Tequeños with Spicy Pepper Sauce are golden, cheesy Venezuelan-style finger foods that are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Paired with a zesty, spicy pepper dipping sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or snack for parties, game days, or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Tequeños:
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12 sticks of white cheese (queso blanco or mozzarella), about 3 inches long
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1 package of puff pastry or bread dough, thawed if frozen
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1 egg, beaten for egg wash
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Spicy Pepper Sauce:
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon sour cream
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1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 10–12 minutes
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Total time: 25–27 minutes
Serving
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Serves 4–6 as an appetizer
Instructions
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Prepare the Tequeños:
Cut puff pastry into strips about 1 inch wide. Wrap each cheese stick with a strip of pastry, sealing the ends to prevent cheese from leaking during frying. -
Heat Oil:
In a deep skillet or pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. -
Fry Tequeños:
Fry wrapped cheese sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. -
Make the Spicy Pepper Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust heat to taste. -
Serve:
Serve the tequeños hot with the spicy pepper sauce for dipping.
Tips
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Make sure the oil is hot enough to crisp the pastry quickly without melting the cheese too much.
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For a baked version, brush the wrapped cheese with egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.
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Experiment with different cheeses for varying flavors and textures.
Nutrition (per 2 tequeños with sauce, approximate)
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Calories: 300
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Fat: 18g
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Carbohydrates: 25g
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Protein: 10g
Tequeños with Spicy Pepper Sauce are a crowd-pleasing snack combining crispy pastry, gooey cheese, and a tangy, spicy dipping sauce — ideal for holiday parties or any fun gathering.
