Bushra Griffith
There are many types of Mexican cheese that are perfect for quesadillas. These include Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero, and Quesadilla. Queso Oaxaca, in particular, is a regional queso fresco that melts at 90-100 degrees Celsius and stays melted. Quesadilla cheese, which originates from the state of Sinaloa in Northern Mexico, is also a good option as it is known for its melting abilities. To melt Mexican cheese for quesadillas, it is recommended to use shredded cheese and cook the quesadillas in a skillet for 1-2 minutes on each side until the cheese is fully melted.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Queso Quesadilla, Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Asadero, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Muenster |
| Type of Tortilla | Flour, Corn, Almond Flour |
| Size of Tortilla | 10-inch, Burrito-sized |
| Additional Ingredients | Vegetables, Proteins, Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Jalapeño, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cilantro, Evaporated Milk, Spices |
| Cooking Method | Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook quesadillas for 1-2 minutes on each side |
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What You'll Learn
Using a skillet
To make quesadillas using a skillet, start by choosing your cheese. Queso Oaxaca (also known as quesillo), Chihuahua, Asadero, and Quesadilla are Mexican melting cheeses that are ideal for quesadillas. If you can't find any of these, Monterey Jack is a good alternative, as it has similar melting abilities and a comparable mild flavor profile. You can also add extra flavor to your quesadillas by mixing in a sharper cheese, like cheddar.
Next, prepare your tortillas. You can use flour, corn, or almond flour tortillas, in any size that suits your preference. If you want to make your own tortillas, you can find recipes online.
Now, it's time to assemble your quesadillas. If you're using pre-shredded cheese, opt for the thick-cut variety, as finer shreds may be coated with an anti-caking agent that can interfere with melting. You can also shred your own block cheese to ensure optimal melting. In addition to cheese, you can add any vegetables or proteins you like, such as fajita veggies or shredded chicken.
Once your quesadillas are assembled, melt some butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place your quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until the cheese has fully melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
Finally, slice your quesadillas into triangles for easy serving. You can enjoy them as they are or with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
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Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your quesadillas, there are several options to consider, each with its own unique flavour and melting properties. Here are some popular choices:
Queso Oaxaca (Quesillo):
Also known as quesillo, Oaxaca cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese that is perfect for quesadillas. It has a gorgeous, luxurious stretch when melted and is easily found in most Hispanic grocery stores or larger US supermarkets. Oaxaca cheese is a regional queso fresco, which means it has a fresh and mild flavour profile.
Chihuahua and Asadero:
These Mexican cheeses are also excellent choices for quesadillas as they melt easily and stretch luxuriously. They can be found in most Hispanic or large US supermarkets.
Queso Quesadilla:
Originating in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, Queso Quesadilla is known for its exceptional melting qualities. It has a mild flavour similar to Monterey Jack and can be shredded or melted in a skillet for Queso Fundido. This versatile cheese can be used in quesadillas, nachos, or any other dish that calls for melted cheese.
Monterey Jack:
Monterey Jack is a popular alternative to traditional Mexican cheeses. It has excellent melting abilities and a mild flavour. If you cannot find authentic Mexican cheeses, Monterey Jack is a suitable substitute and can be found in most supermarkets.
Other Options:
In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, there are other varieties that melt well and can be used in quesadillas. These include Muenster, a semi-soft cheese popular in Hispanic cuisine, and Mexican Blend, which is a mixture of shredded cheeses made specifically for melting. You can also experiment with other melting cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to create your desired flavour profile.
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Adding extra ingredients
When making quesadillas, you can add extra ingredients to your liking. Quesadillas make a great base for adding more of your favourite ingredients for a heartier meal. You can add any type of vegetable or protein, like leftover shredded chicken or fajita vegetables.
For the cheese, you can use shredded Monterey Jack, or any other melting cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or any other favourite cheese. For a more traditional Mexican flavour, you can use queso Oaxaca (quesillo), Chihuahua, Asadero, or Quesadilla. These cheeses melt easily and stretch luxuriously. You can find these varieties in most Hispanic grocery stores or many larger U.S. supermarkets.
For extra flavour, you can add something like sharp cheddar, or even a combination of cheeses. You can also add evaporated milk, rotel, and spices. For an extra kick, add some canned jalapeño, finely diced with some milk, and garlic or onion powder.
If you're looking for a semi-soft cheese with a smooth texture, try Queso Muenster, which has become a favourite in Hispanic cuisine. For a blend of cheeses, you can try the Mexican Blend, a smooth and creamy combination of shredded cheeses made for melting.
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Filling options
When it comes to filling options for quesadillas, there are several types of cheese that can be used. Firstly, Queso Quesadilla, which originated in Northern Mexico, is a good melting cheese and can be shredded and used in quesadillas. It has a similar flavour and melting profile to Monterey Jack, which is another good alternative.
Oaxaca cheese is also a popular choice for quesadillas and is a type of queso fresco. This cheese has a luxurious stretch when melted and can be found in Hispanic grocery stores. It can be paired with something sharp like cheddar or salsa, cilantro, or jalapeño.
Other melting cheeses that can be used include Chihuahua, Asadero, and Muenster, which is a semi-soft cheese with a smooth texture. For a non-traditional option, you can also use cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
In addition to cheese, quesadillas can be filled with any type of vegetable or protein, such as shredded chicken or fajita veggies.
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Serving suggestions
When making quesadillas, you can use any meltable cheese, but for a more authentic Mexican flavour, try using one of the following:
- Queso Oaxaca (quesillo)
- Chihuahua
- Asadero
- Queso Quesadilla
- Queso Campesino
- Monterey Jack
These cheeses melt easily and have a luxurious stretch. You can find them in most Hispanic grocery stores or large U.S. supermarkets.
For a more traditional Mexican experience, use corn tortillas instead of wheat flour tortillas. You can also use almond flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
To make your quesadillas even more delicious, serve them with a variety of dips, such as guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. You can also serve them with a side of lettuce—just thinly slice some iceberg lettuce, sprinkle on some cider vinegar and salt, and serve.
If you want to add meat to your quesadilla, the cooking time may not be sufficient to heat the meat through, so consider preheating it before adding. You can also add other ingredients, such as green onion, sliced mushrooms, olives, or tomatoes.
Quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, warm the quesadilla in a skillet over medium heat until fully warmed through and the cheese is gooey.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular Mexican cheeses that melt well and are great for quesadillas include Oaxaca (or Quesillo), Chihuahua, Asadero, and Quesadilla.
Monterey Jack is a popular alternative, as well as other melting cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack.
It is recommended to buy block cheese and shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheese may have an anti-caking agent that can affect melting. You can melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the quesadillas for 1-2 minutes per side until the cheese has melted.
Yes, quesadillas are versatile and can include various ingredients. You can add vegetables, proteins like shredded chicken, or spices and herbs like garlic and cilantro.
