Patrick Oconnell
Campesino cheese, or Queso Campesino, is a Mexican cheese often produced by smaller cheese processors. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking or as a snack. Campesino cheese comes in several varieties, including Queso Oaxaca, a string cheese that can be melted over stuffed peppers or enchiladas, or served with fruit and charcuterie; Queso Fresco, a salty cheese that can be crumbled over fruit, beans, or Mexican dishes; and Queso Quesadilla, a mild cheese that melts well and can be used in quesadillas or grilled dishes. Campesino cheese is a popular choice for those seeking authentic, high-quality Mexican cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Mexican string cheese |
| Texture | Tender, bouncy, smooth, salty-sweet |
| Uses | Cooking, snacking, melting, serving with fruit and charcuterie |
| Ingredients | Whole cow's milk |
| Flavor | Authentic Mexican |
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What You'll Learn
Campesino cheese as a snack
Campesino cheese, or Queso Campesino, is a Mexican cheese often produced by smaller cheese processors. It is an artisan cheese, made with whole cow's milk, and its name roughly translates to "countryman's cheese". Campesino cheese is a great snack, and there are several varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and uses.
One variety of Campesino cheese is the Queso Oaxaca, a traditional Mexican string cheese. It has a smooth, tender, and salty-sweet flavour, making it perfect for both melting and snacking. You can enjoy it as a snack on its own or get creative and make a Mexican take on caprese by pairing it with tomato and Mexican oregano. For a fruity option, break it into strings and serve it with fruit and charcuterie.
Another variety is the Queso Fresco, which is one of the most common types of Mexican cheeses. It is a fresh, crumbly, and slightly salty cheese similar to feta or farmer's cheese. Because it does not melt, it is perfect for crumbling over fruit, beans, or authentic Mexican dishes like dips or appetizers. You can also find a non-salty version of this cheese.
If you're looking for a melting cheese, try the Queso Quesadilla. This variety is rich, mild, and perfect for toasty tortilla dishes like quesadillas or enchiladas. For a spicy kick, opt for the Queso Enchilado, which is rolled in paprika and often used in enchiladas.
Campesino cheese offers a range of flavours and textures, making it a versatile snack option. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a dish, Campesino cheese is a delicious and authentic taste of Mexico.
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Campesino cheese in Mexican caprese
Campesino cheese, or Queso Campesino, is a Mexican string cheese with a smooth, tender, and salty-sweet flavour. It is made with whole cow's milk, sourced from local dairies, and is known for its versatility in Mexican cuisine. One creative way to use Campesino cheese is to make a Mexican twist on the classic caprese dish. Here's how you can prepare a delicious Mexican caprese using Campesino cheese:
Ingredients:
- Campesino cheese (Queso Oaxaca)
- Ripe tomatoes
- Mexican oregano
- Extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Preparation:
- Start by slicing ripe tomatoes into thick rounds. Arrange them on a plate or a serving platter.
- Tear off strings of Campesino cheese and place them on top of the tomato slices. The cheese's signature stringy texture makes it perfect for this presentation.
- Sprinkle Mexican oregano over the cheese and tomatoes. This variety of oregano has a unique flavour that enhances the dish.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar (optional) for added flavour and a beautiful gloss.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve it as a refreshing appetiser or side dish, showcasing the delicious combination of flavours and textures.
Variations and Tips:
- For a more substantial dish, serve the Mexican caprese over a bed of mixed greens or arugula, adding depth and a nutritious boost.
- If you prefer warm cheese, you can slightly melt the Campesino cheese before placing it on the tomatoes. This will create a delightful, creamy contrast.
- Experiment with different varieties of Campesino cheese, such as their mini versions or other unique flavours they offer.
- If you're serving this dish as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with Mexican-inspired mains, like stuffed peppers, enchiladas, or tacos.
With its tender texture and salty-sweet flavour, Campesino cheese adds a delightful twist to the traditional caprese, creating a Mexican caprese that's both delicious and visually appealing. Enjoy the fusion of flavours and textures in this simple yet impressive dish!
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Campesino cheese in enchiladas
Campesino cheese, or Queso Campesino, is a Mexican cheese with a smooth, tender, and salty-sweet flavour. It's a type of string cheese that's excellent for melting and cooking, making it a great choice for enchiladas. Here's how you can use Campesino cheese to make delicious enchiladas at home:
Ingredients:
- Campesino cheese, shredded or in strings
- Corn tortillas (white or yellow)
- Enchilada sauce (red, verde, or sour cream sauce)
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., chopped white onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo, guacamole, shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, chopped tomatoes, sour cream)
- Optional fillings: cooked shredded chicken, refried beans, etc.
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 375°F if using an aluminium foil cover). Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until softened and pliable. You can also wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave them before using them, but this step is not necessary for corn tortillas.
Take each tortilla and fill it with a handful of shredded Campesino cheese and any desired fillings, such as cooked shredded chicken or refried beans. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this process until all the tortillas are rolled and placed in the dish.
Pour your chosen enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, covering them generously. Sprinkle the remaining Campesino cheese on top.
Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. If using aluminium foil, bake for 20 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and add your desired toppings. Enjoy your Campesino cheese enchiladas with sides such as refried beans, Mexican rice, or Horchata.
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Campesino cheese in quesadillas
Campesino cheese is a Mexican cheese, often categorised as an artisan cheese produced by smaller cheese processors. It is also known as Queso Campesino, which translates to "countryman's cheese". Campesino cheese is a great option for quesadillas due to its rich, buttery, and mild flavour profile, as well as its excellent melting properties.
Campesino cheese is a versatile choice for quesadillas as it can be melted and combined with various fillings. Here are some ideas for using Campesino cheese in quesadillas:
Classic Quesadillas:
The simplest way to use Campesino cheese in quesadillas is to stick to the classic preparation. Start by melting the Campesino cheese between two tortillas. You can use a griddle or a pan to cook the quesadilla until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is toasted. This simple quesadilla allows the flavour of the Campesino cheese to shine through.
Loaded Quesadillas:
Campesino cheese also pairs well with various fillings. Try adding cooked chicken or beef, refried beans, sautéed vegetables, or different types of peppers and onions. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavour of your quesadilla. Some popular choices include cumin, paprika, or chilli powder. Remember to cook your fillings before assembling the quesadilla to ensure even cooking.
Dessert Quesadillas:
For a sweet twist on the classic savoury quesadilla, try using Campesino cheese with fruit fillings. Sliced apples, pears, or berries can pair nicely with the salty-sweet flavour of the cheese. You can also drizzle your dessert quesadilla with honey or chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Drinks and Sides:
When serving Campesino cheese quesadillas, consider pairing them with complementary drinks and sides. A crisp Pinot Gris or a cold Mexican beer can go well with the rich flavour of the cheese. For sides, consider serving your quesadillas with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for dipping.
Campesino cheese is an excellent choice for quesadillas due to its meltability and versatile flavour. Whether you stick to a classic preparation or get creative with fillings, Campesino cheese is sure to elevate your quesadilla experience.
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Campesino cheese with fruit
Queso Campesino, or simply Campesino cheese, is a semi-firm, chalky-white Mexican cheese with a smooth and mild flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking, added to salads, or enjoyed as a snack on its own. Due to its semi-firm texture, Campesino cheese is ideal for grating or crumbling over various dishes, including fruits. Here are some ways to incorporate Campesino cheese with fruits:
Crumbled on Fresh Fruits
Campesino cheese pairs well with fresh fruits, especially those with a sweet or tangy flavour profile. Cut up your favourite fruits into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a plate. Some ideal fruit choices include strawberries, apples, pears, and mangoes. Take the Campesino cheese and crumble it over the fruit using your fingers or a fork. The salty, creamy cheese will complement the sweetness of the fruit, creating a delicious and balanced flavour combination.
Cheese and Fruit Platter
Create a beautiful and appetising cheese and fruit platter by arranging sliced Campesino cheese and an assortment of fresh and dried fruits on a board or platter. Some suggested fruits to include are grapes, apple slices, dried apricots, and fresh berries. You could also add some nuts, honey, and crackers to the platter for extra texture and flavour. This makes for a wonderful appetiser or dessert option, offering a variety of tastes and textures.
Fruit and Cheese Salad
Add a unique twist to your regular salad by incorporating Campesino cheese and fruits. Start with a bed of mixed greens, such as arugula or spinach, and add sliced Campesino cheese, cubed or crumbled, along with your choice of fruits. Some fruit options that go well with Campesino cheese in a salad are sliced apples, pears, dried cranberries, or mandarin orange segments. Top it off with a light vinaigrette dressing, and you'll have a refreshing and flavourful salad.
Grated Campesino Cheese with Baked Fruits
Campesino cheese can also be used in baked recipes, such as baked fruit desserts. Grate the Campesino cheese and sprinkle it over baked fruits like apples, peaches, or plums. The cheese will melt slightly and create a creamy, savoury contrast to the sweetness of the baked fruits. This combination makes for a unique and indulgent dessert option.
These are just a few ideas on how to incorporate Campesino cheese with fruits. Feel free to experiment with different types of fruits and serving styles to find your favourite combinations. Enjoy the delicious and versatile world of Campesino cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
Queso Campesino translates to "countryman's cheese". It is a Mexican cheese, often made with whole cow's milk, and is known for capturing the specific flavours of its origins.
Queso Campesino produces a range of Mexican cheeses, including Queso Oaxaca, Queso Fresco, and Queso Quesadilla.
Queso Oaxaca is a traditional Mexican string cheese with a smooth, tender, and salty-sweet flavour. It is great for melting or snacking. You can use it to make a Mexican take on caprese, melt it over stuffed peppers or enchiladas, or break it into strings and serve with fruit and charcuterie.
Queso Fresco is a fresh, crumbly, and slightly salty Mexican cheese. It does not melt and can be crumbled over fruit, beans, dips like guacamole, or other appetizers and authentic Mexican dishes.
Queso Quesadilla is a rich and mild Mexican melting cheese. It is excellent for quesadillas, as its name suggests, and can also be used in enchiladas or other dishes where you want a cheese that melts well.
