Frederic Melton
Dominican fried cheese, or Queso Frito, is a popular Latin American dish, often served as a snack, appetiser, or side dish. It is made by frying slices or bite-sized pieces of cheese until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The cheese used for this dish should ideally be a fresh, high-melting point variety, such as queso blanco, queso de freír, queso fresco, halloumi, or grilling cheese. The exterior of the fried cheese should be crunchy, while the inside should be soft, warm, and slightly melted, providing a delightful contrast of textures. Dominican fried cheese can be served with various dipping sauces, such as guava sauce or salsa, or as an accompaniment to other traditional Dominican dishes.
How to Cook Dominican Fried Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Queso Frito |
| Cheese Type | Queso de Freír, Queso Fresco, Queso Blanco, Halloumi, Mozzarella, Cheese Curds |
| Cheese Texture | Slightly spongy, crumbly, high melting point |
| Cheese Shape | Slices, cubes, sticks |
| Oil Type | Frying oil |
| Oil Quantity | Enough to coat the pan or 1 inch deep |
| Oil Temperature | 350°F |
| Cheese Quantity | 4-5 slices at a time |
| Cooking Time | 30 seconds to 3 minutes per side |
| Cooking Method | Deep fry, air fry, grill, pan fry |
| Cooking Utensil | Non-stick pan |
| Serving Suggestions | Salsa, guava sauce, tomato sauce, fruit preserves, mangu, tostones, rice and beans |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 1 month |
| Reheating | Fry or oven bake at 350°F for 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
The key to making delicious Dominican fried cheese, or Queso Frito, is to use the right type of cheese. While some cheeses will simply melt into a mess when fried, others develop a desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior and maintain a gooey, warm centre.
The best cheese for frying is one with a high melting point, such as queso de freír, which directly translates to "frying cheese". This cheese is specifically made to be fried and is a favourite in the Dominican Republic. If you can't get your hands on queso de freír, there are several alternatives that will also fry well.
Queso blanco, or "white cheese", is a popular choice for frying due to its high melting point. It is a firm, salty Dominican cheese with a similar taste and texture to halloumi. If you can't find queso blanco, halloumi is a suitable substitute, though be sure to choose a variety without mint.
Queso fresco, or "fresh cheese", is another traditional option for frying. This crumbly, mild, milky-flavoured Mexican cheese holds its shape well during frying. It can be found in most Latin American grocery stores.
Halloumi, a brined cheese from Cyprus, is also an excellent choice for frying. The brining process increases its melting point, allowing it to maintain its shape in the fryer. It has a delightful squeaky texture when cooked and a slightly salty taste.
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Preparing the cheese
To prepare the cheese for Dominican fried cheese, or Queso Frito, you will need a good "frying cheese" with a high melting point. This could be a Dominican queso blanco, a queso de freír, or a queso fresco. If you cannot find these cheeses, you can use halloumi (without mint), or a semi-firm queso blanco or queso fresco from a Latin American grocery store or local Latin market. You can also use a Mexican cheese such as queso asadero (grilling cheese), or even a Greek cheese such as halloumi, or a good melting cheese like mozzarella or cheese curds.
Once you have your cheese, you will need to cut it into slices or bite-sized pieces. You can cut the cheese into 12 slices (2" x 3", 1/4" thick), or cut it lengthwise into 1/2-inch sticks, or cut it into cubes. If you are serving it with other food, you may want to cut the cheese into equal-sized slices so that they cook evenly. You can also lightly season the cheese slices with a pinch of salt.
Before frying the cheese, it is important to pat it dry with a paper towel to minimise splatters. If your cheese does not hold its shape well when fried, coat the slices with a fine layer of cornstarch and shake off the excess.
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Cooking methods
Queso frito, or Dominican fried cheese, is typically made with queso de freír, a salty Dominican cheese with a high melting point. However, if you can't find this cheese, you can use halloumi, some varieties of queso blanco (white cheese), or queso fresco (fresh cheese).
To make Dominican fried cheese, start by cutting the cheese into slices or bite-sized pieces. You can cut the cheese into 12 slices (2" x 3", 1/4" thick), or cut it into small cubes, which are perfect for afternoon snacks. If you want to serve it as a finger food, cut the cheese lengthwise into 1/2-inch sticks, then cut the slices lengthwise again to form evenly sized sticks. You can also lightly season the cheese slices with a pinch of salt.
Next, pat the cheese dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and minimise splatters. If you're using a type of cheese that may melt in the fryer, coat the slices with a fine layer of cornstarch and shake off the excess.
Now you're ready to fry the cheese. If you're frying the cheese in a pan, add your choice of frying oil to a large skillet, heating about an inch of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a small piece of cheese in the oil to test it—it should cook in about 30 seconds. Fry 4-5 slices at a time, ensuring the pan doesn't get overcrowded. Fry each slice for 1-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese develops a golden brown crust.
Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to achieve a less oily version of the dish. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), lightly coat the floured cheese pieces with cooking spray, and air fry for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Once the cheese is fried, transfer it to a paper towel or wire rack to drain the excess oil. Serve the queso frito warm with salsa, guava sauce, or tomato sauce. Enjoy!
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Serving suggestions
Dominican fried cheese, or Queso Frito, is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It is often served as an appetizer or snack, but can also be a part of a larger meal. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious and crispy fried cheese:
Traditional Dominican Breakfast
Queso Frito is a key component of a traditional Dominican breakfast, Los Tres Golpes, which includes Mangú with red onions, fried eggs, and fried Dominican salami. It is a hearty and flavourful way to start the day and is a beloved breakfast choice for Dominicans.
Side Dishes and Dipping Sauces
This fried cheese pairs well with various side dishes and dipping sauces. You can serve it with traditional Dominican dishes like tostones (green plantains), Mangú, or rice and beans. For dipping sauces, try guava sauce, salsa, or tomato sauce. The contrast of the crispy cheese with these sauces creates a delightful flavour and texture combination.
Snacks and Appetizers
Queso Frito makes an excellent snack or appetizer, especially when served with a hot beverage like a Dominican latte or coffee. You can cut the cheese into bite-sized pieces or cubes, making it perfect for snacking. It is a simple yet tasty treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Accompaniments
Dominican fried cheese can be served alongside other dishes to enhance their flavour and texture. It goes well with Puré de Auyama (pumpkin mash) and Puré de Yautía (malanga mash). Additionally, it can be a delicious topping for tacos or added to a tomato salad, providing a crispy and cheesy element to these dishes.
Leftovers and Reheating
If you have leftover fried cheese, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the cheese back in a frying pan and warm both sides for a few minutes. You can also warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Leftover queso frito can be a versatile ingredient in other dishes, such as adding it to a Mexican street corn casserole.
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Storing leftovers
When you are ready to enjoy your leftover fried cheese, simply take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will help bring back the signature gooey texture of the cheese.
If you have leftover slices of the frying cheese itself, such as queso fresco or halloumi, before frying, these can also be stored in the refrigerator. Keep the cheese slices in an airtight container or well-wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help extend the shelf life of the cheese and keep it fresh for future frying.
Additionally, if you have any leftover dipping sauces or accompaniments, such as guava marmalade, salsa, or tomato sauce, these can also be stored in the refrigerator. Use airtight containers or well-sealed bottles to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can enjoy your leftover Dominican fried cheese and its accompaniments for a few extra days, depending on the type of cheese and sauces used.
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