Andy Montoya
Queso frito, or Dominican fried cheese, is a mouth-watering snack and a staple in many Hispanic countries. It is made by frying slices or bite-sized pieces of firm white cheese, such as queso de freír, queso fresco, or queso blanco, in hot oil until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The cheese has a mild, milky flavour and a slightly crumbly texture, resulting in a delightful contrast of textures with a crunchy exterior and a soft, warm, and slightly melted cheese centre.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Crispy, golden-brown exterior with a soft, warm, and slightly melted cheese center |
| Taste | Mild, milky, and slightly salty |
| Type of Cheese | Queso de freír, queso fresco, queso blanco, halloumi, paneer, mozzarella, queso paisa |
| Accompaniments | Guava sauce, spicy salsa, tostones, mangu, rice and beans, habichuelas, chicharron de pollo, empanadas, stuffed peppers, ceviche |
| Preparation | Fried in small batches in hot oil, or in an air fryer |
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What You'll Learn
How to make Queso Frito
Queso frito, which translates to "fried cheese," is a popular appetizer and snack in Dominican cuisine. It is made by frying firm white cheese, such as queso de freír, queso fresco, queso blanco, or halloumi, in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious treat:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) of firm white cheese (queso de freír, queso fresco, queso blanco, or halloumi)
- Oil for frying (soy, corn, peanut, or ghee)
- Paper towels
- Optional: flour or cornstarch for coating
- Spices and herbs (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, cilantro, or parsley)
Instructions:
- Remove the cheese from its packaging and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Cut the cheese into your desired shape and size. You can cut it into small cubes, long slices, or 1-inch slices.
- Pat the cheese again with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and minimize oil splatters.
- Heat your choice of frying oil in a large skillet or shallow pan over medium-high heat to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Test the oil by placing a small piece of cheese in the fryer. It should cook in about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Fry the cheese in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the cheese to stick together.
- Fry the cheese for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can burn quickly.
- Once the cheese is golden brown, remove it from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- If desired, season the queso frito with spices and herbs of your choice.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Queso frito can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. It is often paired with dipping sauces such as guava sauce or spicy salsa. It is also commonly enjoyed as part of a traditional Dominican breakfast, known as Los Tres Golpes, which includes mangú with red onions, fried eggs, and fried Dominican salami.
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What cheese to use
Queso frito, or Dominican fried cheese, is a popular appetizer and snack in Dominican cuisine. It is made by frying slices or bite-sized pieces of firm white cheese in hot oil until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The cheese used should have a high melting point so that it becomes warm and gooey on the inside while remaining crunchy on the outside.
The traditional cheese used for this dish is called "queso de freír", which translates to "frying cheese". However, not all cheeses labelled as "queso de freír" will deep fry well, and some varieties may not hold their shape during frying. Therefore, it is recommended to test a small piece of cheese in the fryer before cooking the entire batch. If you are unable to find queso de freír, there are several other types of cheese that can be used as a substitute:
- Halloumi: This brined cheese from Cyprus has a high melting point and a slightly salty taste. It maintains its shape well during frying and has a delightful squeaky texture when cooked.
- Queso Fresco: This is a semi-firm white cheese with a mild flavour. It holds its shape well during frying, resulting in a satisfying bite.
- Queso Blanco: This is another firm white cheese with a mild flavour. While it may not hold its shape quite as well as queso fresco, it is still a viable option, especially if queso fresco is unavailable. Look for a queso blanco that is on the firmer side for better frying results.
- Paneer: A firm, white cheese with a mild flavour that holds its shape well during frying.
- Mozzarella: A semi-firm cheese that can be used as a substitute for queso de freír, although it may have a slightly different texture and flavour.
When selecting a cheese for queso frito, it is important to choose a firm cheese that will hold its shape during frying and have a delightful contrast of textures. The cheese should also have a mild flavour that will not overpower the other ingredients in the dish.
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The best cooking oil
Queso frito, or Dominican fried cheese, is a popular Latin American dish that is often served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. It is made by frying firm white cheese, such as queso de freír, queso fresco, or queso blanco, in hot oil until it develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The cheese is typically cut into slices or bite-sized pieces before frying, and the oil is heated to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
When choosing the best cooking oil for frying queso frito, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the oil should have a high smoke point, as the cheese needs to be fried at medium-high heat to achieve the desired crispy texture. Oils with a low smoke point, such as extra virgin olive oil, can burn and develop undesirable flavours at high temperatures. Therefore, refined oils with higher smoke points, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil, are better suited for frying queso frito.
Secondly, the oil should have a neutral flavour that will not overpower the delicate taste of the cheese. Strongly flavoured oils, such as extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil, can impart their flavour to the dish, which may not be desirable for queso frito. Instead, opting for a mild-tasting oil like avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil can ensure that the flavour of the cheese remains the star of the dish.
