If you love fried mozzarella sticks, you’ll definitely enjoy these Colombian cheese sticks, called deditos also known as tequeños in Venezuela. These crispy, cheesy treats are made with a firm cheese, such as queso fresco or halloumi, wrapped in a thin, buttery dough and deep-fried to golden perfection. Colombian cheese sticks (deditos) a popular snack, perfect for parties, breakfast, or an appetizer. The combination of crunchy dough and warm, melty cheese makes them absolutely irresistible!
I love making these Colombian cheese sticks ( deditos), and my favorite cheese to use is Akkawi—it tastes absolutely delicious! Halloumi also works great, giving them a firm texture and a rich, savory flavor.
Colombian cheese sticks, deditos de queso, are the perfect balance of crispy dough and warm, melty cheese. As you take a bite, the golden, crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, gooey center that stretches with every pull. The contrast between the crispiness and the creamy, cheesy filling makes them absolutely irresistible.
Colombian cheese sticks ingredients
Flour forms the base of the dough, giving it structure and allowing it to hold the cheese securely while frying.
Sugar adds a slight hint of sweetness, balancing the flavors and enhancing the golden color when fried.
Salt is essential for flavor, ensuring the dough isn’t bland and complements the cheese filling.
Baking powder helps create a light and slightly airy dough, preventing it from becoming too dense.
Oil adds moisture to the dough, making it soft and easy to work with while also contributing to a crispier texture when fried.
Warm milk helps bring the dough together, making it smooth and pliable for wrapping around the cheese.
Akkawi or halloumi cheese is the star of the dish, providing a creamy, slightly salty, and melty filling that contrasts beautifully with the crispy dough.
How to make Colombian cheese sticks
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix flour, a little sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add oil and rub it in with your fingers until crumbly. Gradually add warm milk, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth, then cover and let it rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese
Cut the cheese into thin, even strips. If using a salty cheese like Akkawi, soak it in water and rinse it a few times to remove excess salt. Pat the cheese dry before using.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into long strips, about the same width as the cheese sticks.
Step 4: Wrap the Cheese
Take a cheese strip and wrap it tightly with a strip of dough, making sure there are no gaps. Roll it gently in your hands to seal the edges. Repeat with the remaining cheese and dough.
Step 5: Choose Your Cooking Method
• To fry immediately: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully drop in the cheese sticks and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• To freeze for later: Arrange the wrapped cheese sticks on a tray and place them in the freezer until firm. Then, transfer them to a Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer. When ready to eat, fry them directly from frozen.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once fried, serve warm and crispy, either on their own or with a dipping sauce.
Different kinds of cheese that can be used in Colombian cheese sticks
1. Mozzarella sticks– It melts beautifully and gives a gooey, stretchy texture. It’s a popular choice for its mild flavor.
2. Halloumi – This cheese holds its shape well when fried, providing a firm and slightly salty filling.
3. Akkawi – A traditional choice in Colombian recipes, it has a mild, slightly salty flavor and melts well without becoming runny.
4. Queso Blanco – A soft, mild cheese that melts nicely and adds a creamy texture. It’s often used in Latin American cooking.
5. Monterey Jack – A mild, creamy cheese that melts very well. It’s a good option if you want a smooth, mild flavor.
6. Feta – For a tangy twist, feta cheese can add an interesting flavor, though it’s less gooey than other cheeses.
How to store Colombian cheese sticks
Storing Uncooked Cheese Sticks
• Refrigeration: If planning to fry them within a day, store the wrapped cheese sticks in an airtight container or on a tray covered with plastic wrap.
• Freezing: For longer storage, place them on a tray in a single layer and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Storing Cooked Cheese Sticks
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
• Freezing:
It’s best to freeze them uncooked, but if needed, you can freeze cooked cheese sticks. Let them cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
Reheating Instructions
Oven/Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy.
Stovetop: Reheat in a dry pan over low heat, turning occasionally.
Microwave: Not recommended, as it will make them soft and chewy instead of crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of cheese works best?
Akkawi cheese is traditional, but halloumi, mozzarella, or queso blanco are great options. Halloumi holds its shape well.
2. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden. They’ll be less crispy but still delicious.
3. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?
Wrap the cheese tightly with dough, pressing the edges well. Freezing before frying helps too.
4. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and freeze them. Freeze on a tray, then store in a Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen.
5. What oil should I use for frying?
Use neutral oils like vegetable or canola. Avoid olive oil as it burns quickly.
6. How do I know when the oil is ready?
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Drop a small dough piece in the oil—it should sizzle and rise.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C).
8. Can I freeze cooked cheese sticks?
Yes, but they’re best frozen uncooked. If freezing cooked ones, cool them first, then reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Tips and Tricks
1. Use the Right Cheese – If using Akkawi cheese, soak and rinse it a few times to remove excess salt. Halloumi, mozzarella, or queso blanco are great alternatives.
2. Roll the Dough Thinly – A thinner dough creates a crispier texture while keeping the cheese fully wrapped. Thick dough can make them too bready.
3. Seal the Dough Well – Make sure to wrap the cheese tightly and press the edges to prevent it from leaking out while frying.
4. Chill Before Frying – If you have time, refrigerate or freeze the wrapped cheese sticks for 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps them hold their shape.
5. Fry at the Right Temperature – Heat oil to medium (around 350°F or 175°C). If it’s too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked. If too cold, the dough will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
6. Test with One First – Fry a single cheese stick first to check if the dough is sealing properly and cooking evenly before frying the rest.
7. Make Ahead & Freeze – Freeze the cheese sticks on a tray first, then transfer them to a Ziploc bag. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can fry them straight from frozen.
8. Serve Hot & Fresh – Deditos de queso are best enjoyed warm while the cheese is gooey inside.
More cheese recipes to make
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Colombian cheese sticks (deditos)
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup oil
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- Akkawi cheese or Halloumi
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder. Add the oil and rub it into the flour with your hands.
- Pour in the warm milk and knead until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough and set it aside.
- Cut the cheese into thin strips. If the cheese is salted, soak it in cold water and rinse a few times to remove excess salt.
- Roll out the dough very thinly, then cut it into strips about 2 cm wide.
- Wrap each cheese stick with the dough, ensuring there are no gaps. Roll it to seal tightly and repeat with the remaining cheese.
- Freezing option: Place them on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer.
- Cooking option: Deep fry immediately until golden brown.