Crispy, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, Surillitos de Maíz, or Puerto Rican Cornmeal Sticks, are the ultimate snack or appetizer that brings the flavors of the island to your table. These delightful finger foods are made from a simple yet flavorful dough of fine yellow cornmeal, butter, and shredded cheese, perfectly seasoned with a touch of sugar and salt for a balance of sweet and savory. Skillfully rolled into bite-sized cylinders and fried until crispy, these traditional Puerto Rican treats boast a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, cheesy center. Quick to prepare and ready in just 25 minutes, Surillitos are perfect for entertaining or as a comforting snack. Pair them with a tangy mayo-ketchup dipping sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for a truly authentic Puerto Rican experience!
Scan with your phone to download!
In a medium saucepan, bring the water, sugar, and salt to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cornmeal, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the softened butter and shredded cheese until fully incorporated. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is safe to handle.
Using your hands, take a small portion of the dough (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it into a cylinder about 3 inches long. Repeat with the remaining dough.
In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 3 cups of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the cornmeal sticks in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy all over.
Remove the surillitos with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve warm as is, or with a dipping sauce such as mayonnaise-ketchup or garlic aioli.
Serving size | (928.3g) |
---|
Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|
Calories | 6947.4 |
Total Fat 744.3g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 121.3g | 0% |
Cholesterol 91mg | 0% |
Sodium 1549.4mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 122.3g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 8.8g | 0% |
Total Sugars 25.7g | |
Protein 22.8g | 0% |
Vitamin D 12IU | 0% |
Calcium 410.2mg | 0% |
Iron 2.9mg | 0% |
Potassium 213.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories