Takoyaki with Cheese Supremacy – A Savory Street Food Upgrade

Takoyaki, the beloved Japanese street food, gets a bold upgrade with a gooey cheese twist. Traditionally filled with tender pieces of octopus, green onions, and savory batter, these golden, crispy-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside balls are irresistible. Adding melted cheese inside takes this snack to the next level, creating a fusion of classic Japanese flavor and indulgent comfort food.

Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply treating yourself, these Takoyaki with Cheese Supremacy bites are crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Street Food at Home: Bring the fun of Japanese food stalls into your kitchen.
Cheese Upgrade: The creamy melted cheese inside pairs perfectly with savory batter and octopus.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a personal touch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for sharing and impressing guests.

Ingredients

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups dashi (Japanese soup stock)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup cooked octopus, cut into small bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp pickled red ginger (beni shoga), optional

For Toppings:

• Takoyaki sauce (or a mix of Worcestershire + ketchup + soy sauce)
• Japanese mayonnaise
• Aonori (seaweed flakes)
• Bonito flakes (katsuobushi)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, dashi, soy sauce, and salt until smooth. Set aside.

2. Heat the Takoyaki Pan
Grease each mold of a takoyaki pan with oil and heat over medium heat.

3. Pour and Fill
Pour batter into each mold, filling nearly to the top. Add a piece of octopus, a sprinkle of cheese, green onions, and pickled ginger into each well.

4. Flip and Cook
As the batter sets, use skewers to turn the balls 90 degrees, letting uncooked batter flow out and create a round shape. Continue turning until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

5. Top and Serve
Drizzle with takoyaki sauce and Japanese mayo, then sprinkle with aonori and bonito flakes. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy surprise inside.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 260
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fat: 11g
Protein: 15g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Plenty of Oil: Helps the takoyaki form a perfect golden crust.
• Cheese Choices: Mozzarella gives a stretchy pull, while cheddar adds sharpness.
• Don’t Rush the Flip: Let the batter firm slightly before rotating for the best round shape.
• Experiment with Fillings: Try shrimp, crab, or even sausage for fun variations.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe combines the authentic flavor of takoyaki with the indulgence of melted cheese, creating a fusion that feels both traditional and modern. Crispy, gooey, and bursting with umami, these bites are perfect for when you want a snack that’s playful, comforting, and a little indulgent.