Patrick Oconnell
Tacos are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, depending on your preferences. While some popular choices include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozzarella, there are several other options that can elevate your taco experience. For those seeking authenticity, Mexican cheeses like Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, and Cotija are commonly used in tacos and other Mexican dishes. Vegan options, such as Chao plant-based shreds, are also available for those who want a meat- and dairy-free alternative. Ultimately, the best cheese for tacos is a matter of personal taste, and experimenting with different varieties can lead to some delicious discoveries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Melty Cheeses | Asadero, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Manchego, Monterey Jack, Velveeta Shreds, Cheddar |
| Crumbly Cheeses | Queso Fresco, Cotija, Queso de Cincho |
| Other Cheeses | Feta, Fontina, Swiss, Mozzarella |
| Filling Combinations | Fresh Chorizo, Salsa Verde, Sour Cream, Roasted Garlic, Roasted Mushrooms, Mexican Oregano, Pulled Chicken, Roasted Tomatillos, Radishes, Pork Belly, Pineapple, Mint, Apple, Avocado, Chicken, Lettuce |
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What You'll Learn
Popular taco cheeses
While traditional Mexican tacos usually don't include cheese, cheese tacos or tacos with cheese are popular in the US. There are many types of cheese that can be used in tacos, depending on the desired taste and texture. Here are some of the most popular taco cheeses:
Cheddar
Cheddar is a sharp and salty cheese that is commonly used in tacos. It has a strong flavour and melts well, making it a good choice for those who want a cheesy taco. Cheddar is often included in shredded Mexican blends, such as the one offered by Sargento, which can be a convenient option for those seeking a quick taco cheese solution.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is another popular choice for tacos. It is a mild, salty cheese that melts quickly and easily, making it ideal for tacos. It is often included in shredded Mexican blends, such as the one offered by Kraft, which can be a convenient option.
Asadero
Asadero is a Mexican cheese that is known for its melting capabilities. It is a good choice for those looking for a melty, cheesy taco. Asadero is also included in some shredded Mexican blends, such as the one offered by Tillamook.
Chihuahua
Also known as Chester, Chihuahua is a Mexican cheese that melts well and is occasionally used in tacos. It can be a good substitute for other melty cheeses.
Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a crumbly Mexican cheese that is sometimes used in tacos. It is not a melting cheese, so it is best used in tacos that are not expected to be melty, such as cheese tacos or those resembling quesadillas.
Manchego
Made from cow's milk, Manchego is a Mexican cheese that melts well and can be used in tacos. It is a good choice for those who want a melty taco but are looking for a milder flavour than cheddar.
Feta
Feta is a salty, tangy cheese that can be used in tacos. It pairs well with sweet and savoury fillings, such as pork belly, pineapple, and mint.
When choosing a cheese for tacos, it is important to consider the desired taste and texture. Those seeking a melty taco experience should opt for cheeses that melt well, such as asadero, Chihuahua, or Manchego. For a more crumbly texture, queso fresco can be a good choice. Alternatively, those who prefer a sharper flavour may opt for cheddar or feta.
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Vegan cheese options
There are several options for vegan cheese to use in tacos, including store-bought and homemade varieties.
Store-bought
Some store-bought options for vegan cheese to use in tacos include:
- Target's vegan queso dip, made by Good Foods
- Blue Moose Queso Blanco from Costco
- Siete brand vegan cheese sauce, available at Whole Foods
- Chao Mexican Shreds
- Trader Joe's vegan Mexican-style shreds
Homemade
If you prefer to make your own vegan cheese, there are several recipes available that can be used in tacos. Many of these recipes are sauce-based and can be made with a few simple ingredients. For example, one recipe for a vegan Mexican cheese sauce includes just six ingredients and takes only 10 minutes to make. This sauce can be used in tacos, burritos, or as a dip. Another recipe for a butternut squash cheese sauce includes blending boiled butternut squash, cashews, and water, and adding spices to taste.
