The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Guava Paste

Guava paste and cheese is a simple dessert or appetiser that is popular in Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. The dish combines salty cheese with sweet guava paste, creating a delicious flavour fusion. Guava paste is made from the thick puree of guava fruit and sugar, resulting in a sturdy bar of paste that can be sliced and served with cheese. While various types of cheese can be used, such as queso blanco, mozzarella, feta, or cream cheese, the combination of sweet and salty flavours makes for a delightful culinary experience.

Guava paste and cheese as a dessert

Guava paste and cheese is a simple dessert that is popular in Colombia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. It is also known as "Romeo and Juliet" in Brazil and "Bocadillo con Queso" in Colombia. The dessert consists of slices or cubes of guava paste and cheese, often served on a plate or held together with a toothpick. It can be served as a dessert or an appetizer and is known for its delicious combination of sweet and salty flavours.

Guava paste is a sweet paste made from fresh guavas and sugar. It is usually packaged in short, wide cans or in the shape of a bar encased in plastic packaging. To prepare the dessert, the guava paste is simply sliced or cut into squares and assembled with the cheese. The type of cheese used can vary, but popular options include white cheese (queso blanco), queso fresco, mozzarella, feta, brie, cream cheese, or farmer's cheese.

The dessert is often served as-is or with a side of crackers. For a more elaborate presentation, it can be paired with fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple, or even green olives for an explosion of sweet and salty flavours. In Colombia, it is sometimes served with a glass of Milo, the American version of Nesquik.

Guava paste and cheese is a quick, easy, and absolutely delicious dessert or appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet guava paste and salty cheese is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.

Guava paste and cheese as an appetiser

Guava paste with cheese is a simple appetiser that requires only two ingredients and is delicious. The salty cheese and sweet guava paste is a heavenly combination.

The Cheese

You can use white cheese (queso blanco), queso fresco, mozzarella, feta, brie, or cream cheese.

The Guava Paste

Guava paste is made from fresh guavas and sugar. You can find it in Latin markets, online, or in the international aisle of your local supermarket. It is usually packaged in short, wide cans or in the shape of a bar encased in plastic packaging.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the guava paste and cheese into cubes or squares and place them on a serving plate. You can also add fruit, such as strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple, to some of the cheese and guava stacks. Secure the stacks with toothpicks for easy serving. You can also serve the guava paste and cheese with crackers.

Different types of cheese that go with guava paste

Guava paste is a sweet treat made from fresh guavas and sugar. It is usually cut into cubes or squares and served with cheese. This combination of salty cheese and sweet guava paste is a popular appetizer or dessert in places like Colombia, Brazil, and the Caribbean. Here are some of the best types of cheese to pair with guava paste:

White Cheese (Queso Blanco)

Queso blanco is a popular choice for pairing with guava paste. It is a type of white cheese that is mild, creamy, and slightly salty, which creates a delicious contrast with the sweet guava.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is another excellent option for those who enjoy a stretchy, stringy cheese. Its mild flavour and creamy texture complement the guava paste without overwhelming it.

Feta

Feta cheese has a tangy, salty flavour and a crumbly texture. When paired with guava paste, it adds a sharp contrast that can be quite refreshing.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a rich and creamy option that goes well with guava paste. Its mild flavour and smooth texture make it a popular choice for those who want a more subtle cheese flavour.

Other Options

Other types of cheese that can be paired with guava paste include farmer's cheese, Brie, and even sharp cheddar. The key is to look for cheeses that have a salty or tangy flavour to balance the sweetness of the guava paste.

Where to buy guava paste

Guava paste is a sweet, thick puree of guava fruit and sugar, popular in Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean. It is a key ingredient in Latin cuisine and can be found in Latin markets, international aisles of supermarkets, and online.

Latin Markets

Latin markets are a great place to start your search for guava paste. These specialty stores will often carry a range of Latin American products, including guava paste, and are likely to have a variety of options to choose from.

International Aisle of Supermarkets

If you don't have a Latin market nearby, check the international aisle of your local supermarket. These aisles typically stock products from various countries, including Latin America, and you may be able to find guava paste there.

Online

Online shopping is another convenient option. You can search for guava paste on e-commerce websites like Amazon, which offers a variety of brands, sizes, and pack options.

Specific Brands and Retailers

Goya

Goya is a popular brand that manufactures guava paste, and their products are available on their website, as well as on Amazon and Walmart. Goya guava paste comes in 21-ounce cans, and you can buy them individually or in packs of 6 or 12.

Conchita

Conchita is another brand that offers guava paste in a 14-ounce package. This product is available on Amazon.

Iberia

Iberia guava paste is also an option, with 14-ounce packages available on Amazon. They offer both regular and no-sugar options, and their products are vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher.

Predilecta

Predilecta offers sweet guava paste in a 10.58-ounce package, which can be found on Amazon.

Dulzura

For a smaller option, Dulzura provides guava paste in a 4.64-ounce package, also available on Amazon.

With these options, you can easily purchase guava paste to create delicious appetizers, snacks, or desserts, such as the classic combination of guava paste with cheese.

How to serve guava paste and cheese

Guava paste and cheese is a simple Colombian dessert or appetiser that combines sweet and salty flavours. Guava paste is made from fresh guavas and sugar and is available in cans or plastic packaging. It can be served with a variety of cheeses, including white cheese (queso blanco), queso fresco, mozzarella, feta, brie, or cream cheese. Here are some tips on how to serve guava paste and cheese:

Choosing the Cheese

As mentioned, a variety of cheeses can be paired with guava paste. White cheese, such as queso blanco or mozzarella, is a popular choice. Other options include queso fresco, feta, brie, or cream cheese. Choose a cheese that is not too salty, as you want the sweet and salty flavours to complement each other.

Preparing the Guava Paste and Cheese

The preparation is simple. Cut the guava paste and cheese into slices, squares, or cubes of similar size. You can serve them separately on a plate, or stack them on top of each other and secure them with a toothpick. If you want to get creative, you can cut the ingredients into cute shapes to make them more appealing.

Serving Options

Guava paste and cheese can be served as a dessert or appetiser. You can serve them as-is or with a side of crackers. For a more elaborate presentation, create a fruit platter by adding chopped strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple to the cheese and guava stacks. This adds a refreshing touch to the dish.

Storage

If you have leftover guava paste, you can store it in the refrigerator. However, be aware that refrigeration may change the texture of the paste, making it harder.

Cultural Variations

The combination of guava paste and cheese is enjoyed in various cultures. In Brazil, it is known as "Romeo and Juliet," and in Puerto Rico, it is a popular appetiser. In Colombia, it is called "Bocadillo con Queso" and can be served as an appetiser, snack, or dessert. It is often enjoyed with a glass of chocolate milk or hot chocolate.

Frequently asked questions