whether you are looking for a new appetizer to serve at your next party or simply want to try your hand at Puerto Rican cuisine, this cheese fritters recipe is sure to be a hit. And with the option to customize the recipe with different cheeses or even make a version without cheese, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and make a batch of these mouthwatering Puerto Rican cheese fritters. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

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