Guava's Best Cheese Companion: A Tropical Delight

Guava and cheese is a classic combination enjoyed in several countries, including Colombia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. The salty, savoury cheese is a perfect match for the sweet guava, which can be eaten as a paste or jelly. While there are many types of cheese that work well with guava, some of the most popular include white cheese, queso fresco, mozzarella, feta, brie, and cream cheese.

Guava and cheese as a dessert

Guava and cheese is a delicious dessert that is simple to make and perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and salty flavours is heavenly and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Guava and cheese only requires two ingredients: guava and cheese! For the guava, you can use guava paste, which is a sweet paste made from fresh guavas and sugar, or fresh guava fruit. Guava paste is commonly used in empanadas and pastries and can be found in Latin markets or the International aisle of your local supermarket. As for the cheese, there are many options that pair well with guava, including:

• White cheese (queso blanco)
• Queso fresco
• Mozzarella cheese
• Feta
• Brie
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar
• Gruyere
• Manchego
• Parmesan

Preparation

Preparing guava and cheese as a dessert is very easy. You can simply slice the guava paste and cheese and place them on a serving plate. Alternatively, you can cut them into cubes and skewer them on a toothpick, or serve them over crackers. If you want to get creative, you can also use guava and cheese as a filling for pastries or baked plantains, or add other ingredients such as pineapple or salami for a sweet and salty combination.

Serving

Guava and cheese can be served as a dessert or an appetizer, cut into little pieces. It is a simple yet absolutely delicious combination that is sure to impress your guests.

Guava and cheese as an appetizer

Guava and cheese is a classic appetizer or snack that is easy to make and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of sweet and salty flavours is heavenly and is especially popular in Latin American countries such as Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

For this simple dish, you will need guava paste and cheese. The guava paste can be found in Latin markets, online, or in the international aisle of your local supermarket. It is a sweet paste made from fresh guavas and sugar. As for the cheese, you can use white cheese (queso blanco), queso fresco, mozzarella, feta, brie, or cream cheese.

To prepare this appetizer, cut the guava paste and cheese into cubes or slices. You can then place them on a serving plate or skewer them together on a toothpick. They can be served as-is or with crackers on the side. If you'd like to get creative, you can also add other ingredients such as pineapple chunks, olives, or even a slice of galletas or Ritz crackers.

This appetizer can be served warm or cold and can be prepared ahead of time. Simply cover and store in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy snack or a delicious dish to impress your guests, guava and cheese is a perfect choice.

Best types of cheese to pair with guava

Guava is a sweet and tangy fruit that is commonly made into a paste or jam. It is often paired with cheese, with the salty savouriness of the cheese complementing the sweet and tangy guava. This combination is popular in Latin American countries such as Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.

There are many types of cheese that go well with guava, but here are some of the best ones:

White Cheese

Also known as queso blanco, this is a popular choice for pairing with guava. It is a salty white cheese that provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the guava. It is often served as a simple dessert or appetizer, with a slice of white cheese and a slice of guava paste.

Feta

Feta is a classic choice for fruit and cheese boards. Its salty, tangy flavour pairs perfectly with the sweetness of guava. Feta can be crumbled over guava jam on toast, mixed with guava jam and used as a filling for pastries, or combined with guava and used as a dip for crackers or fruit.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a rich and creamy cheese that goes well with the sweetness of guava. It can be spread on crackers and topped with guava paste or jam, or used as a dip for the guava. It is also a popular choice for desserts, such as cheesecakes or bars.

Brie

Brie is another rich and creamy cheese that pairs well with sweet and savoury flavours. The sweetness of the guava jam brings out the nutty flavours in brie. It can be used in a variety of dishes such as crostini, grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, quesadillas, or French toast.

Cheddar

Sharp cheddar is a popular choice for pairing with guava, especially in Puerto Rico. The balanced flavour of the cheddar complements the sweetness of the guava. It can be cubed and skewered with guava paste, or served on crackers for a simple and tasty appetizer.

Other Cheeses

Other cheeses that go well with guava include Swiss, Gruyere, Camembert, Chevre, Gorgonzola, Manchego, and Parmesan. The sweetness of the guava jam can help to offset the saltiness or sharpness of these cheeses, creating a delicious and irresistible combination.

Guava and cheese crackers

Ingredients:

You will need guava paste, cheese, and crackers. For the cheese, options such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, feta, brie, cream cheese, or even a local variety like queso blanco or queso fresco will work well. As for crackers, a buttery variety like Ritz crackers is recommended, but any type will do.

Preparation:

Start by cutting the guava paste and cheese into small, uniform squares or cubes. Aim for pieces that are slightly smaller than the crackers you will be using. You can also cut the cheese into thinner slices if you prefer.

Next, assemble the crackers. Place one piece of cheese and one piece of guava paste on each cracker. If desired, you can add an olive on top as a savoury garnish. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of crackers.

Serving Suggestions:

For a more interactive presentation, you can skewer the guava paste and cheese cubes onto toothpicks, creating mini-skewers that your guests can easily grab and enjoy. This option adds a bit of height and visual appeal to your appetiser spread.

Variations:

While the classic combination of guava and cheese is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with adding other ingredients to enhance the flavour profile. Try adding a slice of ripe plantain or a piece of salami to create a sweet and salty contrast. You can also pair the guava and cheese with pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.

Guava and cheese cubes

For this recipe, you will need two ingredients: guava paste and cheese. The guava paste is a sweet spread made from fresh guavas and sugar, while the cheese can be any variety you prefer, such as white cheese (queso blanco), queso fresco, mozzarella, feta, brie, or cream cheese.

To prepare, simply cut the guava paste and cheese into cubes or slices. You can serve them as-is on a plate, or get creative and assemble them into bite-sized skewers by alternating the guava and cheese cubes on toothpicks. This dish can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a flexible option for any occasion.

The sweetness of the guava pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds. This combination is a classic in many Latin American countries, especially Colombia, where it is known as "Bocadillo con Queso."

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite pairing. You can also add a crunchy element to this dish by serving the guava and cheese cubes with crackers. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your personal preferences, making it a fun and interactive option for your next gathering.

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