Brazilian recipe
Classic Four-Cheese Fried Bites (Bolinha de 4 queijos)
These savoury Brazilian-style cheese bites offer a golden, crispy shell with a rich, creamy four-cheese centre, perfect for any gathering.
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Ingredients
3 large eggs
300g grated mozzarella
1 cup (approx.) plain flour
300g grated prato cheese (substitute with mild cheddar or havarti)
150g grated parmesan
300g grated fresh or semi-cured cheese (such as queso fresco or firm mozzarella curd)
300g grated mozzarella
1 cup (approx.) plain flour
300g grated prato cheese (substitute with mild cheddar or havarti)
150g grated parmesan
300g grated fresh or semi-cured cheese (such as queso fresco or firm mozzarella curd)
Where to find ingredients
You can find all fresh cheeses and flour in the dairy and baking aisles of any local supermarket. For the 'queijo prato' and 'queijo fresco', look for mild, semi-soft cows' milk cheeses in the specialty deli section or an international food store. If unavailable, high-quality mild cheddar or havarti make suitable substitutes for the prato, and firm feta or mild queso fresco works well as an alternative to the fresh cheese.
Preparation method
- Grate all the cheeses and combine them thoroughly in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the eggs to the cheese mixture, stirring well until a uniform, pliable dough forms.
- Gradually fold in the flour, adding just enough until the mixture is firm enough to roll into balls.
- Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized spheres using your hands.
- Lightly brush each ball with egg white to help the breading stick.
- Roll the balls in flour or breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated.
- Heat enough oil in a heavy-based pot over medium heat for deep-frying.
- Fry the bites in batches until they turn a deep golden brown and become crispy.
- Remove from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess fat.
- Serve immediately while hot to ensure the best texture and gooey centre.
Observations
The 'bolinha de 4 queijos' is a beloved Brazilian snack, renowned for its intense flavour and delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the molten, velvety filling. By blending four distinct types of cheese, this recipe achieves a sophisticated balance of textures and tastes. It is a straightforward yet impressive appetiser to serve at parties, as a midday snack, or alongside drinks, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
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