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Keto Fried Queso Fresco

Keto Fried Queso is a super tasty appetizer or snack! Who doesn't enjoy fried cheese?!?!?

Keto Fried Queso Fresco - a super easy and delicious Mexican appetizer or snack!

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Queso Frito – which means “fried cheese” – is a popular Mexican dish that is also common in many Spanish-speaking countries including Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. It can be served as an appetizer, game day snack, or even breakfast! 

The key is to find the right cheese – one with a high melting point that will hold together when fried. Queso Fresco is a Mexican farmer's cheese and is similar to Queso Blanco – both are great for this recipe. They're similar to the Cypriot cheese Halloumi (which I *love*) but less squeaky! Check out how to make Queso Fresco Scrambled Eggs!

What makes this recipe particularly keto friendly? OK, you got me. It's just cheese fried in a little oil. But… the cheese softens and results in a golden brown crust with a creamy, only slightly melted interior. And it just happens to be low carb. But I got your attention, right?

How to Make Keto Fried Queso Fresco

Cut a round of queso fresco into slices. Cut the very longest ones in half to make them easier to handle.

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the slices of cheese to the hot pan (I had to cook mine in two batches). After a minute or two, flip them all over.

Then after another couple of minutes, remove them from the skillet and drain on some paper towels. 

As they cool they will firm up a little, which makes them easier to handle. But make sure they are still warm when you serve them. 

You can absolutely serve them on their own, but as much as I like cheese, I think this would become a little one-note. I recommend buying a good salsa that is as low in carbs as you can find –  I love the Green Mountain Gringo salsa which you can buy online from Netrition (available in mild, medium, or hot!). 

Also, you could absolutely add extra seasonings to the queso. As I was enjoying them I thought – oooh a little sprinkle of chipotle powder on these would be AWESOME!

Love this recipe? You might also like my new recipe for Fried Bread Cheese

Keto Fried Queso Fresco

Keto Fried Queso Fresco

Yield: 4 Servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes

Keto Fried Queso is a super tasty appetizer or snack! Who doesn't enjoy fried cheese?!?!?

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cut a round of queso fresco into slices. Cut the very longest ones in half to make them easier to handle.
  2. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the slices of cheese to the hot pan (I had to cook mine in two batches). After a minute or two, flip them all over.
  3. Then after another couple of minutes, remove them from the skillet and drain on some paper towels. 
  4. As they cool they will firm up a little, which makes them easier to handle. But make sure they are still warm when you serve them. 

Notes

1g net carb per serving (quarter of the recipe including low carb salsa)

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Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size Quarter of the recipe
Amount Per Serving Calories 246Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 49mgSodium 648mgCarbohydrates 1gNet Carbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 13g

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is my best approximation. I cannot guarantee completely accurate data due to variations in ingredients and cooking methods. Carbohydrates from sugar alcohols are not included in net carb counts as it has been shown that they do not impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Ivesita

Wednesday 5th of June 2024

Queso fresco is not the frying cheese. You are looking for Panela cheese here. Is confusing when you say queso fresco. That one is not fryable.

Rachel Brinker

Wednesday 2nd of December 2020

Has anyone tried to air fry this instead of pan frying?

Jen

Saturday 15th of August 2020

So easy and very satisfying. Thank you!

Marian

Sunday 2nd of February 2020

Would it be possible to use fresh mozz instead? I have a pound sitting in the fridge and it kinda looks like fresh mozz.

Georgina

Monday 3rd of February 2020

I think the mozzarella might melt too fast - but I guess you could try it over a high heat for a short time? Let me know how it turns out!

Jana Stewart

Saturday 1st of February 2020

I am anxious to try this. I have a gallon of rendered bacon fat in the fridge, I wonder if that would be good to cook the fried queso?

Georgina

Saturday 1st of February 2020

I would have thought bacon fat would taste amazing!

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