Pasteles de Cebolla con Queso Fresco

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet caramelized onions and creamy fresh cheese, perfect for brunch or appetizers. This puerto rican-inspired breakfast ready in about 65 minutes combines All-purpose flour, cold, cubed Butter, Ice water into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 Puerto Rican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, pulse flour and cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then add ice water and pulse until dough comes together.
  2. Step 2: Divide dough into two balls, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, add onions, and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes until deep golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one dough ball on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness, then cut into 3-inch circles.
  5. Step 5: Place 1 tbsp caramelized onions and 1 tbsp crumbled cheese on each circle, fold dough over to form half-moons, and crimp edges with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Place pastries on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pasteles de Cebolla con Queso Fresco take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (45 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Pasteles de Cebolla con Queso Fresco?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pasteles de Cebolla con Queso Fresco?

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 Pasteles de Cebolla con Queso Fresco 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 Pasteles de Cebolla con Queso Fresco?

Puerto Rican breakfast 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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