Other recipes for homemade vegan cheese sauces to use in tacos include:
- A blend of raw cashews, nutritional yeast, dried cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, Tajin, and salt
- A mix of wayfare cheddar sauce and a can of salsa
- Kite Hill sour cream mixed with taco seasoning
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Cheddar cheese
For a more premium option, Ellsworth Creamery offers 16 oz. Taco Flavor Natural Cheddar Cheese Curds. These cheese curds are made with a unique proprietary process that gives them a fresh, milky, farm-like taste and squeakiness. To enhance their squeakiness, you can microwave them for a few seconds. These cheese curds are also healthy, high in protein, and low in carbs and gluten.
If you're looking for a blend that includes cheddar but is not cheddar-forward, Tillamook's thick-cut shredded Mexican cheese is a good option. It blends cheddar with Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero cheeses. While this blend may not be the best for tacos, it offers incredible coverage for nachos and quesadillas.
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Mexican cheese authenticity
When it comes to Mexican cheese authenticity in tacos, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that traditional Mexican tacos typically do not include cheese. However, when cheese is added to tacos, there are several types of cheese that are commonly used and considered more authentic than others.
One of the most popular cheeses used in Mexican cuisine, including tacos, is queso fresco. This cheese is a staple in Mexico and is known for its crumbly, lightly salted texture. It is often used as a topping for tacos, beans, and salads. Another popular variety is cotija cheese, which is a white crumbly cheese with a similar flavor and texture to feta. Cotija is used in various dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, beans, salads, and soups. These two cheeses, queso fresco and cotija, are considered the most traditional and authentic choices for tacos.
Other Mexican cheeses that can be used in tacos include Chihuahua, also known as Chester, Oaxaca, and Manchego. These cheeses are known for their melting properties and are often used in quesadillas or other dishes where a creamy, melted cheese is desired. Asadero, or queso asadero, is another Mexican cheese that melts well and is commonly used in blends. It is often combined with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso quesadilla to create a shredded Mexican blend.
While these cheeses are commonly used in Mexican cuisine, it is worth noting that the concept of "authenticity" in food can be complex and vary across different regions and households. Some sources suggest that the addition of cheese to a taco may be influenced by regional preferences or the availability of certain ingredients. Therefore, while certain cheeses may be more commonly used in Mexico, there is no single definitive rule for the "authentic" use of cheese in tacos.
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Crumbly cheese
One popular crumbly cheese option for tacos is queso fresco. This cheese has a fresh and mild flavour, and it is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is a versatile cheese that can be crumbled or melted, making it a good choice for various dishes. Queso fresco pairs well with other ingredients in tacos, such as meats, vegetables, and spices. Its mild flavour means it won't overpower the other flavours in the taco.
Another crumbly cheese option is cotija, also known as queso de cotija or cotija de montaña. This cheese has a stronger flavour than queso fresco and is saltier and tangier. Cotija is often compared to feta cheese in terms of taste and texture, and it is a good choice for those who want a more pronounced cheese flavour in their tacos. Cotija can be sprinkled on top of tacos or used as a filling, adding a salty and tangy note to the dish.
Queso de cincho is another Mexican crumbly cheese that can be used in tacos. This cheese has a slightly tangy and nutty flavour, and it is often used as a topping or garnish. It has a dry and crumbly texture, making it easy to sprinkle over tacos or other Mexican dishes. Queso de cincho is a good choice for those who want to add a subtle cheesy note without making the dish too greasy or rich.
While not all crumbly cheeses will melt, some can be melted if desired. For example, queso fresco can be melted and used in dishes like quesadillas or on top of tacos to add a creamy element. However, when using crumbly cheeses in tacos, the focus is often on their texture and how they complement the other ingredients, rather than solely on their melting capabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular cheeses to use for tacos include cotija, queso fresco, queso Oaxaca, and cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Cotija is a salty, aged cheese that is dry and crumbly at room temperature or colder, but softens when warmed. It is named after the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán.
Queso fresco is a soft, moist, and crumbly whole milk cheese that is similar to feta or ricotta. It is often sold wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk, and the queso blanco variety is especially popular for Mexican dishes.
One option for a shredded Mexican blend is Kraft's mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso quesadilla. This blend melts beautifully and has a salty tang.
Queso Oaxaca is very similar to string cheese or low-moisture mozzarella, so either of those could be used as a substitute.
