Description
Tequeños are a popular Venezuelan appetizer made of cheese sticks wrapped in crispy, golden dough and fried to perfection. This delightful snack is a favorite at parties, celebrations, and even as an everyday treat. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, tequeños are perfect for dipping in sauces like guacamole, garlic sauce, or even ketchup.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
Filling:
- 10–12 mozzarella sticks (or any firm cheese cut into thick strips)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the butter and mix until crumbly.
- Gradually add water, milk, and the egg, kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
-
Wrap the Cheese:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into strips about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long.
- Wrap each cheese stick tightly with the dough strips, overlapping slightly to seal the cheese. Ensure there are no gaps.
-
Fry the Tequeños:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the tequeños in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain.
-
Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the gooey cheese and crispy exterior!
Notes
- To make the dough ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours and bring it to room temperature before rolling.
- For a baked version, place the tequeños on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Experiment with different fillings like ham, chocolate, or guava paste for a unique twist!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tequeño
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg