National Dish Paraguay: Arró Quesú (Recipe)
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Say hello to Arró Quesú, a wonderfully comforting rice and cheese bake that sits at the heart of Paraguayan home cooking. Creamy, golden and gently savoury, it brings together humble store-cupboard staples into something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Served at family gatherings and celebrations alike, this dish is a lovely way to invite the flavours of Paraguay into your own kitchen — and it could hardly be simpler to make.
About Arró Quesú
Arró Quesú is a traditional Paraguayan dish made from rice, cheese and milk. The combination of these ingredients gives it a beautifully creamy texture and a hearty, savoury flavour that delights the senses. It is enormously popular across Paraguay and is often served at festivities and family get-togethers. If you would like to bring a taste of the cultural richness of Paraguay to your table, this is an ideal choice, much like the beloved cornbread Sopa Paraguaya.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 cup rice
- 200 g fresh cheese (such as Paraguayan cheese or mozzarella)
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Arró Quesú at its freshest, it is worth visiting a local market or a shop with a good range of international foods. As a rule you will find fresh cheese, rice and milk in most supermarkets. Do choose good-quality products, as this has a real influence on the flavour of the finished dish. When it comes to the cheese, feel free to try other varieties or alternatives to tune the taste to your own liking.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin cooking Arró Quesú, it is a good idea to prepare all your ingredients first. Rinse the rice thoroughly to wash away excess starch — this gives you a light, pleasantly fluffy result. Cut the cheese into small pieces so it is evenly distributed through the dish. Get the remaining ingredients ready too, so you can add them easily as you go.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring the rice to the boil in a pan with plenty of water and cook according to the packet instructions.
- Tip the cooked rice into a large bowl and leave to cool.
- Meanwhile, whisk the milk, eggs, salt and pepper together well in a separate bowl.
- Add the chopped cheese to the cooled rice.
- Pour the milk mixture over the rice and cheese and mix well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake at 180°C for about 30–40 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you would like to make Arró Quesú gluten-free, simply use gluten-free rice, which is widely available in supermarkets. For a lactose-free version, choose lactose-free milk and plant-based cheese alternatives. These adjustments do not compromise the hearty flavour of the dish, so you can still enjoy this speciality to the full. Tweaks like these make it easy to adapt the Paraguayan dish to suit every dietary need.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, Arró Quesú is easy to adapt by swapping the eggs and milk for plant-based alternatives. Use almond or soya milk and a vegan cheese, for instance, to achieve the creamy consistency that makes this dish so special. It is ideal for vegetarians too, as this version keeps all the flavours while leaving out the animal products. That way everyone can share in the delicious experience.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your Arró Quesú, try adding different seasonings to give the dish a personal touch. Herbs such as parsley or coriander lend a fresh flavour and a lovely splash of colour, while a hint of nutmeg adds an intriguing note. Experiment with the ingredients and discover what you like best — this way every batch becomes a fresh little adventure.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The versatility of Arró Quesú means you can easily tailor it to your own preferences. Add vegetables such as peppers or courgette for a healthier variation, and vary the amount of cheese to suit your palate. If you like things especially cheesy, you can stir in some Parmesan or another cheese you are fond of. This keeps the dish exciting and never dull.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have fresh milk to hand, or prefer a plant-based option, you can use coconut milk to give the dish a subtle sweetness. Instead of fresh cheese, you could even use grated cheese, which makes the preparation even simpler. While the main components are important to Arró Quesú, small swaps can vary the dish easily while keeping it just as delicious — much as they do in a comforting bowl of Arroz Con Leche. This flexibility makes it easy to cook according to what is available and what you fancy.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off the Arró Quesú experience, serve drinks that bring out its flavour. A refreshing glass of Paraguayan Tereré — a cold herbal drink — pairs wonderfully with this dish. A fruity juice or a non-alcoholic cocktail also makes a good companion. If you prefer something alcoholic, a light white wine or a fruity sangria is an excellent choice to complement the flavours.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present Arró Quesú at its most appealing, decorate the dish with fresh herbs. A scattering of parsley or coriander not only looks good but also enhances the flavour. Serve it in an attractive, clear baking dish, or divide it into individual portions to give every guest their own little surprise. Remember to consider the colour of your crockery too, to heighten the contrast and make the dish all the more appetising.
A bit of history
Arró Quesú has its roots in Paraguayan culture and is a perfect example of the country’s simple yet flavourful cooking. Over the years it has established itself as a much-loved dish, appreciated by locals and visitors alike. The use of regional ingredients and preparation passed down through generations have helped this dish find its place in Paraguayan cuisine. It tells a story of tradition, family and a love of good food, in the same spirit as festive treats like Chipa Guasu.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Arró Quesú
All in all, Arró Quesú is a delicious, hearty dish that is not only easy to prepare but also rich in flavour and tradition. It offers a wonderful way to bring Paraguayan culture into your kitchen and can be adapted effortlessly to a range of dietary needs. Whether gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan, the possibilities are almost endless. Let the flavours of Paraguay inspire you and enjoy the versatility of this one-of-a-kind dish.
