Pastelillos de Guayaba or Puerto Rican guava pastries are typically made with guava paste, cream cheese, and dusted with powdered sugar. I enjoy making them with fresh guava jam and a creamy blend of cool whip and mascarpone cheese. These fresh components really elevate the guava pastries to a whole other level!
Sorullitos de Maíz or Puerto Rican corn fritters are a popular appetizer made with cornmeal, stuffed with cheese, and fried to golden perfection. They are crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. An ooey gooey cheese center makes this an irresistible, sweet-and-savory snack that everyone will love!
Arroz con salchichas is Puerto Rican rice with sausage. The sausages we refer to are actually Vienna sausages, sliced into small circles. They come in a can and can be found at most Latin or Hispanic/Caribbean supermarkets and grocery stores. This rice dish is both kid-friendly and budget-friendly. I often make this meal when I forget to defrost meat for dinner or have less than 30 minutes to put food on the table for my family. It comes together easily and everyone loves it!
Puerto Rican stuffed shells or caracoles rellenos are pasta shells filled with ricotta cheese, savory ground beef, and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella. The ground beef is seasoned with adobo and sazón and cooked in a sofrito sauce. This adds a ton of flavor to this dish. I love making this for dinner on busy weeknights as it comes together in 45 minutes or less. It also freezes well so you can make ahead and keep a stash for later use!
Tembleque is Puerto Rican coconut pudding or custard. Tembleque literally means shaky in Spanish, which refers to the jiggly texture of this pudding. This Puerto Rican dessert is popular during Christmas time and can be found at the holiday table along with other favorites like coquito and budin de pan.
Empanadas de yuca or Puerto Rican cassava patties are filled with savory picadillo meat, wrapped in banana leaves, and baked in the oven. They are similar to pasteles de yuca, only they are baked and not boiled. The texture of these delicious empanadas is soft and pillowy and they come together more easily than pasteles, since you don’t have to tie them with twine.
Tembleque de café is Puerto Rican coffee-flavored coconut pudding or custard. Tembleque literally means shaky in Spanish, which refers to the jiggly texture of this pudding. This Puerto Rican dessert is popular during Christmas time but is enjoyed all year-round. This coffee-infused version does not disappoint. If you love the taste of café con leche with a coconut twist, you will love this tembleque de café recipe!
Arroz apastelado is a Puerto Rican rice dish made with pigeon peas and green bananas. It is basically like combining arroz con gandules and pasteles into one dish. It is popular during the holiday season and has all of the flavors of Christmas in Puerto Rico!
Guineitos en escabeche is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made with green bananas marinated in pickled onions, peppers, oil, and vinegar. They are typically served as a side dish during the holiday season but can be enjoyed year-round! Along with a plate of arroz con gandules, pernil or pavochón, and pasteles, Puerto Rican marinated green banana salad is a staple during the holidays!
Coquito de Oreo is a creamy holiday drink made with coconut milk, Oreo cookies, and rum. It is served chilled and is absolutely delicious. Along with a plate of arroz con gandules, pernil and pasteles, Puerto Rican coquito is a staple during the holidays! If you love coquito and the taste of Oreos, save this recipe. This Oreo version does not disappoint!
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