Ripe Plantain Balls (Buñuelos de Plátano Maduro)

These Buñuelos de Plátano Maduro (ripe plantain balls) are absolutely delicious and they can be served as an appetizer, side dish, snack or even as a dessert.

What are Buñuelos de Plátano Maduro?

They are balls made with ripe plantain and stuffed with cheese and guava paste. Then fried until golden and crispy. If you prefer not to have them sweet just omit the guava paste.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve them as an appetizer for game night or after school snack. They are best eaten hot and fresh, so I fry them and take the plate straight to the table while the cheese is still hot.

Ingredients You'll Need

The printable recipe card with exact amounts and cooking directions to make these Buñuelos de Plátano Maduro is below.

• plantains: You need very ripe plantains to make this recipe.
• cheese: I like to use mozzarella cheese, but any melting cheese will work.
• guava paste: It's a sweet paste made with guavas and also known as bocadillo.
• oil: You can use your favorite oil for frying.
• Sugar for garnish (optional)

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How to Make Buñuelos de Plátano

• Cut the plantains in half, but don’t peel.
• Place the plantains in a medium pot and cover with water. Cook over medium heat for about 8 - 10 minutes.
• Remove the plantains from the water and peel. Mash with a potato masher or a fork.
• Form 15 balls of about 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of plantain mash. Flatten them with your hands and place 1 piece of guava paste and 1 piece of cheese in the center.
• Form the ball again and place in a heavy pot with hot oil, over medium high heat. Fry for about 4 minutes turning over once, until golden brown.
• Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the oil. Serve hot and sprinkle with sugar if you like.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: These are meant to be eaten when they’re done cooking. However, you can keep them warm on a rack over a baking sheet in the oven at low temperature (170°) for up to 15 minutes. In addition, you can make them and store them covered in the refrigerator 1 day before frying and serving.

How to Store: In a container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

How to Reheat: Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover with foil. Bake at 350° for about 15 minutes. Serve warm.

More Ripe Plantain Recipes

Envueltos de Plátano Maduro (Ripe Plantains Wraps)

Arroz de Pajarito (Rice with Ripe Plantain)

Aborrajados de Plátano (Ripe Plantain Fritters)

Tajadas de Plátano (Fried Ripe Plantain)