Cheese and Guava Paste Appetizer
Cheese and Guava Paste Appetizer, often called 'Romeo y Julieta' in Cuba, is a classic Latin American combination of savory, creamy cheese paired with sweet, dense guava paste. It typically features a fresh, mild cheese like queso fresco or cream cheese served alongside slices of the fruit paste. This simple yet elegant pairing is a staple in Cuban, Puerto Rican, and other Caribbean cuisines.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This appetizer is a balanced mix of fat and protein from the cheese, with carbohydrates primarily from the sugar in the guava paste. It provides a good source of calcium and vitamin C from the guava, with a typical serving ranging from 150 to 250 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
| Vitamin C | 30 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 IU |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Magnesium | 15 mg |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
Per 1 slice of guava paste (40 g) with 1 oz (28 g) of queso fresco · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The pairing is culturally significant as a symbol of contrasting yet harmonious flavors—salty and sweet, creamy and firm. Nutritionally, guava paste is an exceptionally rich source of vitamin C, often containing more than an orange per gram.
