Irresistible Cheesy Yuca Balls with Chipotle Mayo Recipe

Crispy golden cheesy yuca balls dance with irresistible flavor and excitement on your plate.

Roots of south american cuisine inspire this delectable appetizer that packs serious punch.

Yuca transforms into a creamy, cheesy delight when blended with perfect ingredients.

Crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, melting center that surprises every bite.

Chipotle mayo adds a smoky kick that complements the rich, cheesy interior.

Unbelievably simple to prepare, this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance to your kitchen.

You can impress guests with these irresistible little morsels that promise pure culinary magic.

FAQs

• What are yuca balls?

Yuca balls are delicious deep-fried snacks made from mashed yuca root (cassava) stuffed with cheese, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown.

• Is yuca the same as cassava?

Yes, yuca and cassava are the same root vegetable. It’s a starchy, potato-like ingredient popular in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like cheddar or queso fresco for similar results. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the yuca flavor.

Cheesy Yuca Balls with Zesty Chipotle Mayo

• Crush Comfort Food Cravings: These cheesy yuca balls deliver pure comfort with their crispy exterior and gooey cheese center, making them an irresistible snack that satisfies deep hunger pangs.
• Master Global Flavors: Combining traditional Latin American yuca with zesty chipotle mayo creates an exciting fusion dish that transports your taste buds to a culinary adventure without leaving home.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat of the chipotle mayo by adding more or fewer peppers, allowing everyone from mild-loving to spice-craving individuals to enjoy this versatile recipe.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or game nights, these bite-sized balls are guaranteed to impress guests with their unique texture and bold flavor profile.

Ingredients Needed to Prepare Cheesy Yuca Balls

• Yuca: A starchy root vegetable that serves as the primary base for these cheesy balls.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, mild cheese that creates a gooey center in the yuca balls.

• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Work together to help bind the yuca mixture and create a crispy exterior for the balls.
• Salt, Sugar: Enhance the overall flavor of the yuca mixture.

• Chipotle Peppers, Mayonnaise, Lime Juice: Combine to create a spicy and tangy dipping sauce.
• Flat Leaf Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal garnish to the final dish.

• Oil: Provides the medium for deep-frying the yuca balls to achieve a golden brown, crispy texture.

How to Make Cheesy Yuca Balls with Mayo

Step 1: Boil the Yuca

Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Add frozen yuca and cook until fork tender, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 2: Whip Up Spicy Chipotle Mayo

• Chipotle peppers
• Mayonnaise
• Lime juice

Pulse until smooth. Adjust spice level by adding more chipotle peppers.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Prepare Yuca Mixture

Drain and rinse yuca with cold water.

• Salt
• Sugar
• One egg

Stir until ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Set Up Coating Station

Beat remaining eggs in a separate bowl. Prepare breadcrumbs in another container.

Step 5: Form Cheesy Yuca Balls

Take 1-2 tablespoons of yuca mixture and flatten into a disk. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center.

Fold sides to create a ball shape. Repeat with remaining mixture.

Step 6: Coat the Balls

Dip each yuca ball first into beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior.

Step 7: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F.

Fry yuca balls in batches until deep golden brown, about 2-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels and immediately season with salt.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate yuca balls and drizzle with chipotle mayo. Sprinkle chopped flat-leaf parsley on top.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips to Get Cheesy Yuca Balls Just Right

• Ensure yuca is completely mashed without lumps for smooth, creamy texture.
• Test oil temperature with a small piece of breadcrumb to confirm proper heating before frying.
• Keep yuca balls uniform in size for consistent cooking and even browning.
• Drain excess oil on paper towels to maintain crispy exterior and prevent greasiness.
• Refrigerate leftover chipotle mayo in an airtight container for up to 3 days for future use.

Flavor Variations for Cheesy Yuca Balls

• Vegetarian Cheese Balls: Replace mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives like vegan cheddar or cashew cheese for a dairy-free option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Balls: Substitute yuca with riced cauliflower, using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to create a keto-friendly version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper Style: Mix diced jalapeños into the yuca mixture and stuff with cream cheese for a zesty, pepper-jack inspired variation.
• Mediterranean Herb Yuca Balls: Incorporate feta cheese and add dried oregano, basil, and thyme to the yuca mixture for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Pairings That Go Well with Yuca Balls

• Grab a crisp, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the richness of the cheesy yuca balls and complement the spicy chipotle mayo.
• Create a bright, tangy side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to contrast the deep-fried, cheesy texture of the yuca balls.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, spicy flavors, with its acidic and herbal notes perfectly matching the dish's complexity.

Proper Storage Guidelines for Yuca Balls

• Store cooled yuca balls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a layer of parchment paper between each ball to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual yuca balls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread frozen or refrigerated yuca balls on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through. Flip halfway to ensure even warming.

Cheesy Yuca Balls With A Chipotle Mayo Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delectable cheesy yuca balls with a chipotle mayo showcase Colombian street cuisine’s irresistible charm. Crispy exterior, creamy interior, and zesty sauce promise a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) yuca (frozen)
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 lb (227 g) mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 2/3 cup (160 ml) Italian style breadcrumbs
• 1.5 tsp (7.5 ml) salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) sugar
• vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
• 1–2 whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) light mayo
• 1 tsp (5 ml) lime juice
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• chopped flat leaf parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot over high heat. Submerge frozen yuca and cook until fork-tender, approximately 20-30 minutes.
2. Prepare chipotle mayo by blending chipotle peppers, mayonnaise, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust spiciness with additional peppers if desired. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve sauce.
3. Drain and rinse yuca with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl and mash thoroughly until no large chunks remain. Mix in salt, sugar, and one egg until well incorporated.
4. Separately beat remaining two eggs lightly with a fork.
5. Form yuca mixture into small disks using hands. Insert a mozzarella cube in the center, then carefully enclose cheese by folding edges to create round balls.
6. Coat each yuca ball by first dipping into beaten eggs, then rolling in breadcrumbs to ensure complete coverage.
7. Heat oil to 350°F. Carefully fry yuca balls in batches until achieving a deep golden-brown exterior, roughly 2-4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil and immediately sprinkle with salt.
8. Plate immediately, drizzling chipotle mayo over the top and garnishing with chopped flat leaf parsley.

Notes

• Swap frozen yuca with fresh or boiled yuca for a more authentic texture and richer flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly appetizer.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for unique taste combinations.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350°F to ensure crispy exterior and evenly cooked yuca balls without burning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Latin American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg