Romeu e Julieta Filling for Homemade Pastel

250 g mozzarella cheese, in a block
200 g guava paste (goiabada), in a block

Mozzarella is widely available in any supermarket's dairy aisle; look for a firm block rather than pre-shredded for the best texture. Guava paste, known as goiabada, is the key ingredient that gives this dish its authentic flavor. It can typically be found in the international or Latin American specialty section of larger supermarkets. If you cannot find it locally, check online specialty grocers or independent ethnic food stores that carry Brazilian or Latin American imports.

This filling is a tribute to the classic Brazilian dessert combination known as Romeo and Juliet (Romeu e Julieta), which pairs salty cheese with sweet guava. It is a practical and delicious choice, working beautifully whether you are deep-frying your pastéis or baking them in the oven. Its simplicity makes it a fantastic go-to for a quick snack that feels a bit more special.

The contrast of salty and sweet flavors is a crowd-pleaser that everyone loves. The preparation is incredibly quick, using only a couple of pantry staples. The result is a soft, well-balanced filling that gives your homemade snacks a sophisticated, authentic Brazilian touch.