Patrick Oconnell
Tacos are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fillings and cheeses. When it comes to shredded cheese, there are several options available, including pre-shredded blends specifically for tacos and other Mexican dishes. These blends typically include a mix of cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero. Some people prefer to shred their own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting process. To melt shredded cheese for tacos, one popular method is to place the cheese in a skillet on gentle heat until it begins to melt, then place a tortilla on top, allowing the cheese to stick to the tortilla and form a crispy base. Another approach is to sprinkle shredded cheese inside the taco shell and warm it in the oven, creating a melted cheese base that holds the taco together.
Characteristics and Values Table for Melting Shredded Cheese for Tacos
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, Asadero, Queso Quesadilla, Velveeta Shreds, Vegan Cheese |
| Cheese Texture | Thick-cut ribbons, shredded, grated, fine shreds |
| Taco Shell | Soft tortilla, hard shell, corn tortilla |
| Cooking Method | Oven, skillet |
| Temperature | Medium-low heat, 300°F |
| Time | 5 minutes |
| Cheese Placement | At the bottom of the taco shell, on a skillet |
| Fillings | Chicken, avocado, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, green chillies, scrambled eggs, black beans, tater tots, refried beans, cooked chicken, crumbled chorizo, sautéed mushrooms, seared steak |
| Dipping Sauce | Chipotle, salsa, sour cream, avocado |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese type: Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, and more
- Oven vs. skillet: The oven is good for multiple tacos, but skillets offer more control
- Cheese first: Putting cheese in first can help hold the taco together
- Filling ideas: Chicken, chorizo, steak, eggs, black beans, avocado, sour cream, and more
- Cheese seasoning: Taco seasoning can be added to shredded cheese for extra flavour
Cheese type: Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, and more
When it comes to shredded cheese for tacos, there are several types that melt well and lend themselves to different recipes. Here are some options for cheese types and how to melt them:
Cheddar
Cheddar is a popular choice for tacos and can be melted in various ways. One method is to shred the cheese and mix it with cornstarch, which helps with melting and prevents the sauce from separating. You can then add the cheese to a saucepan over medium heat and stir until melted. Another option is to use a double boiler or a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You can also add milk to create a thinner consistency for a cheese dip.
Manchego
Manchego, made with cow's milk in Mexico, is a versatile option for tacos due to its ease of shredding and melting. It has a mild flavour and light yellow colour. To melt shredded Manchego, use low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning. You can also add milk to create a creamy texture.
Pepper Jack
Pepper Jack cheese adds a moderate amount of spice to your tacos and is a great choice for a simple ingredient list. To melt shredded Pepper Jack, you can follow a similar process as with cheddar, shredding and mixing it with cornstarch, then melting it in a saucepan over medium heat. You can also add butter, onions, garlic, and milk to create a creamy pepper jack queso dip.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is another versatile melting cheese that pairs well with other cheeses like cheddar. It can be used in a similar manner as the above cheeses, melting it over low heat with the addition of milk for a dip, or shredding and melting it for tacos.
Other Cheeses
There are several other cheeses that melt well and can be used for tacos or dips. These include Asadero, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, and Queso Fresco. When melting shredded cheese for tacos, it's important to use low heat and be patient to ensure even melting and prevent clumping. You can also add spices like cumin, garlic, and chillies to enhance the flavour.
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Oven vs. skillet: The oven is good for multiple tacos, but skillets offer more control
Oven vs. Skillet
Melted shredded cheese is a classic addition to tacos, and there are several ways to achieve this. Using an oven is a good option if you are making multiple tacos, whereas a skillet offers more control over the melting process.
Oven
If you are making a large batch of tacos, using an oven can be a convenient option. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, and place the shredded cheese in a baking dish. You can also add your desired taco fillings and toppings before baking. Bake for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Skillet
Using a skillet allows for more precise control over the melting process. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and coat it lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle shredded cheese in a circle onto the hot pan and allow it to melt. Place a tortilla on top of the melting cheese, ensuring that there are still pieces of cheese visible around the edges. Cook until the cheese is golden brown and crispy, then use a spatula to gently fold the taco. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.
Cheese Recommendations
For shredded cheese, you can use a Mexican blend of cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella. For a vegan option, Chao plant-based shreds offer a pleasant flavor with a peppery spice. If you prefer a sharper taste, opt for a blend that is more cheddar forward, such as Sargento's Mexican blend or Trader Joe's shredded cheese.
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Cheese first: Putting cheese in first can help hold the taco together
When assembling a taco, it is recommended to put the cheese in first. This is because the cheese will melt and act as a glue to hold the taco together while eating. This method helps to prevent the taco from falling apart after the first bite.
To do this, start by sprinkling shredded cheese of your choice at the bottom of a taco shell. Warm the taco shell in an oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts. You can also use a skillet to melt the cheese. Place a tortilla on top of the cheese once it starts to melt, ensuring that half of the cheese is under the tortilla and the other half extends beyond the edge. This will create a soft, pliable tortilla with a cheese crisp that sticks to the shell.
