Cuban Kitchen With Dennis Perez: Pasteles de Guayaba y Queso

guava paste

🥗Healthier: fresh guava

💰Cheaper: apple or pear paste

Fresh guava offers a lighter option, while apple or pear paste is often more affordable.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Ricotta provides a similar texture with fewer calories, and cottage cheese is often less expensive.

Remove puff pastry sheets from the freezer and cut them in half after a minute or so.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slice six pieces of guava paste into quarter inch slices and set aside.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place six pastry rectangles evenly on it.

Place one guava slice into the center of each pastry rectangle.

Cut one ounce slices of cold cream cheese and place atop the guava slices.

Place the remaining six pastry dough pieces atop the cream cheese.

If the dough is stiff, let it warm up to become pliable.

Lightly press along the outside of the dough pastels to create a good seam.

Using a sharp knife, cut one to two slits into the top of each pastel to prevent them from bursting.

Separate one egg yolk into a small bowl and add two tablespoons of cold water, then mix to create an egg wash.

Coat every corner of the pasteles with the egg wash for a golden color and crisp texture when baked.

Place the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens