Brazilian Grilled Queijo Coalho Skewers with Sweet Guava Glaze Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the presentation, you can serve these skewers on a bed of fresh arugula or with a side of extra lime wedges. The fresh, peppery greens provide a nice contrast to the sweet and salty cheese. If you have any leftover glaze, keep it in a small dish for dipping rather than applying it all at once, which keeps the cheese crust crisp for longer.

If you find the guava paste is too firm to melt easily, chop it into very small pieces before adding it to the saucepan. This increases the surface area exposed to the heat, allowing it to dissolve into the water and lime juice much faster.

Always use a silicone pastry brush to apply the glaze, as it is easier to clean and distributes the thick syrup more evenly than a bristle brush.

Variations

• Spicy Guava Glaze: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture while it melts. This introduces a spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the guava and the saltiness of the cheese.
• Herb-Infused Version: Instead of just oregano, try adding fresh thyme or finely chopped rosemary to the glaze. These woody herbs add a sophisticated aroma that pairs very well with the tropical sweetness of the guava paste.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat

Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat until the cheese is warmed through and the glaze is glossy.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before storing. Place the skewers in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

While the texture is best when fresh, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Note that the cheese will firm up significantly once cold, so it will not have the same soft consistency as when freshly grilled.

You can cut the cheese and thread the skewers several hours in advance. Keep these prepared skewers covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill.

You can also prepare the guava glaze ahead of time and keep it in a sealed jar. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat the glaze in a saucepan or microwave until it is liquid, and grill the cheese skewers fresh just before eating.

Serving ideas

These skewers are best served immediately after grilling while the cheese is warm and the exterior is still slightly crisp. Arrange them on a platter with the glaze brushed on just before they reach the table. Providing small napkins is recommended, as the glaze can be sticky and the cheese is most enjoyable when eaten by hand while still soft.

Consider serving these alongside other finger foods for a casual, social dining experience. The combination of the sweet guava and the salty, squeaky cheese makes them a crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs exceptionally well with cold drinks.

Because the portion sizes are small, they are perfect for grazing, and the sweet-savory profile ensures that guests will want to reach for more than just one skewer.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Brazilian Grilled Queijo Coalho Skewers with Sweet Guava Glaze

Prep 10 minCook 3 minTotal 13 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 300 g firm Brazilian queijo coalho cheese
• 80 g guava paste
• 30 ml water
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• dried oregano to taste

Instructions

1. Cut the firm queijo coalho cheese into thick, uniform rectangular blocks. Thread these cheese blocks carefully onto wooden skewers, ensuring they are secure and ready for the grill pan. Keep the prepared skewers in the refrigerator until ready to cook to maintain the cheese structure.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the guava paste, water, and fresh lime juice. Place over low heat and stir continuously until the guava paste has completely melted into a smooth, pourable ruby-colored glaze. Remove from heat and set aside until the cheese is ready to be brushed.
3. Heat a cast-iron grill pan over high heat until smoking hot, reaching 425°F. Place the skewers on the hot surface and sear for ninety seconds per side until a distinct, lacy golden-brown crust forms. Once seared, brush the warm guava glaze generously over the cheese and sprinkle with dried oregano before serving immediately while hot.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

280

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

20 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.