There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly made pastelito — that flaky, buttery pastry giving way to a warm, flavorful filling. Pastelitos are the kind of treat that just feels like a hug for your taste buds. Whether you fill them with sweet guava and cheese, savory beef, or chicken picadillo, these delightful little pastries always bring joy to the table. Today, we’re diving into a Pastelitos Recipe that’s simple, approachable, and guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to snag one!
What Are Pastelitos?
In the simplest terms, pastelitos are small pastries typically made with puff pastry dough and a variety of fillings. They’re incredibly popular in Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican kitchens, and the fillings can be sweet or savory. The most iconic sweet version? Guava and cream cheese — a match truly made in heaven. But don’t stop there. Savory options like seasoned beef, chicken, and even spiced vegetables make pastelitos a versatile snack or appetizer option.
While they’re a staple at bakeries, there’s something extra special about making them at home. Plus, it’s easier than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
- 1 package puff pastry sheets (thawed according to package instructions)
For Sweet Pastelitos (Guava & Cheese):
- 1 cup guava paste
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water
For Savory Pastelitos (Beef Picadillo):
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- ½ small green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Pastelitos
1. Prepare the Fillings
For Sweet: Slice the guava paste into thin strips. Soften the cream cheese slightly to make it easier to handle.
For Savory: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, pepper, and garlic, sautéing until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
Need some tips for prepping perfect fillings? Check out our Mexican Snack Recipes guide — it’s packed with ideas!
2. Assemble the Pastelitos
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut them into 3-inch squares. Place a small spoonful of filling (sweet or savory) in the center of half the squares. Top each filled square with another square of pastry.
Seal the edges by pressing gently with a fork. Beat the egg with water and brush the tops of each pastelito.
Want to add a little extra flair? A sprinkle of sugar on top for sweet versions, or sesame seeds for savory ones, is a nice touch!
3. Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the pastelitos into your preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re puffed and golden brown.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes — that perfect golden hue can turn too dark quickly!
Variations You’ll Love
- Chicken Pastelitos: Swap out the beef for shredded chicken. Season it up with some adobo or sofrito for an authentic flavor boost. If you love chicken fillings, you’ll also adore our Flautas de Pollo Recipe.
- Vegetarian Pastelitos: Try fillings like seasoned black beans, plantains, or even sweet potato mash. Craving more Mexican inspiration? Take a peek at Are Flautas Better with Corn or Flour Tortillas? to discover tortilla secrets!
- Seafood Pastelitos: Shrimp and lobster fillings add an elegant touch, perfect for special occasions.
Pastelitos Tips & Tricks
- Chill Your Pastry: Keep the puff pastry cold until just before assembling to ensure maximum flakiness.
- Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to pack them full, but too much filling will cause leaks.
- Seal Well: Pressing edges firmly with a fork helps avoid any messy blowouts during baking.
Speaking of seals, if you’ve ever wondered How to Keep Flautas Rolled When Frying, those tips work great here too.
What to Serve with Pastelitos
Pastelitos can be enjoyed solo, but they shine even brighter with tasty sides and drinks:
- Fresh Cebolla Ensalada: A tangy, crunchy salad — find our easy Cebolla Ensalada Recipe.
- Chilled Horchata: Cool down the sweetness with a glass of traditional horchata. Curious what’s in it? Read What Is in a Horchata Made Of?.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Bright, tropical fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and guavas balance the rich pastry perfectly. Plus, guavas are packed with health benefits you might not know about — check out this Healthline article to learn more!
Healthier Pastelito Options
If you’re aiming for a lighter pastelito, consider:
- Using Whole Wheat Puff Pastry: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor.
- Air Frying: For a slightly healthier twist, pastelitos can be air-fried at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
- Lean Fillings: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or tofu.
Also, if tortillas are your jam, here’s a great read about Are Corn or Flour Tortillas Healthier?.
Storing and Reheating Pastelitos
To Store: Let the pastelitos cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days (for sweet ones) or refrigerate savory ones for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Pop them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
To Freeze: Assemble and freeze unbaked pastelitos on a tray. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
A Quick Pastelito History Lesson
Pastelitos are deeply rooted in Latin American culture, much like the beloved flauta or taquito. Curious about the differences? Learn more about it here: Difference Between Taquitos and Flautas.
Sweet pastelitos, especially the guava ones, are believed to have originated in Cuban bakeries, where guava paste was a staple ingredient. Savory versions have evolved over time to include beef, chicken, and even veggie versions.
Want to deep-dive into more culinary history? You might find the story behind Horchata History, Recipes & Health Benefits just as fascinating.
Final Thoughts
Pastelitos are truly one of those foods that make every occasion a little more special. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party, a family gathering, or just a “treat yourself” kind of afternoon, these flaky, flavor-packed pastries are guaranteed to steal the show.
And the best part? You can customize them endlessly. Sweet, savory, spicy, cheesy — the pastelito world is your oyster! So next time you’re looking for a delicious, impressive, and totally doable baking project, you know where to start.
Want even more fiesta-worthy ideas? Flautas de Pollo Recipe is another mouthwatering option to explore!
Happy baking, and buen provecho!
Pastelitos (Sweet and Savory Puff Pastries)
Ingredients
- 1 package puff pastry sheets thawed according to package instructions
- 1 cup guava paste for sweet pastelitos
- 4 oz cream cheese softened, for sweet pastelitos
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- ½ pound ground beef for savory pastelitos
- ½ small onion finely chopped, for savory pastelitos
- ½ small green bell pepper finely chopped, for savory pastelitos
- 2 cloves garlic minced, for savory pastelitos
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste for savory pastelitos
- 1 teaspoon cumin for savory pastelitos
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for savory pastelitos
- Salt and pepper to taste, for savory pastelitos
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for savory pastelitos
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For sweet pastelitos, slice guava paste into thin strips and soften cream cheese slightly.
- For savory pastelitos, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Unfold puff pastry sheets and cut into 3-inch squares.
- Place a spoonful of filling (sweet or savory) in the center of half the squares. Top each with another pastry square.
- Seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Beat the egg with water and brush the tops of each pastelito.
- Optionally, sprinkle sugar on sweet pastelitos or sesame seeds on savory ones.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes!