Chipa 4 Quesos (Paraguayan 4 Cheese Bread)

Chipa 4 Quesos (Paraguayan 4 Cheese Bread)

Chipa is a savory bread made with cassava flour and cheese. It is a favorite Paraguayan snack sold all over the country. Chipa 4 Quesos is a four cheese version that is a very special treat. 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup queso fresco
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup blue cheese
• 5 cups cassava flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground anise seeds
• 1/4 cup lard or butter, at room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 cup whole milk

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 450F and grease 1 baking tray.
• In a small bowl, mix all 4 cheese. Set aside 1/3 cup of this cheese mixture, to use for a topping.
• In a big bowl, add cassava flour, salt, anise seeds, lard or butter, egg, milk and cheese mixture.
• The mixture might look too dry, but using your hands, bring the ingredients together until you get a uniform dough.
• Place the dough on a flat surface and knead for about 5 minutes. (This dough has the texture of playdough.)
• Divide the dough in 10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball between the palms of your hands. Flatten the ball slightly.
• Place chipas on the baking tray. Top each chipa with some reserved cheese mixture.
• Bake for 25 minutes at 450F.
• Let it cool for 5 minutes before eating. Chipas are best eaten while hot.