quesillo

Quesillo is a term used in Spanish-speaking cuisines to refer to different dairy-based foods and desserts, depending on the country. The word derives from queso, cheese, with the diminutive suffix -illo, a naming pattern common in several Latin American cuisines.

In Venezuela and some Caribbean-influenced regions, quesillo denotes a dessert similar to flan or custard. The dish is typically a smooth, creamy pudding made with eggs and milk, often flavored with vanilla and caramel. Recipes vary and some versions incorporate cheese into the custard, producing a richer texture. It is usually served chilled with a caramel topping.

In Nicaragua and other parts of Central America, quesillo refers to a fresh cheese. This soft, white cheese is mild and pliable, commonly used in a regional street snack also called quesillo: a warm tortilla filled with the cheese and crema, sometimes with a pinch of salt. The cheese is also sold for other dishes and snacks.

Because usage varies by country, the term does not correspond to a single product worldwide. It reflects the linguistic link to queso and the regional culinary traditions that name foods after cheese.