Pajitas de Queso
Pajitas de Queso are crispy, savory cheese straws, a popular snack or appetizer in Bolivia. They are made with a simple dough of flour, cheese, butter, and sometimes a touch of ají amarillo for a subtle kick.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g All-purpose flour
- 125 g Butter(cold and cubed)
- 150 g Queso blanco (or feta/queso fresco)(grated)
- 1 large Egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ají amarillo paste (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp Milk (for brushing)
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- 2
Stir in the grated cheese and ají amarillo paste (if using) until evenly distributed.
- 3
Add the egg yolk and mix until the dough just comes together. If it's too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time.
- 4
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- 5
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 6
Roll out the dough thinly (about 2-3 mm thick) on a lightly floured surface.
- 7
Cut the dough into strips about 1 cm wide and 10-15 cm long. You can twist them for a more decorative look.
- 8
Place the pajitas on the prepared baking sheets. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
- 9
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- 10
Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the butter is very cold for a flakier texture.
- ✓Don't overwork the dough, as this can make the pajitas tough.
- ✓Adjust the amount of ají amarillo paste to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to the dough.
- Incorporate other grated hard cheeses like Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Make them sweet by omitting the salt and ají, and adding a tablespoon of sugar.