Guava Cheese Pastries

The smell of guava paste warming in the oven takes me straight to my abuela's kitchen, where she'd press these little pockets of joy into my hands before I could even ask what was baking. There's something magical about how the sweet, floral guava melts into salty cheese, creating this flavor that's somehow greater than the sum of its parts. I've made these pastries for everything from casual Tuesday night treats to fancy dinner parties, and they disappear faster than I can say 'pastelitos.'

Last Christmas, my sister caught me sneaking three of these fresh from the oven, burning my fingers because I couldn't wait for them to cool. We ended up sitting on the kitchen floor, eating the whole batch straight from the baking sheet while planning our New Year's resolutions. Sometimes the best moments happen over warm pastries and powdered sugar covered hands.

Ingredients

• Puff Pastry: Frozen puff pastry is your best friend here, just make sure it's fully thawed but still cold when you work with it
• Guava Paste: This thick, sweet paste is the heart of the recipe, cut it into small cubes so it melts evenly
• Cream Cheese: The tanginess balances the guava's sweetness, though mozzarella creates those amazing cheese pulls
• Egg Wash: That simple brush of beaten egg is what gives you that gorgeous golden bakery shine
• Powdered Sugar: Optional but highly recommended for that final touch of sweetness and elegance

Instructions

Preheat Your Stage:

Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, because cleanup should be the last thing on your mind

Prepare the Pastry:

Roll out your puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, smoothing out any creases, then cut into 8 equal rectangles

Add the Filling:

Place one piece of guava paste and one piece of cream cheese in the center of each rectangle, like you're tucking in a little secret

Seal the Deal:

Fold each rectangle over the filling and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal, creating that classic pastry crimp

Give Them Glow:

Transfer pastries to your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops generously with beaten egg

Watch the Magic:

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until they're puffed and gorgeously golden brown

The Final Touch:

Let them cool just slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy

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These pastries have become my go-to when I need to bring something to a gathering, because they're impressive yet so incredibly simple. My friend Maria actually asked if I'd secretly spent hours in a professional kitchen after tasting them at our last book club meeting.

Perfecting the Filling Ratio

After making these dozens of times, I've learned that equal parts guava and cheese create the ideal balance. Too much guava and it becomes cloyingly sweet, while too much cheese overwhelms that distinctive tropical flavor. The goal is harmony, where each bite contains both elements in perfect proportion.

Temperature Matters

Serving these pastries at the right temperature is crucial, straight from the oven the cheese is molten and the guava is soft and spreadable. Letting them cool completely changes the experience, the filling sets and the pastry loses some of its delicate crispness. Aim for that sweet spot where they're warm but not tongue-burning hot.

Making Them Your Own

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, the variations are endless and exciting. I've tried adding a thin slice of fresh cheese inside for extra creaminess, or sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon over the guava for warmth. Some cultures add a touch of cream cheese on top for an extra layer of richness, while others prefer the simplicity of just guava and cheese.

• A tiny pinch of sea salt on top enhances all the flavors
• Try adding a strip of fresh basil for an herbaceous twist
• These freeze beautifully before baking for last minute treats

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Whether you're making these for a special occasion or just because Tuesday calls for something sweet, I hope these guava cheese pastries bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. Happy baking.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What type of cheese works best for guava pastries?

Cream cheese offers a creamy, mild flavor that complements the sweet guava perfectly. For a stretchier, more melty texture, mozzarella works wonderfully. Goat cheese provides a tangy alternative for those who enjoy sharper flavors.

→ Can I prepare these pastries ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the pastries and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with egg wash just before popping them in the oven. You can also freeze assembled, uncooked pastries for up to 3 months.

→ How do I store leftover guava pastries?

Store cooled pastries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 180°C oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving will make them soggy.

→ Why is my puff pastry not puffing properly?

Ensure your pastry stays cold throughout preparation. Work quickly and avoid over-handling the dough. Preheat your oven thoroughly—at least 15 minutes before baking. Cutting precise rectangles and sealing edges firmly helps the pastry puff evenly.

→ Can I make these without puff pastry?

While puff pastry delivers the classic flaky texture, you can use pie dough, empanada wrappers, or even crescent roll dough as alternatives. Each will yield a slightly different texture but still delicious results with the same guava-cheese filling.

→ What can I serve with guava cheese pastries?

These pastries pair beautifully with hot coffee or espresso. For dessert presentation, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dulce de leche drizzle. They also complement afternoon tea or make an elegant addition to brunch spreads alongside fresh fruit.