Brazilian Romeu e Julieta (Guava Paste with Cheese)

Romeu e Julieta is a beloved Brazilian dessert that pairs two seemingly simple ingredients, guava paste and fresh white cheese, but the result is a culinary match made in heaven. Named after the famous Shakespearean couple, this dessert plays on the idea of contrast and harmony, much like the story of Romeo and Juliet.

The sweetness of the guava paste and the mild, creamy cheese come together to create a balance that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Simple yet delightful, Romeu e Julieta is a dessert that captures the essence of Brazilian flavours and traditions.

What Is Romeu e Julieta?

Romeu e Julieta is a traditional Brazilian dessert that combines a slice of goiabada (guava paste) with a slice of queijo minas (a mild, fresh white cheese). This dessert is typically enjoyed as a snack or light dessert, though it can also be elevated into more elaborate dishes such as cheesecakes, tarts, or puff pastry bites.

The dish’s charm lies in its simplicity, the sweet guava paste, rich in fruitiness, contrasts beautifully with the slightly salty, creamy cheese. This pairing is a classic example of how opposites attract, with the guava providing a burst of tropical flavour and the cheese offering a cooling, smooth balance.

While the ingredients themselves are modest, the combination brings out the best in both. The vibrant, thick guava paste melts slightly when paired with the cool, soft cheese, creating a textural delight. Every bite offers a fusion of sweet and savoury, creamy and firm, making Romeu e Julieta a true pleasure for the palate.

Ingredients and Taste

The core ingredients of Romeu e Julieta are goiabada and queijo minas, both of which are staples in Brazilian cuisine. Goiabada is made from slow cooked guava fruit and sugar, resulting in a dense, slightly chewy paste that bursts with tropical sweetness.

It has a deep, almost floral flavour that is unmistakably guava, with just enough sweetness to satisfy without being overly sugary.

On the other side is queijo minas frescal, a fresh, soft cheese with a mild flavour and creamy texture. Its delicate saltiness provides the perfect contrast to the sweetness of the guava paste.

If queijo minas isn’t available, substitutions like mozzarella or ricotta can be used, but the traditional cheese brings a unique softness and slight tang that perfectly complements the guava paste.

Together, these two ingredients create a harmonious balance of flavours that feels both indulgent and light. The cheese mellows the intensity of the guava paste, while the fruity notes of the guava bring out the creaminess of the cheese. It’s a dessert that plays with contrasts but delivers pure satisfaction in every bite.

A Taste of History

Romeu e Julieta’s origins are tied to the broader Brazilian tradition of pairing cheese with fruit preserves, a practice that dates back to colonial times. In the state of Minas Gerais, where dairy farming is prominent, fresh cheeses like queijo minas became popular.

At the same time, guava an abundant fruit in Brazil, was often preserved in sugar to make goiabada, a way to enjoy the fruit long after its season had passed.

Over time, the pairing of goiabada and queijo minas became an iconic combination, particularly in Minas Gerais, where it was a natural fit given the region’s abundant production of both ingredients.

The name “Romeu e Julieta” is thought to have emerged later, symbolizing the seemingly contrasting flavours that come together so perfectly, much like the star-crossed lovers in Shakespeare’s play.