Tequenos
Golden, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy, tequeños are a beloved Venezuelan snack that will elevate any appetizer spread or casual gathering. These delectable cheese-filled pastries are made by wrapping buttery, homemade dough around creamy queso blanco or mozzarella, then deep-frying them to a perfect golden hue. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crisp exterior and gooey melted cheese center, making them absolutely addictive. With just a few simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, and fresh cheese, this recipe is both easy to make and wonderfully satisfying. Perfectly paired with dipping sauces like guacamole, garlic sauce, or tangy salsa, tequeños are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s ideal for parties, snack time, or even as a side dish. Whether you’re already a fan or trying them for the first time, this tequeños recipe is a must-try for cheese lovers everywhere!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 large Egg
- 4 tablespoons Water
- 8 stick(s) White cheese (like queso blanco or mozzarella, cut into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick)
- 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and water together. Gradually add this mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until smooth and pliable, about 2-3 minutes.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Once rested, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
Take one cheese stick and wrap it in a strip of dough, starting from one end and overlapping slightly as you wrap it tightly. Make sure to seal the ends well to prevent the cheese from melting out during frying.
Repeat the process with the remaining cheese sticks and dough strips.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower a few tequeños into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, or until the tequeños are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the tequeños with a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as guacamole, garlic sauce, or a spicy salsa.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1227 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 127.4 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.2 g | 111% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 325 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.6 g | ||
| Protein | 6.2 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 81 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 44 mg | 1% | |
*The % Daily Value 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.
