If you love the combination of salty cheese and sweet guava, you’re going to love masitas de queso y bocadillo. This traditional Colombian treat is easy to make, crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and full of flavor.
What Are Masitas de Queso y Bocadillo?
Masitas de queso y bocadillo are Colombian-style sweet and savory fritters made with flour, cheese, and guava paste. They are also known as torrejas and torticas de queso y guayaba. These are a traditional afternoon snack (merienda) from the Andean parts of Colombia, especially Santander and Boyacá. Families have been making them for generations.
What is Bocadillo?
The word bocadillo can be confusing because in Spanish it can also mean a sandwich or snack. In Colombia, however, bocadillo usually refers to guava paste, made by cooking guava and sugar until it becomes thick and firm. The combination of cheese and sweet guava is a classic Colombian pairing. You’ll find it in everything from pastries and desserts to simple snacks.
Masitas or torrejas are fritters that can be salty or sweet especially popular as a snack or dessert, and they’re a great way to enjoy some of the flavors that make Colombian food so special.
Ingredients You'll Need
The printable recipe card with exact amounts and cooking directions to make these fritters is below.
Flour: You need all purpose flour.
Sugar: To balance the batter flavor.
Salt: Add extra flavor to the batter.
Milk: I recommend using whole milk
Eggs: To make the batter
Bocadillo: Or guava paste
Cheese: I like to use queso blanco to make this recipe, but feel free to use mozzarella or any melting hard cheese
Oil: For frying
How to Make Them
- Mix the flour, sugar and salt in a bowl.
- Add the milk and eggs. Mix well and add the diced cheese and guava paste.
- Heat a good amount of oil in a deep pan. Take spoonfuls of the batter and add it to the hot oil. Fry the masitas in batches until they’re evenly golden on all sides. Don’t let the oil get too hot or they’ll brown outside while staying raw inside.
- Drain on paper towels and eat them warm.
What to Serve With Masitas de Queso y Bocadillo
These fritters make a wonderful afternoon snack with Colombian coffee. They’re also delicious with hot chocolate, especially on a cool morning or evening.
More Colombian Snacks
Buñuelos de Plátano (Ripe Plantain and Cheese Balls)
Papas Rellenas (Stuffed Potatoes)
Carimañolas (Stuffed Yuca Fritters)
Masitas de Queso y Bocadillo Recipe (Cheese and Guava Fritters)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cheese diced
- 1 cup guava paste or bocadillo diced
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl mix the flour, sugar and salt.
- Add the milk, eggs, guava paste and cheese. Mix well.
- Heat the oil in a pan, over medium-high heat. Drop about ¼ cup of batter into the pan and continue dropping more batter, leaving a couple of inches of space between the fritters. Don't overcrowd the pan.
- Let the masitas cook for 2 on each side. Remove them to a plate lined with paper towel.
- Transfer the masitas to a plate and serve warm.
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