Venezuelan Corn Pancakes (Cachapas) with Mozzarella and Jalapeños Recipe
Introduction
Cachapas are a beloved Venezuelan treat, featuring sweet corn pancakes filled with melted cheese. They offer a delightful combination of crispy edges and gooey cheese, making them perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack.

Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh corn (about 300 grams, cut from the cob; frozen corn defrosted can be used)
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup cornflour (25 grams)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (27 grams)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk (120 ml)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (approx. 110 grams)
- 2 sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Add fresh corn, egg, minced garlic, cornflour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, butter, and milk into a blender. Blend until you get a smooth batter.
- Step 2: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to lightly coat the surface.
- Step 3: Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet and use the back of the ladle to spread it into a circular pancake shape. Adjust size to your preference.
- Step 4: Cook the cachapa for 2–3 minutes on one side, until golden brown and bubbles appear on the surface.
- Step 5: If using jalapeños, place the slices on the cachapa before flipping. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side.
- Step 6: Flip it back to the first side, place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on one half, then fold the cachapa over the cheese to form a half-moon shape.
- Step 7: Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the cachapa is nicely toasted.
- Step 8: Repeat the process with remaining batter and cheese. Serve warm, ideally with a side of sour cream.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier texture, substitute some of the milk with cream or buttermilk.
- Try different cheeses such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Add finely chopped herbs like cilantro or chives to the batter for added freshness.
- Adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet or sweeter cachapa.
Storage
Store leftover cachapas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat to melt the cheese without drying out the pancakes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use canned corn instead of fresh or frozen?
While fresh or frozen corn is preferred for better texture and flavor, canned corn can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it well before blending.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If mozzarella isn’t available, try using a mild melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Oaxaca cheese, or even a mild cheddar for a similar gooey effect.
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Venezuelan Corn Pancakes (Cachapas) with Mozzarella and Jalapeños Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 cachapas 1x
Description
Cachapas are traditional Venezuelan corn pancakes made with fresh or frozen corn, mixed into a batter and cooked on a skillet until golden brown. These sweet and savory pancakes are folded with melted mozzarella cheese and optionally topped with jalapeños for a spicy kick. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack, cachapas are served warm with sour cream.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 2 Cups Fresh Corn (About 300 Grams, Cut From The Cob; Frozen Corn Defrosted Can Be Used)
- 1 Egg
- 2 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
- ¼ Cup Cornflour (25 Grams)
- ¼ Cup All-purpose Flour (27 Grams)
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Cup Milk (120 Ml)
- 1 Tablespoon Oil
For Cooking and Filling
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Approx. 110 Grams)
- 2 Sliced Jalapeños (Optional)
- Sour Cream (For Serving)
Instructions
- Grind to make batter: Add all ingredients for the batter including fresh or defrosted corn, egg, minced garlic, cornflour, all-purpose flour, sugar, salt, milk, and oil into a blender. Blend until smooth to create a thick, pourable batter.
- Prepare skillet: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to lightly coat the surface, preventing sticking and helping the cachapas brown evenly.
- Prepare cachapa: Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the hot skillet. Use the back of the ladle to spread the batter into a circular shape resembling a pancake. Size can vary according to preference.
- Cook cachapa: Cook each cachapa for 2-3 minutes on one side until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Fill cachapa: Place sliced jalapeños on top of the cachapa before flipping, if using. After flipping, cook for 2-3 minutes then flip back. On one half of the cooked cachapa, place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold the other half over to create a halfmoon shape.
- Toast and melt cheese: Cook the folded cachapa for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side until the cheese melts gooey and the exterior is nicely toasted.
- Serve: Repeat the process with remaining batter and fillings. Serve all cachapas warm with sour cream on the side.
Notes
- Fresh corn provides the best flavor but frozen corn thawed works well too.
- Adjust sugar amount to your preference for sweeter or more savory pancakes.
- Jalapeños are optional but add a nice spicy contrast to the creamy cheese.
- Use a nonstick skillet or well-seasoned griddle to prevent sticking.
- Serve cachapas immediately while cheese is warm and melty for best experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Keywords: Cachapas, Venezuelan corn pancakes, corn pancakes, mozzarella stuffed pancakes, breakfast, savory pancakes

