Flaky Cheese Pastelitos with Herbed Dough

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Miniature pastries with a buttery, flaky crust encasing a creamy cheese filling, ideal for parties or as a handheld snack. This puerto rican-inspired kid friendly ready in about 48 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (cold, cubed) unsalted butter, ice water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 18 min Serves 12 Puerto Rican cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: For dough: Pulse 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp salt in a food processor. Add 1/2 cup cold cubed butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse sand. Gradually add 1/4 cup ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing until dough just holds together.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: For filling: Beat 1/2 cup softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup grated cheddar, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp paprika in a bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Roll one dough disc to 1/8-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut into 3-inch circles with a biscuit cutter. Place 1 teaspoon filling in the center of each circle.
  5. Step 5: Fold dough over filling to form half-moons, then crimp edges firmly with a fork. Place pastelitos on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Step 6: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Flaky Cheese Pastelitos with Herbed Dough take to make?

Total time is about 48 minutes (30 min prep + 18 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 Flaky Cheese Pastelitos with Herbed Dough?

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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Flaky Cheese Pastelitos with Herbed Dough?

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 Flaky Cheese Pastelitos with Herbed Dough for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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.

What goes well with Flaky Cheese Pastelitos with Herbed Dough?

Puerto Rican kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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