Patrick Oconnell
Cotija is a sharp, slightly salty, aged cow's cheese, often referred to as the Parmesan of Mexico. It is a popular garnish in soups, salads, and on elotes (Mexican street corn). It can be used in place of Parmesan and sprinkled on beans, nachos, avocado toast, and many other Mexican dishes. Cotija can also be fried in a pan and served with avocado and black beans. It is available at most Mexican grocery stores, but if you don't have it on hand, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta Salata, or Feta cheese can be used as substitutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Crumbly, sharp, slightly salty, aged cow's cheese |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Substitutes | Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta Salata, Feta |
| Use Cases | Garnish in soups, salads, elotes (Mexican street corn), quesadillas, tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, avocado toast, eggs, pizza, popcorn |
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What You'll Learn
Use it as a garnish on soups, salads, and elotes (Mexican street corn)
Cotija cheese is a sharp, slightly salty, aged cow's cheese, often referred to as the Parmesan of Mexico. It is a popular garnish in soups, salads, and elotes (Mexican street corn). Here are some ways to use Cotija cheese as a garnish:
Soups
Cotija cheese can be used as a garnish on various soups, adding a sharp and salty flavour. Try a blended soup made with roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic, topped with a generous portion of Cotija cheese for a comforting and hearty meal.
Salads
Cotija cheese can add a tasty, salty contrast to a variety of salads. For a Mexican-inspired salad, combine grilled chicken, corn, avocado, black beans, and Cotija cheese, with a garnish of lime wedges. Alternatively, create a creamy salad dressing with cilantro, toasted pumpkin seeds, Cotija cheese, garlic, and roasted Anaheim chile peppers, and use it to dress a green salad topped with extra Cotija cheese.
Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)
Elotes are grilled corn cobs, a popular Mexican street food. To make elotes, grill fresh corn until tender, roll in butter, and top with mayonnaise and crumbled Cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an authentic Mexican flavour. For a lower-calorie option, cook corn in a skillet with fat-free Greek yogurt and chilli powder, and top with extra Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
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Make quesadillas, chilaquiles, or enchiladas
Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a great way to use up cotija cheese. You can make Elote-Style Cotija Cheese Quesadillas by sauteing corn with serrano pepper and seasoning with ancho chile powder and salt. Then, add crumbled cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and shredded Monterey jack cheese. Place half a cup of the mixture onto a tortilla, fold it, and cook in a pan. Serve with Mexican crema or sour cream seasoned with cumin, salt, and lime zest.
Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican dish of fried corn tortilla chips simmered in a brothy salsa. You can top them with scrambled or fried eggs, shredded chicken, or roasted vegetables. For the salsa, you can make either chilaquiles verdes with tomatillos, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro, or chilaquiles rojos with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, garlic, and broth. After frying the tortillas, simmer them in your chosen salsa and top with cotija cheese.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are another great option for using up cotija cheese. You can make cheese enchiladas by filling corn tortillas with cheese, rolling them tightly, and placing them in a baking dish with enchilada sauce. Sprinkle cotija cheese on top and bake until hot and bubbly. Serve with a side of refried beans, Mexican rice, and horchata.
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Sprinkle on beans, nachos, or avocado toast
Queso cotija is a crumbly, sharp, and slightly salty aged cow's cheese that is often referred to as the "Parmesan of Mexico". It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including Mexican dishes, salads, and soups. Here are some ideas for sprinkling cotija cheese on beans, nachos, or avocado toast:
Beans
Cotija cheese can be sprinkled on top of refried beans or black beans. It can also be added to a Mexican soup with fried tortilla strips, sliced avocado, diced pasilla peppers, and Mexican crema. For a heartier meal, serve the soup with beans and a tomato-avocado salad on the side.
Nachos
When making nachos, layer the chips and fillings for an optimal cheese-to-crunch ratio. Sprinkle cotija cheese on top of the nachos, or use it as a dip. For an extra indulgent twist, fry the cheese by melting it in a pan and flipping it to form a crispy, salty pancake.
Avocado Toast
For a delicious breakfast or brunch option, top avocado toast with cotija cheese. Try combining avocado, kimchi, and a fried egg with cotija, or opt for a simpler version with avocado, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and cotija. For a spicier kick, add some pickled jalapenos and hot sauce.
In addition to these suggestions, cotija cheese can be sprinkled on various other dishes, such as salads, corn, quesadillas, enchiladas, and more. It is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavour and texture of many meals.
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Fry it in a pan for a salty, crispy treat
Cotija cheese is a popular Mexican cheese that's often used in Mexican cooking. It's known for its sharp, slightly salty taste and crumbly texture. The cheese is typically made from cow's milk and aged to give it a distinct flavour and texture. While it's commonly used as a garnish or topping, it can also be fried in a pan to create a salty and crispy treat.
To fry Cotija cheese in a pan, start by placing a small pile of the cheese in a dry pan. Allow the cheese to melt slightly, then use a spatula to flip it over. Cook for about one minute on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. This method creates a delicious, salty pancake that can be served as a snack or side dish.
For a tasty twist, you can also try frying other ingredients with the cheese. For example, you could make a Mexican-inspired dish by frying the cheese with sliced poblano chiles, creating a tasty filling for tacos or burritos. Another option is to fry Cotija cheese with corn, creating a crispy and savoury side dish.
When frying Cotija cheese, it's important to keep an eye on it as it can burn easily due to its high fat content. It's also worth noting that the cheese doesn't melt easily, so it may not create a cohesive "pancake" when fried on its own. However, this makes it perfect for adding a crispy texture to various dishes.
Experiment with different ingredients and combinations to find your favourite way to enjoy fried Cotija cheese. Whether served as a snack or used as a topping for tacos, burritos, or salads, frying Cotija cheese in a pan is a great way to add a salty and crispy element to your meal.
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Toss with pasta or use in pesto
Cotija is a sharp, slightly salty, aged cow's cheese, often referred to as the "Parmesan of Mexico". It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pastas and pestos.
Toss with Pasta
Cotija cheese can be used as a topping or garnish for pasta dishes. For example, you can make a vibrant cilantro pesto by blending blanched herbs, Cotija cheese, garlic, and toasted pepitas. This pesto can be tossed with pasta for a fresh and bold spaghetti dish.
Use in Pesto
Cotija cheese is an excellent addition to pesto, giving it a salty and tangy flavour. To make a Cotija pesto, start with fresh cilantro as your base and add garlic, ground pepitas (hulled) pumpkin seeds for nuttiness, and fresh serrano chile for a spicy kick. Add a splash of lime juice to brighten up the flavours. Finally, add plenty of crumbled Cotija cheese, olive oil, and season with salt. Blitz everything until you have a smooth sauce. This pesto can be used in a variety of ways, such as a topping for proteins like chicken or fish, a dressing for grain bowls, or a dip for crudites.
In addition to pasta and pesto, Cotija cheese can also be used in a variety of other dishes, including salads, soups, and Mexican street corn (elotes). It is a versatile cheese that can elevate the flavour of many different types of dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Cotija is a popular garnish in Mexican dishes. It is often used in soups, salads, and on elotes (Mexican street corn). You can also use it in place of Parmesan. For example, you can sprinkle it on avocado toast, eggs, or use it in quesadillas, enchiladas, or tacos.
You can use Cotija cheese in a variety of recipes, including:
- Chilaquiles
- Enchiladas Verdes
- Chiles Rellenos
- Mexican Street Corn Soup
- Cilantro Pesto
- Elote-Style Quesadillas
If you don't have Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Ricotta Salata, or Feta cheese.
