Argentinian & Paraguayan Cheesy Chipa Bites
Savor the irresistible flavor of traditional Chipa Bites, a beloved treat from northern Argentina and Paraguay. These cheesy delights boast a delightful blend of rich cheeses and a unique tapioca texture, delivering both a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey interior. Perfect for gatherings, they’re easy to prepare, freeze beautifully whether raw or cooked, and leave everyone asking for more. Even if tapioca flour is a struggle to find locally, it’s only a click away online. Despite the array of cheeses used, these bites maintain a balance of flavors that will satisfy cheese lovers and newcomers alike.
10
Servings
580
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tapioca flour
2 1/4 cups (none)
Eggs
4 (none)
Butter
3/4 cup (roughly chopped)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 lb (grated)
Green cheese or Mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb (cut into chunks)
Goat cheese or any hard cheese
1/2 lb (cut into small squares)
Instructions
1
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tapioca flour with cold butter that’s been cut into rough chunks, the green or mozzarella cheese cubed into similar sized pieces, and the grated Parmesan cheese.
2
2. Crack the eggs into the mixture and start blending everything together with your hands until the ingredients start to come together.
3
3. Incorporate the cubed goat cheese or alternative hard cheese into the dough. Knead gently until the mixture is fairly homogeneous, mindful that the cheese squares should remain visible within the dough.
4
4. For improved flavor melding, allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step can be omitted if you’re pressed for time.
5
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
6
6. Take small portions of dough, rolling them gently between your hands to form uniform balls.
7
7. Arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring enough space between them for expansion.
8
8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, checking the progress every 5 minutes. The Chipa should be golden with a crunchy outside and tender inside.
9
9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these cheesy wonders warm for the best experience.
Nutrition Information
43g
Fat
26g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Argentinian & Paraguayan Cheesy Chipa Bites?
They are traditional cheesy delights from northern Argentina and Paraguay made with a unique tapioca texture that provides a crispy exterior and a soft, gooey interior.
Are Chipa Bites gluten-free?
Yes, these Chipa Bites are gluten-free as they use tapioca flour instead of wheat flour.
What is the main ingredient that gives Chipa its unique texture?
The unique texture comes from the use of 2 1/4 cups of tapioca flour.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a blend of Parmesan cheese, Green or Mozzarella cheese, and Goat cheese or another hard cheese.
How many eggs are needed for the Chipa dough?
You will need 4 eggs to bind the dough together.
How should the butter be prepared for the mixture?
The 3/4 cup of butter should be cold and cut into rough chunks before being combined with the flour.
Do I need to rest the dough before baking?
While optional if you are pressed for time, letting the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes improves flavor melding.
What temperature should the oven be for baking Chipa?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
How long do Chipa Bites take to bake?
They typically bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are golden and crunchy on the outside.
Should the cheese be completely blended into the dough?
No, you should knead gently so that the cheese squares remain visible within the dough.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
Can Chipa Bites be frozen?
Yes, they freeze beautifully whether they are raw or already cooked.
How do I shape the Chipa Bites?
Take small portions of dough and roll them gently between your hands to form uniform balls.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 580 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of Chipa Bites?
There are 43 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 20 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 26 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I use parchment paper when baking?
Yes, arrange the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What should I do if I cannot find tapioca flour locally?
Tapioca flour is easily available for purchase online if it is not in your local store.
What is the best way to serve Chipa Bites?
They are best enjoyed warm to experience the gooey cheese interior.
How often should I check the Chipas while they are in the oven?
It is recommended to check their progress every 5 minutes during the 15-minute bake time.
Can I substitute the green cheese?
Yes, you can use Mozzarella cheese as a substitute for green cheese.
What kind of texture should the finished Chipa have?
They should have a crunchy outside and a tender, gooey inside.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Combine the tapioca flour with cold butter chunks, cubed mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in a large bowl.
How do I incorporate the eggs?
Crack the eggs directly into the flour and cheese mixture and blend with your hands.
What size should the goat cheese pieces be?
The goat cheese or hard cheese should be cut into small squares.
How many different ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for appetizers?
Yes, Chipa Bites are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or tapas.
Does the dough need to be perfectly smooth?
No, the mixture should be fairly homogeneous but the cheese squares should remain distinct and visible.