Andy Montoya
There are many types of cheese that can be added to chili, either as a topping or as an ingredient. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, with its distinctive orange, gooey coating. Other varieties include pepper jack for spice, Monterey jack for a stringy texture, and cojita for a tangy bite. For those who prefer their cheese melted, shredded mozzarella or American cheese are good options. Some recipes call for a combination of cheese and sour cream, with the option of adding chives, jalapeños, or even Greek yogurt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spicy | Pepper jack, jalapeño cheddar |
| Mild | Monterey jack |
| Oomph | Extra sharp cheddar |
| Crunchy | Goldfish, Cheezits, cheese whisps |
| Stringy | Monterey jack |
| Gooey | Cheddar |
| Sharp | Cheddar |
| Drier | Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar |
| Tangy | Cojita |
| Melty | Shredded American cheese, mozzarella, cheddar |
| Toppings | Sour cream, Greek yoghurt, chives, fried egg, tortilla chips, bacon, avocado, jalapeños |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar: a classic, gooey, spicy option
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice to top off your chilli. It is a versatile option, as you can choose from a range of sharpnesses to suit your palate. You can also experiment with different flavours, such as jalapeño cheddar for an extra kick. If you're after a drier flavour, try a cheese that tastes like a blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan, like Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar.
Cheddar is a popular choice because of its gooey texture. When melted, it provides a delightful, oozy coating for your chilli. For a truly indulgent experience, opt for shredded cheddar, which will provide an even meltier texture.
If you're looking for a spicy chilli, cheddar is a great option as it can complement the heat. Jalapeño cheddar, in particular, will add a fiery kick to your dish. For a milder flavour, plain yellow cheddar is a safer bet, but you can still enjoy the signature gooey texture.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be adapted to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a sharper or milder flavour, or a gooey or drier texture, there's a variety of cheddar that will elevate your chilli. So, if you're looking for a classic, spicy option with a gooey texture, cheddar is the perfect choice.
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Monterey Jack: stringy, mild cheese
If you're looking for a mild cheese to add to your chili, Monterey Jack is a great option. It has a mild flavour and a stringy, meltable texture that's perfect for topping off this hearty dish.
While cheddar is a popular choice for chili, with its distinctive orange gooeyness, some might prefer a milder cheese like Monterey Jack. This semi-soft cheese, which is similar to Colby, has a creamy, mild flavour and a texture that lends itself well to melting. It's a good choice if you want a stringy cheese that will complement, rather than overpower, the other flavours in your chili.
Monterey Jack is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. It's often used in Mexican-inspired dishes, so it's a natural fit for chili, especially if you're using Tex-Mex seasonings and toppings like chili powder and avocados. You can try adding some to your chili con carne, or even using it as a topping for vegetarian chili, where it will go well with white beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
If you want to add a bit of spice to your Monterey Jack, you can try pepper jack, a variety that adds some heat to the mild flavour of the original. Or, if you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different sharpnesses of cheddar or other cheeses like cojita, which has a rubbery, tangy bite, or shredded American cheese for a good melt.
No matter which cheese you choose, don't forget the other toppings that can take your chili to the next level. Sour cream, Greek yoghurt, chives, jalapeños, and even a squeeze of lime or fried egg can all add flavour and texture to your dish.
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Mozzarella: shred it and use corn chips for dipping
While there are many types of cheese that pair well with chili, such as cheddar, cojita, and pepper jack, shredded mozzarella is an excellent choice. Here are some reasons why you should consider using mozzarella cheese and corn chips for your next chili creation:
Versatility
Shredded mozzarella can be used as a topping or garnish for your chili, adding a layer of flavour and texture. The act of shredding the mozzarella creates a larger surface area, allowing the cheese to melt more easily and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients in your chili.
Meltability
Mozzarella is known for its excellent melting properties. When shredded and incorporated into chili, it creates a creamy, gooey texture that is simply irresistible. This melting quality also makes it perfect for dipping with corn chips, creating a delightful contrast of crispy and creamy textures in each bite.
Mild Flavour
Mozzarella has a mild and delicate flavour that complements rather than overwhelms the other ingredients in your chili. Its subtle tanginess enhances the overall taste of the dish without taking away from the complex flavours that a well-crafted chili boasts.
Crowd-Pleaser
Using shredded mozzarella and corn chips as accompaniments to your chili is a great way to cater to a variety of taste preferences. The mild flavour and versatile texture of mozzarella make it a safe and enjoyable option for most palates. Whether your guests are cheese connoisseurs or casual snackers, they'll surely appreciate the satisfying combination of warm, spicy chili, gooey mozzarella, and crispy corn chips.
Creative Combinations
In addition to using shredded mozzarella as a topping or dip, you can also incorporate it into your chili recipe itself. Experiment with different variations, such as stirring in shredded mozzarella towards the end of cooking to create creamy, cheesy goodness throughout your chili. The versatility of mozzarella allows you to customise your dish and create unique flavour profiles that will keep your guests guessing and asking for more.
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Cojita: rubbery, tangy, good with Tex-Mex toppings
There are several types of cheese that go well with chilli, including cheddar, Monterey jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, and feta. However, here is some information specifically about Cojita cheese:
Cojita (or cotija) cheese has a distinctive rubbery texture and a tangy flavour. It is a great choice for those who like Tex-Mex toppings on their chilli. Its unique texture and taste complement Tex-Mex seasonings and toppings such as chilli powder and avocados. Cojita is a good alternative to cheddar, which is a very popular cheese to pair with chilli.
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different ways with chilli. For example, you can play around with different sharpnesses of cheddar to find one that suits your palate. A jalapeño cheddar can add some spice, while a drier flavour can be achieved with a cheese like Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar, which tastes like a cross between sharp cheddar and Parmesan.
However, if you are looking for something different to the standard cheddar, Cojita cheese is a great option to try. Its rubbery texture and tangy bite will add an interesting contrast to the other ingredients in your chilli. It is also a good choice if you are looking for a cheese that specifically complements Tex-Mex toppings.
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Feta: an unconventional choice, but a tasty one
While cheddar is a popular choice of cheese to pair with chilli, feta is an unconventional yet tasty alternative. Feta is a Greek cured cheese that is tangy and salty, with a crumbly texture. It is typically made from a mixture of goat and sheep's milk, or sometimes purely sheep's milk.
Feta has a strong flavour, so a little goes a long way. Crumble feta over your chilli for a salty kick and a unique texture. The sharp, tangy flavour of feta can stand up to the bold, spicy flavours often found in chilli. The saltiness of feta can also help to balance out the sweetness of tomatoes, which are often a key ingredient in chilli.
For an extra special touch, briefly grill or fry the feta before adding it to your chilli. This will intensify the flavour and create a delicious, golden crust. You could also try marinating the feta in olive oil and herbs before grilling, for added flavour.
While feta may not be the first cheese that comes to mind when thinking about chilli, it is a delicious and unexpected choice that is well worth trying. Its tangy, salty flavour and unique texture will take your chilli to the next level. So, if you're looking for something a little different, give feta a go!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several cheeses that can be used for chili, including cheddar, Monterey jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, and cojita.
There are several types of cheddar that can be used for chili, including sharp cheddar, old cheddar, and jalapeño cheddar.
Yes, sour cream and Greek yogurt are both popular non-cheese toppings for chili.
Some other toppings that can complement cheese on chili include tortilla chips, chives, jalapeños, and bacon.
Yes, in addition to choosing vegetarian ingredients for the chili itself, you can use vegetarian-friendly cheeses such as cheddar or cojita.
