Crispy Cheese Tequeños
Crispy Cheese Tequeños are a delightful Venezuelan appetizer that features a perfectly flaky pastry encasing gooey, melted cheese. Traditionally served at parties and family gatherings, these little bundles of joy can be made using different types of firm, melting cheeses such as mozzarella or muenster. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they also freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to enjoy this savory treat any time. Simply fry them straight from the freezer, and they will provide the perfect crunchy exterior and warm, cheesy center. Perfect for dipping into salsa or guacamole, these tequeños will surely impress your guests and are an irresistible addition to any snack table.
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
unsalted butter
1/4 cup (softened)
large egg yolk
1 (none)
sugar
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
water
1/2 cup (or more as needed)
mozzarella cheese or muenster cheese
8 ounces (cut into sticks)
peanut oil
for frying (heated)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, egg yolk, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
2
Gradually add the water, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need to adjust the amount of water based on the humidity of your environment.
3
Knead the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface until it is very smooth, approximately 10 minutes. Once ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
4
After resting, roll the dough out into a thin sheet (about 1/8 inch thick) on the floured surface.
5
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the rolled dough into strips measuring 6 inches long and 2 inches wide.
6
Cut the cheese into sticks measuring about 2 inches long and ½ inch wide.
7
To assemble, take one strip of dough, place a cheese stick on it, and wrap the dough diagonally around the cheese, ensuring to overlap the layers. Pinch the ends to seal the cheese inside securely.
8
Repeat the process until all dough and cheese are used up, placing finished tequeños on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
9
In an electric skillet or deep fryer, heat 1 inch of peanut oil to 350°F (175°C).
10
Carefully add a few tequeños at a time, frying them until golden brown on both sides (approximately 1 to 2 minutes).
11
Once cooked, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving.
12
For storage, uncooked tequeños can be frozen for up to 6 months; fry them straight from the freezer without thawing.
Nutrition Information
4.5g
Fat
6.25g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cheese Tequeños?
Crispy Cheese Tequeños are a popular Venezuelan appetizer consisting of firm, melting cheese wrapped in a flaky, hand-made pastry dough and fried until golden.
Where do Tequeños originate from?
Tequeños are a traditional snack originating from Venezuela, where they are commonly served at parties and celebrations.
What is the best type of cheese to use for Tequeños?
You should use a firm, melting cheese; mozzarella and muenster are excellent choices for this recipe.
What ingredients are needed for the Tequeño dough?
The dough is made from all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, one large egg yolk, sugar, salt, and water.
How long should I knead the Tequeño dough?
The dough should be kneaded on a lightly floured surface for approximately 10 minutes until it becomes very smooth.
Does the dough need to rest before rolling?
Yes, after kneading, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
How thin should I roll the pastry dough?
The dough should be rolled out into a thin sheet approximately 1/8 inch thick.
What size should I cut the dough strips?
The rolled dough should be cut into strips that are about 6 inches long and 2 inches wide.
What size should the cheese sticks be cut into?
The cheese should be cut into sticks measuring roughly 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide.
How do I wrap the cheese in the dough?
Place a cheese stick on a dough strip and wrap the dough diagonally around the cheese, making sure to overlap the layers.
Why is it important to pinch the ends of the dough?
Pinching the ends seals the cheese inside securely, preventing it from leaking out while frying.
What type of oil is recommended for frying Tequeños?
Peanut oil is recommended for frying because of its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
What is the correct oil temperature for frying?
The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) in an electric skillet or deep fryer.
How long does it take to fry a Tequeño?
It takes about 1 to 2 minutes to fry them until they are golden brown on both sides.
Should I drain the Tequeños after cooking?
Yes, remove them with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
How long should I wait before serving?
Allow the Tequeños to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving so the cheese isn't too hot.
Can I freeze uncooked Tequeños?
Yes, uncooked tequeños can be frozen for up to 6 months.
How do I cook Tequeños from the freezer?
You can fry them straight from the freezer without thawing; just add a little extra cooking time if needed.
What are good dipping sauces for Tequeños?
They are delicious when dipped into salsa, guacamole, or various savory sauces.
How many calories are in one Tequeño?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
There are 4.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a Tequeño?
Each serving contains about 6.25 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each piece?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
Are Tequeños suitable for parties?
Absolutely, they are a classic crowd-pleaser and perfect for any snack table or family gathering.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but you may want to reduce the additional teaspoon of salt added to the dough.
Is it okay to use water at room temperature for the dough?
Yes, room temperature water works well for forming the soft dough.
What tools are best for cutting the dough strips?
A sharp knife or a pizza cutter is ideal for cutting clean strips of dough.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 8 main ingredients.
Can I use a different oil if I don't have peanut oil?
Yes, any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil, will work.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and wrap the dough or even assemble the tequeños and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to fry.