Pastel de Queijo
Savory pastry filled with cheese.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Pastel Correia
Pastel de Queijo, like other pastéis, owes its existence to Chinese egg rolls, which were adapted by Japanese immigrants to Brazil in the early 20th century. As Japanese immigrants began establishing small businesses, including bakeries and lunch counters, they introduced variations of the fried pastry, eventually leading to the beloved Pastel we know today. Pastel de Queijo then emerged, featuring the widely popular cheese filling.
Pastel de Queijo is a ubiquitous street food and snack in Brazil, deeply embedded in the country's culinary culture. It's a common sight at street fairs, open-air markets (feiras), and lanchonetes (small snack bars).
Street Food Staple
Pastel de Queijo is a quintessential Brazilian street food, readily available and enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Feiras
Feiras (street markets) are a focal point for pastel consumption. Often, people will enjoy a pastel with caldo de cana (sugar cane juice) at these markets.
Lanchonetes
Lanchonetes, small snack bars, commonly serve Pastel de Queijo as a quick and affordable meal or snack.
Pastel de Queijo offers a delightful combination of crispy, savory pastry and a rich, melty cheese filling. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, making it a universally appealing snack.
The pastry itself is typically neutral in flavor, allowing the cheese to be the star. Common cheese fillings include mozzarella, queijo minas (a mild, slightly salty cheese), or a blend of cheeses. The frying process contributes a golden-brown, crispy texture and a subtle, savory taste. The overall flavor profile is a balance of salty, cheesy, and subtly fried goodness.
Crispy Pastry
The key to a good pastel is a thin, crispy pastry. Ensure the dough is rolled out very thinly before filling and frying. Some cooks add cachaça (Brazilian sugarcane rum) to the dough for extra crispiness.
Cheese Choice
Experiment with different cheeses to find your preferred flavor. Mozzarella is common, but queijo minas provides a more traditional Brazilian flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pastel de Queijo is often served with hot sauce (molho de pimenta) or ketchup. It pairs well with cold beverages like beer or caldo de cana.
Freshness
Pastel de Queijo is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the fryer, as the pastry will lose its crispness over time.
Explore additional Pastel dishes and restaurants
Explore PastelDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Jacareí.
Explore JacareíLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of Brazil.
Explore Brazil