Cheesy Pastelitos with Flaky Pastry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky, golden pastries filled with a creamy cheese and herb mixture, a popular Puerto Rican appetizer perfect for gatherings or snacks. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs sheet, thawed puff pastry, shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled queso fresco for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Mix 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl.
  3. Step 3: Cut the thawed puff pastry sheet into 4 equal squares, then place 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in the center of each square.
  4. Step 4: Fold each square diagonally to form a triangle, then press the edges together with a fork to seal tightly.
  5. Step 5: Brush pastelitos with a mixture of 1 beaten egg and 1 tbsp water, then bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Pastelitos with Flaky Pastry take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cheesy Pastelitos with Flaky Pastry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sheet, thawed puff pastry from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Pastelitos with Flaky Pastry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cheesy Pastelitos with Flaky Pastry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cheesy Pastelitos with Flaky Pastry vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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