Best Cheeses For Tamales: A Tasty Guide

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made from a corn dough that is filled with meat, vegetables, and/or cheese. The dough and fillings are wrapped in corn husks and steamed until cooked. While there are many variations of tamales, this paragraph will focus specifically on the types of cheese that are commonly used in this dish.

Different types of cheese can be used in tamales, depending on the desired flavour and texture. Some popular options include Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, cream cheese, and Manchego. These cheeses offer a range of melting abilities and flavour profiles that can enhance the overall taste and texture of the tamale.

When choosing a cheese for tamales, it is important to consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. For example, a spicy pepper jack cheese may pair well with milder fillings, while a mild Oaxaca cheese could complement spicier ingredients. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile of the tamale.

Tamales de Rajas con Queso

Ingredients

• Corn husks
• Poblano peppers
• Cheese (Oaxacan, Monterey Jack, or Chihuahua)
• Corn flour (masa harina)
• Chicken broth
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Salsa verde
• Vegetable shortening or lard

Method

First, soak the corn husks in very hot water for at least an hour. In the meantime, char the poblano peppers over a low and open flame for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly blackened. Place the charred peppers in a sealed bag for 5 minutes, then remove the skin, stem, and seeds. Slice the peppers into strips and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the corn flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the chicken broth and work into a dough. In a separate bowl, whip the vegetable shortening or lard until creamy and fluffy, then gradually mix in the prepared dough.

Take a corn husk and spread the dough onto it, leaving a border. Add some cheese, pepper strips, and salsa verde. Fold in the sides and then fold down the flap. You can use a strip of corn husk to tie the tamale closed. Stand the tamales in a steamer pot and steam for up to an hour on medium to low heat. The tamales are ready when the dough has cooked through and solidified.

Tips

• If you can't find Oaxacan, Monterey Jack, or Chihuahua cheese, you can substitute with another melty cheese such as cream cheese or goat cheese.
• You can add roasted corn to the filling for extra flavour and texture.
• If you want to freeze your tamales, it's best to do so before cooking them. Frozen cooked tamales tend to dry out.

Oaxaca or Jack Cheese

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, including meat, cheese, and vegetables. While there are many types of cheese that can be used in tamales, two popular options are Oaxaca cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.

Oaxaca cheese, also known as Oaxacan cheese, is a type of stringy, melty cheese that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It is a mild-flavoured cheese that is known for its stretchy, stringy texture when melted. Oaxaca cheese is typically made from cow's milk and has a semi-soft texture similar to mozzarella. It is named after the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, where it is believed to have originated. Oaxaca cheese is often used in tamales because of its excellent melting properties and its ability to stretch and pull apart easily. It is also a good choice for tamales because it has a neutral flavour that pairs well with other ingredients without overwhelming them.

Monterey Jack cheese, on the other hand, is a semi-hard cheese that is widely available and commonly used in Mexican-inspired dishes. It has a mild, buttery flavour and a slightly crumbly texture. Monterey Jack is a good substitute for Oaxaca cheese in tamales because it has similar melting properties and a similarly mild flavour. It is also more readily available in many parts of the world, making it a convenient option for those who cannot find Oaxaca cheese in their local markets.

When choosing between Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese for tamales, it is important to consider the desired flavour and texture of the final dish. Both cheeses have their unique characteristics that can enhance the taste and presentation of the tamales. Oaxaca cheese will result in a stretchier, stringier filling, while Monterey Jack will provide a slightly firmer texture. Ultimately, the choice between the two cheeses depends on personal preference and the specific recipe being used.

In addition to Oaxaca and Monterey Jack cheese, there are several other types of cheese that can be used in tamales, including cream cheese, goat cheese, and mozzarella. Some people also experiment with non-traditional options like Kraft Singles or a combination of different cheeses to create a unique flavour profile. The key to choosing the right cheese for tamales is to consider the melting point, flavour, and how well it complements the other ingredients in the dish.

Cream Cheese

Another option is to make jalapeño cream cheese tamales. This recipe calls for a filling of cream cheese, jalapeños, and green onions, which is then rolled up in corn husks with a masa dough and steamed. These tamales have a kick to them due to the jalapeños, but the heat can be adjusted by removing the seeds and inner ribs of the peppers.

For a vegan option, blackberry and cream cheese tamales are a delicious choice. This recipe uses dairy-free cream cheese and homemade blackberry jam for the filling, which is then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. The tamales are naturally gluten-free and can be served as a dessert.

Monterey Jack

To prepare the tamales, the corn husks should be soaked in hot water for at least 20 minutes to make them pliable. The masa, or dough, can be made with masa harina, salt, baking powder, vegetable oil, and broth. The Monterey Jack cheese and poblano peppers are then placed in the centre of the corn husk, which is folded and secured closed. The tamales are then steamed for around an hour until the dough is cooked through.

Chihuahua Cheese

When making tamales with Chihuahua cheese, it is essential to ensure that the cheese is melted properly to achieve the desired texture and flavour. The cheese can be combined with other ingredients such as jalapenos, poblanos, or tomatillo sauce to create a spicy and savoury filling.

Frequently asked questions