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Chipa Guasu from Paraguay

Chipa Guasu

Chipa Guasu is a beloved side dish, traditional to Paraguay. · Paraguay

★ 4.6
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

Chipa Guasu is a beloved side dish, traditional to Paraguay.

About Chipa Guasu

Chipa Guasu is a beloved side dish, traditional to Paraguay. It is typically made with eggs, milk, cheese and onions.

🏛️ History & Culture

Chipa Guasu, whose name comes from the Guarani language meaning "large cake," is a savory corn bake that embodies the culinary fusion at the heart of Paraguayan cuisine. Rooted in the indigenous Guarani tradition of using fresh corn, the dish was transformed by the arrival of European ingredients such as milk, eggs, and cheese, creating a rich, soufflé-like side.

While its exact historical origin is not precisely recorded, it is widely regarded as a staple at festive gatherings, especially *asados* (barbecues) and religious holidays like Holy Week, where it is served alongside grilled meats. Regional variations are subtle, mostly involving the type of cheese (fresh or aged) and the generous addition of sautéed onions, but the core preparation remains consistent across the country, reflecting its role as a unifying comfort food.

🍳 How to make Chipa Guasu

AI-assisted, not kitchen-tested

Chipa Guasu (Paraguayan Corn and Cheese Casserole)

A traditional Paraguayan side dish often served alongside asado or grilled meats, especially during holidays. This savory corn pudding combines fresh corn kernels, cheese, eggs, and onions for a rich, custardy bake.

Prep
20 min
Cook
50 min
Total
70 min
Serves
6
Difficulty
Easy

Recipe ingredients

  • 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) fresh corn kernels, from about 4-5 ears; frozen corn, thawed, is the closest substitute
  • 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk
  • 120 ml (½ cup) vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 200 g (7 oz) fresh cheese (queso Paraguay or queso fresco), a mild, semi-soft farmer's cheese is the closest substitute
  • 120 g (1 cup) cornmeal (or fresh corn flour, almidón de maíz), fine yellow cornmeal works well
  • 3 whole large eggs
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped, or use 3-4 scallions
  • 10 g (1 tbsp) fresh herbs (optional), parsley or green onion tops, chopped
  • 5 g (1 tsp) salt, adjust to taste
  • 2 g (½ tsp) black pepper
  • 5 g (1 tsp) baking powder

Steps

  1. 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 23 cm (9-inch) round baking dish or cast-iron skillet with oil or butter.
  2. 2 If using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cobs; you should have about 500 g (1 lb 2 oz). If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
  3. 3 In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the 3 eggs. Stir in the 250 ml (1 cup) milk and 120 ml (½ cup) oil or melted butter until combined.
  4. 4 Add the fresh corn kernels, finely chopped onion, and herbs (if using) to the wet mixture and stir to combine.
  5. 5 In a separate bowl, mix the 120 g (1 cup) cornmeal, 5 g (1 tsp) baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6 Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. 7 Cube or crumble the 200 g (7 oz) fresh cheese and fold it gently into the batter, reserving a small handful for topping.
  8. 8 Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Scatter the reserved cheese over the top.
  9. 9 Bake on the middle rack for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The internal temperature in the center should reach at least 80°C (175°F).
  10. 10 Let the chipa guasu rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; it will firm up as it cools. Serve warm as a side dish with grilled meats or a fresh salad.
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Ingredients
Steps

Chipa Guasu — frequently asked questions

What is Chipa Guasu?

Chipa Guasu is a beloved side dish, traditional to Paraguay. It is typically made with eggs, milk, cheese and onions.

What is Chipa Guasu made of?

Chipa Guasu is made with eggs, milk, cheese and onions.

Where does Chipa Guasu come from?

Chipa Guasu comes from Paraguay. Chipa Guasu, whose name comes from the Guarani language meaning "large cake," is a savory corn bake that embodies the culinary fusion at the heart of Paraguayan cuisine.

Where can I eat Chipa Guasu?

At weekend family asados, chipa guasu is pulled warm from the brick oven to share from the baking tray, its corn-cheese richness pairing with grilled meats and cold tereré.

How do you make Chipa Guasu?

Making Chipa Guasu at home takes about 20 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of cooking. The recipe on this page serves 6 and is rated easy. Full ingredient list and step-by-step method are in the recipe section above.

→ More traditional dishes from Paraguay

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