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Pastel de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Pastry)
A recipe for Pastel de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Pastry) inspired by our visit to San Diego, California! These flaky pastries are filled with a cheese mixture and fried until golden.
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 30 -40 Pastries
Course:
Appetizer
Cuisine:
Brazilian
Ingredients
Dough:
- 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons (44 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Cachaça or vodka
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) white wine vinegar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) cold water
To assemble:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 ounces (57 grams) Parmesan cheese grated
- vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
To form the dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook or a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Stir in the oil, Cachaça, and vinegar.
- Slowly add the cold water until the dough comes together.
- If too dry, slowly add a little more water. If too sticky to handle, slowly add a little more flour.
- On a floured work surface, knead the dough until smooth and elastic. Cover and allow to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Cup of Yum
To assemble:
- In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Divide the rested dough in half. Place one half on a floured work surface and cover the other.
- Roll the dough in a very thin sheet about 1/16 inch (1.5 millimeters) thick.
- Use a 4-6 inch (10-15 centimeter) circular cutter to cut out round wrappers from the dough. Lightly dust with flour as needed to prevent sticking.
- Place about 1 tablespoon of the shredded cheese in the center of one circle.
- Fold the circle in half over the filling, pressing out any air and press together the edges to seal. Press a fork around the edges to seal further. Repeat with remaining circles and remaining dough.
- Fill a pot or deep fryer with at least two inches (5 centimeters) of vegetable oil and heat to 350˚F (180˚C).
- Add a few of the prepared Pastéis at a time, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry on each side until crisp and golden, about 3 minutes total. Be careful not to overcook or the filling may burst.
- Remove to a towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon. Repeat with remaining Pastéis.
- Serve the Pastel de Queijo warm. Caution: the melted cheese will be hot straight out of the oil.