Venezuelan Tequeños (Crispy Cheese Sticks)
- Didier
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tequeños are one of the most iconic snacks from Venezuela. Originally from the city of Los Teques in the north of the country, they are now a staple at parties, gatherings, and family celebrations throughout Latin America.
Traditionally served hot, tequeños consist of melty cheese wrapped in a crispy dough, then fried until beautifully golden. Simple in appearance, they are a true symbol of togetherness and sharing.
Fun fact: In Venezuela, a party appetizer spread without tequeños is often considered incomplete. You’ll find them at weddings, birthdays, and family meals alike.
I recently discovered tequeños, and I absolutely had to try making them at home.
In this homemade version, I’ll show you how to make tequeños that are perfectly crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey on the inside — ideal for impressing your guests.
Recipe (makes about 20 tequeños)
Ingredients:
For the dough
250 g all-purpose flour
110 g milk
40 g melted butter
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt sel
For the filling
300 g tequeño cheese or firm mozzarella / queso blanco
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instruction:
Step 1: The Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, milk, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix with your fingertips until all ingredients are incorporated. Transfer the dough to a work surface and knead until smooth and elastic.
Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: The Cheese
Cut the cheese into even sticks about 7–8 cm long. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Step 3: Shaping
Roll out the dough thinly on a lightly floured surface. Cut into strips about 2 cm wide.
Wrap each strip of dough around a cheese stick, making sure to seal the ends tightly to prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.
Step 4: Frying
Heat the oil in a saucepan or deep fryer to 170–180°C (340–350°F).
Fry the tequeños in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Serving
Serve immediately while hot, paired with guasacaca sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a mild pepper sauce.
Tip: Tequeños can be prepared in advance and frozen uncooked. Fry them directly from frozen — no need to thaw.
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