Recipe

Cheesy Chipa Bites

Savory Paraguayan Cheese Rolls

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Paraguayan cuisine with these Cheesy Chipa Bites. This traditional dish from Paraguay features a delightful combination of cheese, cornmeal, and anise seeds, resulting in a mouthwatering treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Bread› Chipa

Cuisine of the Americas› South American cuisine› Paraguayan cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

20-25 minutes

Total time

40-45 minutes

Yields

Makes approximately 24 Cheesy Chipa Bites

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free cornmeal and flour), Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free (if using egg substitutes)

Allergens

Milk, Eggs, Wheat (if not using gluten-free cornmeal and flour)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon anise seeds 1/2 teaspoon anise seeds
1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (200g) grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) 2 cups (200g) grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
2 eggs 2 eggs

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 4g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 11g, 1g
Protein: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and anise seeds.
3.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, grated cheese, and eggs.
4.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5.
Using your hands, shape the dough into small rolls or balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and cooked through.
7.
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the rolls.
Anise seeds — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of anise seeds or omit them altogether.
Cheese — Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Traditional Paraguayan chipa often uses queso Paraguay or queso fresco.

Tips & Tricks

For a more pronounced cheese flavor, use a sharp or aged cheese.
Serve the Cheesy Chipa Bites warm for the best taste and texture.
If you prefer a softer texture, cover the rolls with a clean kitchen towel after baking to retain moisture.