Romeu e Julieta (Portuguese: [ʁoˈmew i ʒuliˈetɐ] ⓘ; lit. 'Romeo and Juliet') is a traditional Brazilian dessert made of cheese and goiabada.[1] While the most simplistic form of this dessert consists of goiabada over a slice of cheese, desserts and foods can be prepared into Romeu e Julieta versions of themselves by incorporating goiabada and cheese into the recipe.[2] The dessert's name is a reference to the title romantic couple of the Shakespearean classic Romeo and Juliet with cheese representing Romeu and goiabada representing Julieta.[1]
 A slice of cheese with goiabada spread on top | |
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Brazil |
| Region or state | Minas Gerais |
| Main ingredients | goiabada and cheese |
History
While the exact origin of the dessert is unknown, it is believed to have originated in Minas Gerais during the colonial period when the Portuguese began producing cheese and invented goiabada as an alternative to marmalade.[1] Alternatively, the creation of the dessert is attributed to the Bulgarians.[3]
The dessert only came to be known as Romeu e Julieta in the 1960s after a Goiabada Cica advertisement featured Cebolinha and Mônica of Turma da Mônica "dressed up" as Romeo and Juliet in a nod to goiabada and cheese being a perfect pairing.[1][4]
Variations
While the cheese used in Romeu e Julieta is most commonly either minas cheese and canastra cheese, cheddar and parmesan can be used as well.[1][2]
When not eaten by itself, Romeu e Julieta can be found incorporated in various desserts like cake, cheesecake, soufflé, pavê, mousse, ice cream cake, and ice cream.[2][5][6]