Cheese In Pastelitos: What's The Secret Ingredient?

Pastelitos are Cuban pastries that are stuffed with cheese and other fillings. The cheese used in pastelitos is either cream cheese or queso fresco. The pastry is made with puff pastry sheets and the cheese is spread diagonally from one corner to the other. The pastries are then baked and can be served as a snack or for breakfast.

Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso: a Cuban treat combining guava and cheese

Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso, or guava and cheese pastries, are a beloved Cuban treat. These "little pastries" are indulgent, sweet, flaky, and airy, combining guava and tangy cream cheese wrapped in a flaky crust. They are a fusion of European baking techniques and Latin American flavours.

Pastelitos are an integral part of Latin American cuisines, especially in Cuba, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. In Venezuela, for instance, the popular version in bakeries is Pastelitos de Queso (cheese strudels), which are enjoyed as a quick snack or breakfast treat.

The Cuban version, Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso, combines guava and cheese, offering a delightful contrast of sweet and savoury flavours. American cream cheese has become an acceptable alternative to Cuban queso fresco in these pastries.

Ingredients:

• Store-bought frozen puff pastry dough
• Guava paste
• Cream cheese, either full-fat or Neufchâtel, at room temperature
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Egg
• Water

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package directions (usually about 20 minutes at room temperature).
• Make the cream cheese mixture by combining cream cheese, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Beat until well incorporated.
• On a lightly floured surface, unfold a sheet of puff pastry dough and divide it into a 2-by-4 grid with 8 rectangles (or a 3-by-3 grid for 9 small squares).
• Place the rectangles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them (about one inch or 2.5 cm).
• Cut the guava paste into approximately 1/4-inch slices.
• Place a dollop of cream cheese on each pastry piece and top with a slice of guava paste, leaving a 1/2-inch border to seal the pastries and prevent the filling from seeping during baking.
• Moisten the edges of the pastry with water and place another piece of dough on top, pressing down the edges to seal. You can use a fork to seal the edges.
• Create an egg wash by whisking the egg with one tablespoon of water. Brush the pastries with the egg wash, which will give them a golden and glossy shine.
• Bake for 20-22 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or until they are puffed and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving (the filling will be very hot)!
• For an optional finishing touch, you can brush the pastries with simple syrup or sprinkle with powdered or turbinado sugar, though they are also delicious as they are.

Pastelitos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or a toaster oven.

Pastelitos de Queso: Cuban pastries made with cream cheese and puff pastry

Pastelitos de queso are Cuban pastries made with cream cheese and puff pastry. They are a delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion, whether you are looking for a sweet snack or a party dessert. Here is everything you need to know about making these tasty pastries at home.

Ingredients

To make pastelitos de queso, you will need the following ingredients:

• Puff pastry sheets
• Cream cheese, softened
• Egg
• Granulated sugar

Optional Ingredients

Some recipes also include:

• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Butter
• Baking powder
• Flour

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package directions, usually about 20-30 minutes. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Preheat your oven to 375-400°F.
• Cut each pastry sheet into squares, typically 3x3 or 4x4, depending on the desired size.
• Spread a tablespoon of softened cream cheese diagonally from one corner of the square to the opposite corner.
• Brush the corners with an egg wash (a mixture of beaten egg and a small amount of water).
• Bring one corner of the pastry over the cream cheese and connect it to the opposite corner, pressing gently to seal. Repeat this process with the remaining pastry squares.
• Brush each pastry square with the egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
• Place the pastries on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown.

Tips and Tricks

• Use softened cream cheese at room temperature to make it easier to spread.
• Cut perfect squares when cutting the puff pastry sheets to avoid the pastry opening up while baking.
• If you end up with rectangles instead of squares, simply wrap the corner around and tuck it underneath to prevent the pastry from opening.
• Keep an eye on the pastries while they are baking, as they can burn quickly.
• Pastelitos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or toaster oven.

Variations

While the traditional pastelitos de queso are made with cream cheese, there are also variations that include:

• Guava and cheese: This variation combines guava paste or jam with cream cheese, adding a sweet and tangy flavour.
• Dulce de leche: For a twist, replace the guava with dulce de leche, a rich Latin American caramel-like spread.
• Savory option: You can also fill the pastries with just cheese for a completely savory treat.

