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Pastel de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Pastry) pile on a white plate.
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Pastel de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Pastry)

A recipe for Pastel de Queijo (Brazilian Cheese Pastry)! These flaky pastries are filled with a cheese mixture and fried until golden.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Brazilian
Keyword Brazil, Brazilian, cheese, pastel, pastries, pastry
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 30 -40 Pastries

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.

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.