Crispy Cheese Tequeños

Step 1

Pat the white cheese dry with paper towels, then cut it lengthwise into 8 thin sticks, each about 3 inches long and 0.5 inch thick, like wooden matchsticks.

Step 2

Place a tortilla flat on the cutting board and cut it in half crosswise with a knife, creating a semicircle shape.

Step 3

Repeat with the remaining 7 tortillas, so you have 16 tortilla halves total.

Step 4

Lay one tortilla half on the cutting board with the straight edge facing you, rounded side away from you.

Step 5

Place one cheese stick in the center of the tortilla, parallel to the straight edge, about 1 inch from that edge.

Step 6

Fold the straight edge of the tortilla up and over the cheese stick, tucking it under to start a roll.

Step 7

Roll the tortilla tightly away from you, keeping the cheese centered inside, until you reach the curved end—press gently to seal.

Step 8

Set the rolled tequeño seam-side down on a plate and repeat with the remaining 15 tortilla halves and cheese sticks.

Step 9

Pour 4 cups of vegetable oil into a deep heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and a wooden spoon handle dipped in it produces steady small bubbles, about 3 minutes—the oil should be about 350°F if you have a thermometer.

Step 10

Carefully lower 4 tequeños into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs, holding them at the edges to avoid splashing.

Step 11

Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them over once halfway through, until the tortilla turns golden brown on all sides like toasted bread crust.

Step 12

Use a slotted spoon to lift the tequeños out of the oil and place them on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 13

Repeat steps 10 through 12 with the remaining 12 tequeños, frying them in two more batches of 4.

Step 14

Sprinkle the warm tequeños lightly with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of pepper while they are still hot.

Step 15

Pour the garlic aioli or ketchup into a small bowl and place it in the center of a serving platter.

Step 16

Arrange the tequeños upright around the bowl in a circle and serve immediately while they are still warm and crispy.