Additionally, the oil's stability and health benefits may be considered when making a choice. For example, avocado oil is known for its high monounsaturated fat content and antioxidant properties, making it a healthier option compared to other oils. On the other hand, peanut oil is high in polyunsaturated fats, which can make it more susceptible to oxidation and the development of off-flavours over time. Canola oil, which is derived from rapeseed, has a neutral flavour and high smoke point, but it is controversial due to the use of genetic modification in its production.
In conclusion, when choosing the best cooking oil for Dominican fried cheese, consider using avocado oil, peanut oil, or canola oil due to their high smoke points, neutral flavours, and potential health benefits. These oils will allow the flavour of the cheese to shine while providing the heat needed to create the signature crispy texture of queso frito.
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Dipping sauces
Dominican fried cheese, or Queso Frito, is a mouth-watering appetizer that is easy to make and a true representation of the flavours and textures of Dominican cooking. It is made by cutting firm white cheese, such as queso de freír, queso fresco, or queso blanco, into slices or bite-sized pieces and then frying them in hot oil until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The popular Dominican dish is known for its delightful contrast of textures, with a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, warm, and slightly melted cheese centre.
Queso Frito is often served with some sort of dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your Dominican fried cheese:
Guava Sauce
Guava sauce is a popular choice to pair with the salty fried cheese. You can make a guava dipping sauce by cooking guava paste with pineapple juice and ground cinnamon until well blended and smooth. Alternatively, you can make a guava marmalade by melting down guava paste into a syrup and adding red wine to reduce it, creating a beautiful ruby-red colour.
Pineapple Sauce
For a tropical twist, you can make a pineapple dipping sauce by cooking pineapple preserves with minced jalapeño pepper until well blended and smooth.
Mango Sauce
A mango dipping sauce can be made by cooking mango preserves in a small saucepan over medium heat until well blended and smooth.
Thai Chili Honey
For a sweet and spicy kick, mix Thai chili sauce with clover honey and add a kick of sriracha, garlic sambal, fish sauce, and rice wine vinegar. This sauce will complement the salty, fried cheese perfectly.
Spicy Salsa
A spicy salsa is another option to add a kick of heat to your fried cheese.
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What to serve it with
Queso frito, or Dominican fried cheese, is a popular appetizer, snack, and breakfast item in the Dominican Republic and other Latin American countries. It is typically made by frying small pieces of firm white cheese, such as queso de freír, queso blanco, or halloumi, in hot oil until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The cheese has a mild, milky flavour and a slightly crumbly texture that holds its shape during frying.
When serving Dominican fried cheese, there are several options to consider:
As an Appetizer or Snack
Queso frito can be served as a tasty appetizer or snack on its own. Its small size and crispy texture make it perfect for afternoon snacks or as part of an appetizer platter. To enhance the dish, you can experiment with different types of firm cheese, such as halloumi, paneer, or a firmer mozzarella. These cheeses will add their own unique flavour and texture to the dish.
Dipping Sauces
The fried cheese can also be paired with various dipping sauces. Guava sauce or spicy salsa are popular choices that complement the mild flavour of the cheese. You can also offer a selection of sauces, such as garlic sauce or a yoghurt dip, to add extra flavour to each bite.
Traditional Dominican Dishes
Queso frito is commonly served as a side dish alongside traditional Dominican meals. It pairs well with tostones, mangu (garlicky green plantain mash), rice and beans, or a plate of Habichuelas and Chicharron de Pollo. It is also an essential component of Los Tres Golpes, the traditional Dominican breakfast, which includes mangú with red onions, fried eggs, and fried Dominican salami.
Latin American Favourites
As a Latin American dish, Queso frito can be combined with other Latin American specialties to create a diverse and colourful platter. Empanadas, stuffed peppers, or ceviche are some options to consider. These dishes will add variety to your meal and showcase the flavours of Latin American cuisine.
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Frequently asked questions
Queso Frito, which translates to ["fried cheese", is a popular appetizer and snack in Dominican cuisine.
Dominican fried cheese has a mild, milky flavour. It is slightly salty and can be seasoned with herbs and spices like cilantro, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
Dominican fried cheese has a slightly crumbly texture that holds its shape well during frying. It has a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, warm, and slightly melted cheese centre.
Dominican fried cheese is made by frying firm white cheese, such as queso de freír, queso fresco, or queso blanco, in hot oil until it turns crispy and golden brown. It can be cooked in a pan or in an air fryer.
Dominican fried cheese is a component of Los Tres Golpes, the traditional Dominican breakfast. It is often served with Mangú (garlicky green plantain mash), fried eggs, and fried Dominican salami. It can also be served as an appetizer with dipping sauces such as guava sauce or spicy salsa.
