Cheese Stuffed Breaded Fried Nopales Cactus Paddles

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these Cheese Stuffed Breaded Fried Nopales Cactus Paddles are a bold fusion of texture and flavor! This unique Mexican-inspired recipe transforms tender nopales cactus paddles into irresistible pockets of melted Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella), encased in a golden, spiced breadcrumb crust. Perfectly fried to crispy perfection, each bite delivers an irresistible contrast of crunchy exterior and creamy, cheesy filling. Seasoned with a savory blend of garlic powder, cumin, and paprika, these fried nopales offer a deliciously satisfying plant-based twist on comfort food. Serve them hot with your favorite zesty dipping sauces like salsa roja or guacamole for an unforgettable appetizer or side dish that’s sure to captivate your taste buds.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 whole Nopales cactus paddles
• 2 cups Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 3 large Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 2 cups Breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 3 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

Step 1

Clean the nopales paddles by removing the spines using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2

Slice each paddle in half horizontally to create two thinner, flat pieces. Ensure each piece is still intact along one edge to allow for stuffing.

Step 3

Cut the Oaxaca cheese into strips or shred it. Stuff the nopales paddles with the cheese, folding them closed like a sandwich. Press gently to seal the edges.

Step 4

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with eggs whisked together with milk, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Dredge each stuffed nopal paddle in the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage, and finally coat it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick well.

Step 6

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Step 7

Carefully add 2–3 breaded nopales paddles to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 8

Remove the fried nopales with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining paddles.

Step 9

Serve the cheese stuffed breaded fried nopales warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa roja, guacamole, or sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3617.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9362.2

Total Fat 859.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 185.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 902.5mg	0%
Sodium 9777.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 344.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 54.3g	0%
Total Sugars 38.6g
Protein 191.0g	0%

Vitamin D 238.6IU	0%
Calcium 6820.7mg	0%
Iron 33.6mg	0%
Potassium 5750.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 78.3%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 14.0%