So, there you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make Cuban pastry that is perfect for any occasion. Impress your friends and family by whipping up a batch of these tasty treats, and don't forget to enjoy them while they're still warm!

Pastelitos: a Latin American treat, including in Cuba and Colombia

Pastelitos are a Latin American treat, enjoyed in countries such as Cuba and Colombia. They are baked pastries, similar to puff pastries, and can be filled with either sweet or savoury fillings.

In Cuba, pastelitos are often consumed as a snack, and can be found in many "window cafeterias" in Miami, where customers enjoy them with coffee throughout the day. Traditional Cuban pastelito fillings include cream cheese, guava, pineapple, and coconut. The sweet fillings are made with sweetened fruit pulp, while the cream cheese filling is a slightly sweetened version that resembles cheesecake. The savoury fillings are usually seasoned beef, but can also be chicken or ham and cheese.

In Colombia, pastelitos are sometimes referred to as "pasteles" and are considered a type of empanada. They are often filled with chicken, beef, or a variety of other ingredients. For example, one recipe for Colombian pastelitos includes spinach, eggs, flour, and Guayanese cheese. Another recipe features sweet plantains, sugar, eggs, margarine, baking powder, milk or water, corn or wheat flour, and mozzarella cheese.

Pastelitos are a versatile and delicious treat, enjoyed by many in Latin America and beyond. Whether they are enjoyed as a sweet snack or a savoury meal, pastelitos are a beloved part of the culinary culture in Cuba, Colombia, and other Latin American countries.

Guava paste: a sweet, dense fruit preparation made from guava

Guava paste is a sweet and dense fruit preparation made from guava fruit and a few other simple ingredients. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. The process of making guava paste is similar to making guava jam, with a few key differences in cooking times and storage.

To make guava paste, start by cooking ripe guava chunks in water until they are soft. Then, use a food mill or blender to separate the seeds and puree the fruit. Add lemon juice and zest, and cook the mixture with sugar until it thickens. This process can take around 35-45 minutes, and it is important to keep stirring to prevent scorching or sticking. The final product should be thick enough to scrape a line across the bottom of the pot without the mixture immediately filling it in.

Once the guava mixture has thickened, pour it into a parchment-lined pan and let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portion sizes, wrap each piece in parchment paper, and store them in an airtight container. Guava paste can be stored for up to 3 months in the refrigerator or freezer.

Guava paste is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes. It can be enjoyed as a simple spread with cheese, baked into pastries like guava pastelitos, or even used in savoury preparations like glazes for grilled meats or dressings for roasted vegetables. Its sweet and tropical flavour makes it a great addition to any snack or meal.

Cream cheese: the perfect pairing for guava, adding a tangy, creamy element

Cream cheese is the perfect pairing for guava, adding a tangy, creamy element to the fruity sweetness of the pastelito. The combination of guava and cream cheese is a match made in heaven, with the tropical, tangy sweetness of guava blending harmoniously with the rich, creamy cheese. This dynamic duo takes the pastelito, a Latin American treat, to the next level.

Pastelitos, or "little pies", are puff pastry delights that originated in Latin American countries like Cuba, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. They are a fusion of European baking techniques and Latin American flavours, resulting in a flaky, sweet, and savoury sensation. While there are various fillings for pastelitos, the guava and cream cheese combination is a classic and beloved favourite.

The cream cheese used in pastelitos is typically softened to room temperature, making it easy to spread or beat until smooth. When paired with guava, the cream cheese adds a tangy and creamy contrast that elevates the overall flavour profile. The cream cheese can be enhanced with ingredients like sour cream and lemon juice to further accentuate its tanginess and create a more dynamic filling.

In pastelitos, guava is usually in the form of a paste or slices, providing a sweet and dense fruit flavour. The guava's intense, exotic, tangy sweetness melds beautifully with the cream cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavours. The addition of lemon zest and vanilla extract can also enhance the overall taste experience.

The process of making pastelitos is relatively straightforward. Puff pastry sheets are cut into squares, and the cream cheese and guava filling is placed in the centre. The pastries are then sealed, brushed with an egg wash, and baked until golden brown. The result is a flaky, sweet, and savoury treat that is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

The versatility of pastelitos is another appealing aspect, as they can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated later. They are a delightful addition to any gathering, bringing a touch of Latin American flavour to the table. The combination of guava and cream cheese in pastelitos is a culinary match that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Frequently asked questions