Dominican Breakfast: Frying Cheese, A Cultural Delight

Queso frito, or fried cheese, is a popular breakfast dish in the Dominican Republic. It is made by frying slices of queso blanco, a salty white cheese with a high melting point, in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. The dish is often served with other traditional Dominican foods such as tostones, mangu, or rice and beans, and can be paired with dipping sauces like guava sauce or spicy salsa.

How to make fried cheese

Frying cheese is a popular breakfast choice in the Dominican Republic, and it's easy to see why. This simple 2-ingredient recipe is a delicious and indulgent treat. Here is how to make your own Dominican-style fried cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) of queso de freír, queso blanco, queso fresco, halloumi, paneer, or a firm mozzarella
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/cornflour)
• Oil for frying (vegetable, olive, soy, corn, peanut, or ghee)

Utensils:

• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Plate or shallow dish
• Slotted spoon or spatula
• Paper towels or a cooling rack

Method:

Firstly, cut the cheese into slices or bite-sized pieces. If you are serving the fried cheese as a snack, you may want to cut the cheese into sticks or cubes. If you are using a deep fryer, you can coat the cheese in flour or cornstarch and deep fry. However, if you are pan-frying, it is recommended to pat the cheese dry with a paper towel to minimise splatters.

Next, heat the oil in your chosen utensil. If you are pan-frying, heat the oil over medium-high heat (350 ºF or 175 ºC) and fry the cheese on one side until it turns golden brown. You may want to fry one slice first to test if the cheese holds its shape. If the cheese melts, coat the remaining slices with cornstarch or flour and shake off the excess. Turn and repeat.

How long you fry the cheese for depends on your taste. Some prefer the cheese to be a light golden colour and slightly melted, while others prefer it fried to a crisp and a darker colour.

Finally, drain the excess oil using a paper towel or cooling rack. Serve the fried cheese hot, either on its own or with your choice of dipping sauces or accompaniments. Enjoy!

What to serve with fried cheese

Queso frito, or fried cheese, is a popular breakfast dish in the Dominican Republic. It is often served as part of Los Tres Golpes, the traditional Dominican breakfast, which includes mangú (mashed plantains) with red onions, fried eggs, and fried Dominican salami.

When it comes to serving fried cheese, there are several options to consider. Here are some ideas to elevate your fried cheese dish:

Dipping Sauces

Offer a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavour of the fried cheese. Some popular options include:

• Guava sauce
• Spicy salsa
• Garlic aioli
• Cilantro-lime sauce
• Marinara sauce
• Horseradish-based sauce (with ketchup and mayo)
• Mustard sauce

Traditional Dominican Accompaniments

For an authentic Dominican experience, serve fried cheese with other traditional dishes such as:

• Tostones (fried plantains)
• Mangú (mashed plantains)
• Rice and beans
• Salami
• Eggs

Salads

Complement the rich, indulgent taste of fried cheese with a light and refreshing salad. Some suggestions include:

• Mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Avocado and tomato salad with a lime dressing

Skewers

For a fun and easy-to-eat presentation, skewer the fried cheese pieces on wooden sticks. This allows your guests to dip them into sauces or enjoy them as finger food.

Appetizer Platters

Create a colourful and diverse appetizer platter by combining fried cheese with other Latin American favourites such as:

• Empanadas
• Stuffed peppers
• Ceviche

Sides

Fried cheese can also be served with sides such as:

• Puré de auyama (pumpkin mash)
• Puré de yautía (malanga mash)
• Bread

Drinks

A cup of café con leche (Dominican latte) or other hot breakfast drinks go well with fried cheese.

The best cheese for frying

Frying cheese is a popular dish in many Hispanic countries, especially in South America, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. In the Dominican Republic, fried cheese, or "Queso Frito", is a common breakfast food, served with other dishes such as mashed plantains, salami, eggs, and fried Dominican salami.

When selecting a cheese for frying, it is important to choose a cheese that is specifically made for frying. This means that the cheese should be slightly salty and able to hold its shape while cooking, allowing it to become warm and gooey on the inside. Brands such as "Campesino" and "Tropical" are popular choices for frying cheese.

If you are unable to find a cheese specifically made for frying, other types of firm cheese that hold up well when fried can be used. For example, halloumi, paneer, or a firmer mozzarella. However, keep in mind that each type of cheese will have a unique flavour and texture when fried.

In addition to the type of cheese, the oil used for frying is also important. A neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoking point, such as olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil, is best for frying cheese.

When frying the cheese, it is important to heat the oil to a high enough temperature to ensure that the cheese becomes crispy and golden brown. The oil should be heated to around 350°F (175°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small pinch of flour into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready.

Frying cheese is a simple and delicious dish that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. It can be paired with various dipping sauces, such as guava sauce, spicy salsa, or garlic aioli, or served with other traditional Dominican dishes.

The best oils for frying cheese

Frying cheese is an essential component of a traditional Dominican breakfast. But what kind of oil should you use?

The type of oil you use for frying cheese depends on the type of frying you're doing. Shallow frying, which includes stir-frying and sautéing, requires a medium-high heat, usually less than 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Oils with moderate or high smoke points are best for this method. Avocado, canola, corn, safflower, sunflower, and grapeseed oils are good choices. While olive oil is best reserved for raw applications, if you want to use it for frying, opt for refined versions like "light olive oil".

Deep frying requires higher temperatures, often over 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Refined oils, which have higher smoke points, are better suited for this method. Safflower and soybean oil (often labelled as vegetable oil) are commonly used. Peanut and canola oil are also stable options.

Oils to Avoid

Oils with lower smoke points, such as flax seed, walnut, hazelnut, almond, and extra-virgin olive oils, are best avoided when frying cheese. These oils will burn and degrade at high heat and lose their flavour. They are more suited for raw preparations like dressings or drizzles.

How to make fried cheese healthier

Queso frito, or fried cheese, is a popular breakfast dish in the Dominican Republic. It is typically made by frying slices of queso blanco, a salty Dominican cheese with a high melting point, in oil.

Baking, grilling, or air-frying

Instead of deep-frying the cheese, you can try baking, grilling, or air-frying it. These methods use less oil, reducing the overall fat content of the dish. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the cheese for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For grilling, lightly brush the cheese with oil and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. For air-frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.

Using a healthier oil

If you choose to fry the cheese, consider using a healthier oil with a high smoke point, such as tallow (rendered beef fat), coconut oil, or olive oil. These oils contain healthier fats compared to traditional frying oils like peanut or canola oil.

Choosing a lighter cheese

Opt for a lighter or reduced-fat version of the cheese if available. Cheese is high in calories and saturated fat, so limiting the serving size and choosing a lower-fat option can make the dish healthier.

Adding vegetables

Pairing the fried cheese with vegetables can make the meal more balanced and nutritious. Try serving it with a salad or adding vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or cabbage to your plate. You can also incorporate vegetables into a sandwich if you're serving the fried cheese in one.

Using a healthier coating

If you're making fried cheese sticks, you can use a grain-free coating like almond flour instead of traditional breading. This reduces the amount of carbohydrates in the dish. Make sure to freeze the cheese sticks before frying to prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out.

Frequently asked questions