Randy Chandler
Tacos are a popular dish in Mexico and the US, and there are many ways to make them. While cheese is not a common ingredient in traditional Mexican tacos, it is often used in Tex-Mex cuisine. There are several types of cheese that can be used in tacos, including cotija, queso fresco, feta, cheddar, and Mexican blends. Some people prefer crumbly cheeses, while others opt for melty cheeses like queso asadero or Oaxaca. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired taste and texture of the taco.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese types | Cotija, Feta, Queso Fresco, Goat Cheese, Cheddar, Mexican Blend, Queso Asadero, Queso Oaxaca, Crema, Monterey Jack, Chihuahua, Panela, Requesón, Manchego |
| Cheese texture | Crumbly, creamy, melty, dry, salty, mild, sharp, moist, soft, smooth, hard |
| Cheese use | Topping, garnish, melty layer, taco shell |
| Taco ingredients | Meat, avocado, cilantro, jalapeno, onion, lime juice |
| Taco type | Corn tortilla, flour tortilla |
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What You'll Learn
Crumbly vs melty cheese
Tacos are a popular dish, especially for those who love to experiment with different ingredients. While there are many ways to make a taco, the type of cheese used can be a key factor in determining the overall taste and texture of the dish.
When it comes to choosing between crumbly and melty cheese for street tacos, both options offer distinct advantages and flavours. Crumbly cheeses, such as queso fresco, feta, or cotija, provide a salty, robust flavour and a dry, crumbly texture at room temperature. These cheeses are ideal for sprinkling over tacos as a topping, adding a salty, tangy twist. Crumbly cheeses also complement the other ingredients in a taco, such as meat, vegetables, and tortillas, without overwhelming their flavours.
On the other hand, melty cheeses like cheddar, queso asadero, or Chihuahua cheese, offer a creamy texture and a mild, tangy taste. These cheeses are perfect for creating a cheesy, crispy treat. By placing the cheese on a tortilla as it grills, you can achieve a delicious, melted layer that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. Melty cheeses are also versatile, as they can be used as a filling or garnish, adding a creamy texture to your taco.
For those who enjoy a more robust flavour, crumbly cheeses like cotija or feta can be a perfect choice. Cotija cheese, in particular, is a popular variety known for its strong salty flavour. It pairs well with other ingredients commonly found in tacos, such as beans, salads, and meat. Feta, on the other hand, offers a similar texture and taste to cotija, making it a suitable alternative for those seeking a crumbly, flavourful cheese.
However, if you prefer a milder, more classic taste, melty cheeses like cheddar or Mexican blends might be your preferred choice. These cheeses melt easily, creating a creamy texture that blends well with the other ingredients in your taco. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of taco recipes, making them a popular option for those who enjoy a traditional taco experience.
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Mexican vs non-Mexican cheese
While cheese is a popular ingredient in tacos, it is not commonly used in traditional Mexican tacos. In Mexico, tacos are usually served with toppings such as cilantro, raw onion, and salsa. However, some Mexican restaurants, particularly those serving Tex-Mex cuisine, do include cheese in their taco recipes.
There are several types of Mexican cheeses that are commonly used in tacos, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Queso Fresco
Queso fresco, literally translated as "fresh cheese", is a soft, moist, and crumbly cheese made from cow's milk. It is often sold wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk and can vary in saltiness. Queso fresco is perfect for sprinkling over tacos and other Mexican dishes like antojitos (little snacks or appetizers) and beans.
Queso Añejo
Queso añejo, or "old cheese", is an aged version of queso fresco. It has a harder and drier texture and is often sold pre-grated, similar to Parmesan cheese.
Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese, named after the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán, is an aged, salty, and crumbly cheese. It is one of the most commonly used cheeses in Mexico and is perfect for sprinkling over tacos, beans, salads, and other Mexican dishes.
Queso de Oaxaca
Also known as quesillo in Oaxaca, this cheese resembles a ball of white string cheese similar to mozzarella. It has a creamy and mild flavour and melts easily, making it ideal for stuffing into quesadillas, burritos, or chiles rellenos. Oaxaca cheese can also be shredded and used as a garnish on tacos and other dishes.
Non-Mexican cheeses are also commonly used in tacos, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. Here are some popular options:
Feta Cheese
Feta is a salty and crumbly Greek cheese with a strong flavour. It has a similar texture and taste to Cotija cheese, and can be a good substitute if you're looking for a non-Mexican option.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a mild and creamy American cheese that is commonly used in Tex-Mex cuisine. It has a similar flavour and texture to Cotija and Oaxaca cheeses, and can be easily found in most supermarkets.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a sharp, tangy, and melty variety that is often used in Tex-Mex recipes. For a more authentic Mexican flavour, opt for Chihuahua cheddar, which has a similar profile to Monterey Jack and can be used interchangeably.
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Cotija cheese
Cotija is a firm, white cheese with a bold, salty, tangy and nutty flavor. It has been likened to feta, although the longer it is aged, the more intense its flavor becomes, similar to Parmesan. It is often sold pre-grated and used as a topping or garnish for various dishes, including beans, salads, and antojitos. It is also commonly used in Mexican cuisine as a "finishing" cheese, crumbled or grated over burritos, soups, tostadas, and tacos.
If you are unable to find Cotija cheese, acceptable substitutes for fresh Cotija include feta, queso fresco, or goat cheese. For aged Cotija, substitutes can include ricotta salata, Parmesan, or Romano cheese.
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Queso fresco
While queso fresco is a popular choice for street tacos, some people may find its subtle flavour to be overpowered by other ingredients in the taco. In such cases, a stronger-flavoured cheese like feta or cotija may be preferred. However, queso fresco remains a classic choice for those seeking a traditional street taco experience.
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Cheddar or Mexican blend
While cheese is not a common ingredient in traditional Mexican tacos, it is often included in taco recipes in American-Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine. For a classic taste, you can opt for a Mexican blend or cheddar cheese.
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for tacos in Tex-Mex cuisine. It can be melted on a baking sheet and shaped into a taco shell. It is also a common ingredient in shredded Mexican blends.
Mexican blends typically involve a combination of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, asadero, and/or cheddar. These blends are designed to melt well and provide a creamy counterpart to the spicy, salty beef or beef substitute in tacos. The key to a good Mexican blend is creaminess, and it should not be too sharp.
Some popular options for shredded Mexican blends include the Tillamook blend, which features thick-cut ribbons of cheese, and the Kraft blend, which melts beautifully and has a salty tang. Sargento's and Trader Joe's blends are also sharper and more cheddar-forward.
Ultimately, the choice between using a Mexican blend or cheddar cheese for street tacos depends on personal preference and the desired taste and texture.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to use on street tacos include cotija, feta, queso fresco, Monterey Jack, and cheddar.
Cotija is a crumbly, aged, and salty cheese that is very popular in Mexico. It has a similar flavor and texture to feta.
Queso fresco is a common type of Mexican cheese that is similar to feta. It is crumbly, lightly salted, and can be sliced or crumbled.
While cheese is commonly used on street tacos in the US, it is less common in traditional Mexican street tacos. However, some sources mention the use of queso fresco and cotija cheese in Mexican street tacos.