For shredded cheese that melts well, consider using a Mexican blend such as Kraft's mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso quesadilla. Velveeta Shreds and Walmart's shredded Mexican blend are also good options. If you're looking for a sharper flavor, try Trader Joe's Mexican blend or Sargento's. For a thicker cut, Tillamook offers a shredded Mexican blend that's perfect for impressing guests.
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Filling ideas: Chicken, chorizo, steak, eggs, black beans, avocado, sour cream, and more
When it comes to tacos, the filling options are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Chicken
Shredded chicken is a versatile filling option that can be used in tacos, nachos, pot pies, and more. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as shredded chicken tacos or pulled chicken nachos. For a tasty option, try making shredded chicken tacos with refried beans, avocado slices, Pico de Gallo, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Chorizo
Chorizo is a popular choice for breakfast tacos as it adds a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavour. It pairs well with scrambled or fluffy eggs, and can be made with ground pork sausage flavoured with Mexican chile peppers. For a vegetarian option, replace the chorizo with seasoned black beans, sofritas, sautéed mushrooms, or a tofu scramble. Serve your chorizo tacos with toppings such as onion, cilantro, avocado, and crumbled Cotija cheese.
Steak
Seared steak is another tasty filling option for tacos. For a hearty meal, serve your steak tacos with refried beans, cooked chicken, crumbled chorizo, sautéed mushrooms, or black beans. Don't forget to add your favourite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa.
Eggs
Eggs are a great source of protein and can be prepared in a variety of ways for tacos, such as scrambled, fluffy, or fried. They can be paired with a variety of fillings, such as chorizo, bacon, or vegetables like onions, bell peppers, spinach, or avocado. For a simple yet delicious option, try making cheesy fried eggs with Parmesan or cheddar crisps.
Black Beans
Black beans are a nutritious and filling option for tacos. They can be used as a vegetarian substitute for meat or enjoyed as a side dish. For a tasty option, try making black bean tacos with sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, spinach, or avocado.
Avocado
Avocado adds a creamy texture and fresh flavour to tacos. It can be used as a topping or sliced and served on the side. For a hearty option, try making breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and avocado.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds a creamy and tangy flavour to tacos. It can be used as a topping or mixed with other ingredients to make sauces like cilantro lime crema. For a rich and indulgent option, try making tacos with shredded beef, avocado slices, Pico de Gallo, shredded cheese, and a generous dollop of sour cream.
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Cheese seasoning: Taco seasoning can be added to shredded cheese for extra flavour
Taco seasoning can be added to shredded cheese for extra flavour. You can make your own shredded cheese at home by shredding cheese using a food processor and a shredding disk. You can also buy shredded cheese, but it's best to opt for shredded cheese with potato starch added as an anti-caking agent, rather than cellulose.
There are many different types of cheese that can be used for tacos, including Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, and Manchego. You can also use a blend of cheeses. For example, a blend of Cheddar, Colby-Jack, and Manchego cheeses with a blend of taco seasonings will give your tacos an authentic taste. You can also add taco seasoning to your shredded cheese blend at home. You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own. A simple taco seasoning blend might include ground cumin, onion powder, salt, chilli powder, cornstarch, and crushed red peppers. You can add as much or as little taco seasoning as you like to your shredded cheese.
When making tacos, you can fill them with all sorts of ingredients, including scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, salsa, sour cream, avocado, refried beans, cooked chicken, crumbled chorizo, sautéed mushrooms, seared steak, black beans, or tater tots.
To melt the shredded cheese for your tacos, start by placing your desired amount of shredded cheese in a cold nonstick skillet, forming a rectangle that is slightly smaller than your tortilla. Then, turn the heat to medium-low to start melting the cheese. Once the cheese is almost completely melted, place a tortilla on top so that roughly half the cheese is under the tortilla and half is not. Let the cheese cook until it turns an even golden brown colour. Finally, remove the pan from the heat and let it stand until the cheese cools and firms up slightly. Carefully slide a thin spatula under the cheese and remove the tortilla from the pan.
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Frequently asked questions
There are different methods to melt shredded cheese for tacos. One way is to put the shredded cheese in a cold non-stick skillet, forming a rectangle the size of the tortilla's diameter. Then, turn the heat to medium-low to melt the cheese. Once the cheese is almost completely melted, place a tortilla on top.
There are various types of shredded cheese that melt well for tacos. For example, cheddar, Kraft's Mexican blend, Velveeta Shreds, and Sargento's Mexican blend.
To make crispy cheese tacos, grate cheese and place it in a cold non-stick skillet. Turn the heat to medium-low and place a tortilla on top of the cheese once it starts to melt. Let the cheese cook until it turns golden brown, then remove the pan from the heat and let it cool. Finally, use a spatula to remove the tortilla from the pan and fill it as desired.
To ensure that the cheese holds your taco together, put the cheese in first. This will allow the cheese to melt and act as a glue, keeping the taco shell together while eating.
