Colombian Buñuelos

What are Colombian Buñuelos?

They are fritters made with a mix of cheese, corn starch and yuca flour. They are crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy inside. They are a staple in Colombian during Christmas season.

What do you Need to Make this Recipe

Now let’s talk about my Colombian Buñuelos recipe and ingredients. Traditionally they are made with (Queso Costeño) which is a Colombian white cheese that is a little saltier and harder than Queso Fresco. I used feta cheese for this recipe because to me it’s the most similar cheese to Queso Costeño that I have found here in the United States.

Some Colombian Buñuelos recipes are made just with corn starch, but my grandmother used to add yuca flour to her recipe and it gives the buñuelos a wonderful flavor and texture.

I have to tell you, this recipe gave me a lot of trouble the first time I made it. Now that I’ve made these Buñuelos, I have a lot of respect for buñuelo makers in Colombia:). I know the Buñuelos pictures don’t look very attractive, but they taste wonderful. They are the right consistency inside but it was a bit difficult to get the correct crust consistency because the oil temperature has to be perfect.

In Colombia on December 7th in Colombia, friends get together to celebrate “el dia de las velitas”, a Christmas tradition in honor of the Virgin Mary. They light candles in front of their houses or on their balconies, cook traditional Christmas treats, like Natilla, Buñuelos and Hojuelas and of course, they party:).

How to Make Colombian Buñuelos

Pall the ingredients, except the oil in a medium bowl and mix well using your hands until soft and smooth dough is obtained.

The dough should be very smooth and not very wet or dry. Mix well and add more milk if necessary.

Form small balls using your hands. Be sure the balls are the same size. You can make small or big buñuelos.

In a deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 300°F (Warm, not very hot). Carefully drop the balls in the warm oil and fry for about 3 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from the oil and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

Tips to Make Buñuelos

When frying Colombian Buñuelos, they become very greasy if the oil is not hot enough, and the exterior will burn before the interior cooks if the oil is too hot.

Avoid adding too many buñuelos at once into the oil as the increase in them will lower the oil’s temperature. Also it’s easier to flip them when there’s enough space. Make sure to add enough oil to your pot to cover the Buñuelos.

You can make the dough for these buñuelos a day ahead of time if you want and leave it wrapped in the fridge.

Use a thermometer for frying. It’s really important to make your oil is at the right temperature.

Watch the buñuelos closely as they are frying, they don’t take long and can overcook.

How do I store Leftovers?

Enjoy them while still warm, because that’s when they’re delicious. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple days. When ready to eat, just warm them in the microwave or the oven.