Pastelitos de Plátano Maduro con Queso

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

Golden, crispy pastries filled with sweet mashed plantains and creamy cheese, perfect as a savory snack or side dish with a touch of Puerto Rican flair. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian ready in about 32 minutes pairs ripe plantains, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 8, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 8 Puerto Rican cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a food processor, pulse plantain slices until smooth (about 3 minutes), then transfer to a bowl and mix with 1/4 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine flour and cold butter. Using a pastry cutter, cut butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Step 3: Fold shredded cheese into the plantain mixture, then gradually add flour mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a 4-inch circle on a floured surface, then place a heaping tablespoon of filling in the center.
  5. Step 5: Fold dough over filling to form half-moons, then crimp edges with a fork to seal tightly.
  6. Step 6: Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry pastelitos in batches for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pastelitos de Plátano Maduro con Queso take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Pastelitos de Plátano Maduro con Queso?

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 ripe plantains from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pastelitos de Plátano Maduro con Queso?

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 Pastelitos de Plátano Maduro con Queso for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Pastelitos de Plátano Maduro con Queso?

Puerto Rican vegetarian 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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