Uruguay might be a small country, but its food packs a massive punch.
Think juicy grilled meats, creamy dulce de leche, and hearty stews that’ll make your taste buds dance.
If you’re looking to spice up your kitchen with some South American flair, you’ve hit the jackpot.
From sizzling asado to melt-in-your-mouth chivito, Uruguayan cuisine is all about bold flavors and comfort food done right.
Whether you’re a meat lover, a carb enthusiast, or someone with a sweet tooth, this list has something for everyone. Get ready—your next favorite dish is waiting!
1. Asado (Uruguayan BBQ)
If you think you know BBQ, Uruguayan asado will blow your mind. This isn’t just grilling—it’s an art form.
Uruguayans take their meat seriously, slow-cooking beef ribs, short ribs, and sausages over wood-fired pits for unbeatable smoky flavor.
Ingredients:
- Beef ribs or short ribs
- Chorizo sausages (halal or beef-based)
- Salt
- Chimichurri sauce (parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, oregano)
How to make it:
- Season the meat generously with salt.
- Grill over wood or charcoal at low heat for several hours.
- Baste occasionally with chimichurri.
- Serve with crusty bread and grilled veggies.
Why we chose it:
No Uruguayan food list is complete without asado. It’s the heart of their cuisine—simple, flavorful, and downright addictive.
2. Chivito (Uruguayan Steak Sandwich)
Imagine a sandwich so loaded it could be a meal for two.
The chivito is Uruguay’s answer to the ultimate steak sandwich—tender beef, melted cheese, eggs, ham (or turkey ham), and a mountain of toppings.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef steak
- Mozzarella cheese
- Turkey ham
- Fried egg
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles
- Mayo & mustard
- Soft bun
How to make it:
- Grill the steak to medium-rare.
- Layer cheese, ham, and a fried egg on top.
- Pile on veggies and sauces.
- Serve with fries—because why not?
Why this made our list:
It’s messy, indulgent, and 100% worth every bite.
3. Milanesa (Crispy Breaded Steak)
Uruguay’s take on schnitzel is a crispy, golden delight. Milanesa is thin beef (or chicken) cutlet breaded and fried to perfection.
Ingredients:
- Thin beef or chicken cutlets
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Flour
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
How to make it:
- Dredge cutlets in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Fry until golden and crispy.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Why we selected it:
It’s crunchy, juicy, and impossible to resist.
4. Empanadas Uruguayas (Baked Stuffed Pastries)
Uruguayan empanadas are flaky, stuffed pastries filled with beef, cheese, or spinach. Perfect for snacking!
Ingredients:
- Dough (flour, butter, water, salt)
- Ground beef (cooked with onions, peppers, spices)
- Hard-boiled eggs (optional)
- Olives (optional)
How to make it:
- Roll out dough and cut circles.
- Fill with beef mixture, fold, and seal.
- Bake until golden.
Why this made our list:
Portable, delicious, and endlessly customizable.
5. Puchero (Hearty Meat & Veggie Stew)
A comforting stew with beef, chicken, squash, corn, and potatoes—Uruguayan puchero is like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients:
- Beef chunks
- Chicken pieces
- Carrots, potatoes, corn, squash
- Bay leaves, salt, pepper
How to make it:
- Boil meats with spices.
- Add veggies and simmer until tender.
- Serve with crusty bread.
Why we chose it:
It’s the ultimate comfort food.
6. Revuelto Gramajo (Scrambled Eggs with Fries & Ham)
Breakfast? Lunch? Dinner? Revuelto Gramajo fits any time—scrambled eggs with crispy fries, peas, and turkey ham.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- French fries
- Peas
- Turkey ham
- Onions
How to make it:
- Sauté onions and ham.
- Add eggs, fries, and peas.
- Cook until eggs are fluffy.
Why this made our list:
It’s quick, filling, and unexpectedly delicious.
7. Pascualina (Spinach & Egg Pie)
A savory pie packed with spinach, eggs, and cheese—Pascualina is a must-try.
Ingredients:
- Pie dough
- Spinach
- Eggs
- Ricotta cheese
- Nutmeg
How to make it:
- Layer dough, spinach, and eggs.
- Bake until golden.
Why we selected it:
It’s healthy, hearty, and full of flavor.
8. Alfajores (Dulce de Leche Sandwich Cookies)
Buttery cookies hugging creamy dulce de leche—Uruguay’s alfajores are pure bliss.
Ingredients:
- Cornstarch cookies
- Dulce de leche
- Shredded coconut
How to make it:
- Sandwich dulce de leche between cookies.
- Roll edges in coconut.
Why this made our list:
Sweet, soft, and impossible to eat just one.
9. Bizcochos (Uruguayan Breakfast Pastries)
Flaky, buttery pastries perfect with coffee—bizcochos are Uruguay’s morning staple.
Ingredients:
- Puff pastry
- Butter
- Sugar
How to make it:
- Shape pastry into twists or rolls.
- Bake until golden.
Why we chose it:
They’re crispy, light, and totally addictive.
10. Arroz con Leche (Creamy Rice Pudding)
Cinnamon-infused rice pudding—arroz con leche is the ultimate dessert.
Ingredients:
- Rice
- Milk
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
How to make it:
- Cook rice in milk until creamy.
- Sweeten and top with cinnamon.
Why this made our list:
Simple, creamy, and oh-so-comforting.
11. Panchos (Uruguayan-Style Hot Dogs)
Not your average hot dog—panchos come loaded with toppings like corn, peas, and crushed chips.
Ingredients:
- Beef hot dogs
- Soft buns
- Mayo, ketchup, mustard
- Corn, peas, crushed potato chips
How to make it:
- Grill the hot dog.
- Load up with toppings.
Why we selected it:
It’s fun, messy, and totally delicious.
Conclusion
Uruguayan cuisine is a hidden gem—full of rich flavors, comforting dishes, and irresistible sweets.
Whether you’re grilling up an asado or biting into a chivito, these recipes will transport you straight to Montevideo.