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Authentic Mexican Cheese Pie Recipe – Traditional Pay De Queso Dish

Authentic Mexican Cheese Pie Recipe - Traditional Pay De Queso Dish

Discover the magic of Pay de Queso, a creamy Mexican Cheese pie delight that rivals New York cheesecake! This smooth, velvety cheese pie boasts a delightful cookie crust and a heavenly filling that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico.

Pay de Queso is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a light, airy texture that sets it apart from its denser American cousin. This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.

The secret to this mouthwatering pie lies in its unique crust made with Maria cookies, a beloved Latin American treat. These lightly sweetened vanilla wafers create a perfect base for the luscious cheese filling. The crust comes together effortlessly: simply grind the cookies, mix with melted butter, and press into a pie plate for a deliciously crisp foundation.

Our filling combines the richness of cream cheese with the subtle tang of queso fresco, delivering a harmonious blend of flavors. The addition of condensed milk lends just the right amount of sweetness, while evaporated milk ensures a silky-smooth consistency. A touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile, creating a truly irresistible dessert.

Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with a dollop of strawberry jam or a drizzle of dulce de leche, this Pay de Queso is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delectable Mexican cheese pie!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 7 ounces (33 cookies; 200g) Maria cookies, such as Goya (see note)
  • 4 1/2 ounces unsalted butter (9 tablespoons; 127g), melted and cooled
  • Kosher salt

For the Filling:

  • 6 ounces evaporated milk (2/3 cup; 170g)
  • 7 ounces condensed milk (1/2 cup; 200g)
  • 2 large eggs (100g), brought to slightly cooler than room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces (115g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to about 65°F/18°C
  • 2 ounces (60g) queso fresco, brought to about 65°F/18°C (see note)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Pulse Maria cookies in a food processor until finely ground. Mix crumbs with melted butter and a pinch of salt until fully moistened. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, creating an even layer on the bottom and sides. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
  2. Create the filling: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a blender, combine evaporated milk, condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cream cheese, and queso fresco. Blend until smooth, avoiding over-mixing to prevent excess air incorporation.
  3. Assemble and bake: Place chilled crust on a baking sheet and pour in the filling. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly. The top should be lightly browned.
  4. Cool and chill: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until the filling is firm.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Cut into wedges with a sharp knife, carefully removing each slice with a pie server. Savor the creamy, delightful flavors of your homemade Pay de Queso!

Recipe Notes

Maria cookies are vanilla-flavored wafers found in Mexican supermarkets and most major grocery stores.

Queso fresco is a fresh, soft, slightly tangy white Mexican cheese available at Mexican supermarkets and many major grocery stores.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Pay de Queso can be refrigerated for up to 3 days when wrapped in plastic.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
293 Calories
21g Fat
22g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 12
Amount per serving
Calories 293
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 21g 26%
Saturated Fat 11g 56%
Cholesterol 77mg 26%
Sodium 197mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 17g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 1mg 4%
Calcium 137mg 11%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 171mg 4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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