Empanadas de Carne (Beef Empanadas)

Empanadas are a Latin American staple, but Cubans have their own version. Ours are almost always fried instead of baked, giving them that signature crunch, and the fillings lean distinctly Cuban — like this classic version filled with picadillo. When I started my first business, I sold empanadas to Miami restaurants, and later they became a star dish at my food truck and restaurant. They’re one of those foods that show up at every ventanita (the little walk-up café windows in Miami) and family gathering. Make your own dough, or grab store-bought wrappers — all that matters is that first steaming-hot bite.

Krispy Kreme Dropped 3 New Doughnuts Inspired by Latin American Desserts

This limited-time collection is now available at Krispy Kreme shops nationwide.

Guava and Cheese Pastelitos

These flaky, golden pastries filled with guava and cheese are inspired by the pastelitos de guava y queso you might find at a neighborhood panadería (bakery). Guava and cream cheese is a popular flavor combination throughout Latin America and particularly in Cuba and Puerto Rico. While the pastries are usually made with slices of cream cheese and a dollop of guava paste, this version uses whipped cream cheese and guava preserves for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth filling that’s very easy to put together. Using store-bought puff pastry also speeds prep and gives this classic the perfect amount of buttery flavor to match the sweet and tangy filling.