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1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (a 9×9-inch square dish or similar size works well) with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and sour cream. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to season the mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Add the Cheese:
Add the shredded cheese to the bowl and stir it into the egg and milk mixture. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed.
4. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter. This will give the breadcrumbs a nice golden color and a rich flavor once they bake.
5. Assemble the Queso Pastel:
Pour the cheese and egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. If you want to add any optional ingredients like vegetables or cooked meats, sprinkle them evenly over the top of the cheese mixture. Then, sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy, golden finish.
6. Bake the Dish:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy, and the edges are slightly browned. You can test the doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick in the center — it should come out clean when the casserole is fully set.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the Queso Pastel is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy the deliciously cheesy goodness. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Queso Pastel
- Choose Good Cheese: The key to a flavorful Queso Pastel is the cheese. Use a mix of mild and sharp cheeses to get a balanced, rich flavor. Mozzarella gives it a great melt, while cheddar adds sharpness and depth.
- Add Flavorful Vegetables: Chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach add extra texture and flavor to the dish. Sauté the veggies before adding them to the casserole for a deeper flavor.
- Customize with Meats: Ground beef, chicken, or ham are excellent choices for adding protein to this dish. Just make sure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten up the dish and add an extra layer of flavor. You can sprinkle chopped herbs on top after baking for a fresh finishing touch.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time! Assemble the Queso Pastel, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
Conclusion: A Savory Delight
Queso Pastel is the ultimate cheesy, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in some cheesy goodness, this dish will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.
With its customizable ingredients and easy preparation, Queso Pastel is a dish you can make again and again, with different variations to suit your taste. Add your favorite vegetables, meats, or herbs to create your perfect version of this cheesy masterpiece.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish, give Queso Pastel a try — it’s sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!
