Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso are delightful, flaky pastries with a blend of sweet guava paste and creamy cheese. This popular Latin American treat combines the tartness of guava with the richness of cheese, all encased in a golden, crispy pastry. These pastries offer a delicious fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for a snack or dessert.
What Makes Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso so Special?
Unique Flavor Combination
The guava paste and cheese mix in Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso creates a distinctive and irresistible flavor profile. The sweetness and slight tartness of guava paste beautifully contrast with the creamy, savory taste of cheese, offering a culinary experience that is both unexpected and delightful.
Perfectly Crispy Texture
The flaky, buttery pastry encasing the filling provides a perfect textural contrast to the soft and creamy filling. This contrast in textures – the pastry’s crunch with the filling’s smoothness – makes each bite a satisfying experience.
Versatility in Serving
These pastelitos can be enjoyed anytime, making them versatile for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. Their individual serving size makes them a convenient and portable option for gatherings, parties, or a quick treat.
Cultural Significance
Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso hold a special place in Latin American cuisine, often associated with comfort and tradition. They are a staple in many households and are a beloved part of cultural celebrations, connecting people to their heritage and shared culinary traditions.
Simple & Amazing
Despite their simple ingredients and preparation, these pastelitos have an elegant appearance that makes them impressive enough for special occasions. They strike a lovely balance between being easy enough for everyday baking and special enough for entertaining guests.
How much time does it take to make Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso?
The total time to prepare Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso is approximately 40 minutes. This includes about 20 minutes of prep time, primarily for assembling the pastries, and 20 minutes of cooking time in the oven. The process is straightforward, making it a quick and easy option for a delicious treat.
Recommendations to Make the Best Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso
- Use Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality guava paste and cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Keep Pastry Cold: Work with the pastry sheets when cold to prevent them from becoming sticky and difficult to handle.
- Even Filling Distribution: Ensure the guava paste and cream cheese are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Seal Edges Properly: Press the edges of the pastries firmly to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: While adding more filling is tempting, overfilling can cause the pastries to burst open while baking.
Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso Serving Suggestions
- Dusted with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a sweet touch and enhances presentation.
- Paired with Coffee or Tea: Serve these pastries with coffee or tea, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
- Accompanied by Fresh Fruit: Offer a side of fresh berries or tropical fruits to balance the sweetness with some natural acidity.
- Drizzled with Honey or Syrup: A drizzle of honey or light syrup can add an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a small dollop of whipped cream on the side for a creamy, luxurious complement.
- Sprinkled with Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon can add a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs well with the guava and cheese.
- Served as Dessert or Snack: These pastelitos are versatile enough to be served as a dessert after a meal or as a standalone snack.
- Alongside Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve warm pastelitos with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso?
Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso should be stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. If refrigerated, consider warming them up briefly in the oven before serving to revive the pastry’s crispness.
Can you make Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso ahead of time. They can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Alternatively, bake them in advance and reheat them for a few minutes in the oven before serving to restore their flaky texture, making them a convenient option for gatherings or busy schedules.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso
Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate spread over the guava paste for a decadent twist. The combination of chocolate, guava, and cheese creates a rich, indulgent flavor profile, making these pastelitos a hit for chocolate lovers.
Pineapple Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso
Substitute the guava paste with pineapple jam or finely chopped fresh pineapple for a tropical variation. The pineapple’s tartness complements the cheese’s creaminess, offering a fresh and tangy alternative.
Spiced Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso
Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the pastry dough or sprinkle them over the cheese for added warmth and complexity. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a hint of spice in their desserts.
Multi-Cheese Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso
Combine different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, with cream cheese for a more complex cheese flavor. This blend of cheeses can add depth and richness to the pastry.
Savory Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso
For a savory twist, reduce the amount of guava paste and add a sprinkle of coarse salt on top before baking. This version is ideal for those who prefer less sweetness and enjoy the contrast between the savory cheese and the subtle sweetness of guava.
Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife
- Brush
Ingredients
- 2 pastry sheets
- 6 oz guava paste
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thaw pastry sheets slightly, then cut into 12 rectangles.
- Slice guava paste into six 1/4" pieces.
- Place a slice of guava paste and a 1 oz piece of cream cheese on each of 6 pastry rectangles.
- Top with remaining pastry rectangles, sealing edges with water.
- Make an egg wash by mixing egg yolk and water, then brush onto pastries.
- Cut slits into the top of each pastry, bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- Handling Pastry Sheets: Work with the pastry sheets while still slightly frozen to prevent sticking and tearing. If they become too soft, briefly chill them again for easier handling.
- Guava Paste Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the guava paste slices to your preference. Thinner slices will melt more, while thicker slices will retain more shape and texture after baking.
- Sealing the Pastries: Ensure the edges of the pastries are well-sealed to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking. Pressing firmly along the edges with a fork can also create a decorative pattern.
- Egg Wash Application: Be generous with the egg wash, as it not only helps in achieving a golden color but also contributes to the crispiness of the pastry.
- Cooling Time: Allow adequate cooling time after baking to prevent burns from the hot guava filling. The pastries also set and firmed up during this time, making them easier to handle and serve.
- Calories: 250-300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g