Papas Rellenas de Queso
Papas Rellenas de Queso are savory stuffed potato balls, a beloved comfort food from Latin American cuisine, particularly popular in countries like Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Venezuela. The dish typically consists of mashed potatoes filled with a core of melting cheese, which is then shaped into a ball, breaded, and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates from the potato and breading, and contains a moderate amount of fat from the frying process and cheese, while providing a good source of protein from both the potato and the cheese filling. A single, medium-sized ball generally falls in the range of 250-350 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Potassium | 380 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 110 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2 mg |
Per 1 medium ball (approx. 120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The magic of Papas Rellenas lies in the textural contrast: a crunchy, savory exterior giving way to a soft, fluffy potato layer and a hot, gooey, stretchy cheese center. Nutritionally, it transforms simple potatoes into a more complete and satisfying meal by adding protein and fat from the cheese.
