Randy Chandler
Burritos are a popular dish that originated in Mexico and gained popularity in the United States. They are made by filling a flour tortilla with meat, vegetables, beans, sauces, and cheese, and then folding it. While traditional burritos use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, cojita, and Monterey Jack, some recipes call for a canned cheddar cheese soup as a base for the filling. The versatility of burritos allows for a wide range of ingredients and cheese combinations, making them a favourite among home cooks and restaurants alike.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Cheddar, canned cheddar cheese soup, Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Habanero Cheddar, Vermont Extra Sharp, Mozzarella, Cojita, Nacho |
| Cheese texture | Shredded, melted |
| Other ingredients | Beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, avocado slices, tomatoes, sour cream, spinach, broccoli, meat (beef, chicken, pork), shrimp, seafood |
| Cooking method | Baked, toasted, pan-fried |
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What You'll Learn
Shredded cheese vs canned cheese
Burritos are a Mexican dish made of a flour tortilla filled with meat, vegetables, beans, and sauces. Traditional Mexican burritos have been Americanized over the years, and they are now much more popular in the United States than in Mexico.
Cheese is a common ingredient in burritos, and there are several types of cheese that are well-suited for this dish. Shredded cheese and canned cheese are two options that can be used in burritos.
Shredded cheese is a popular choice for burritos because it melts easily and creates a creamy texture. It can be purchased pre-shredded or shredded at home using a grater. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend cheeses are commonly used shredded cheeses for burritos. Shredded cheese can be mixed with other ingredients, such as beans and salsa, to create a flavorful filling. It can also be sprinkled on top of the filling before rolling the burrito, ensuring that the cheese ends up on the inside and the outside of the burrito.
On the other hand, canned cheese, or processed cheese, offers convenience and a longer shelf life compared to shredded cheese. Canned cheese is already melted and can be poured directly into the burrito filling. It is important to note that canned cheese may have a different texture and taste compared to shredded cheese due to the processing and preservatives used.
When choosing between shredded cheese and canned cheese for burritos, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and convenience. Shredded cheese provides a wider range of flavor options and a melt-in-your-mouth experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize taste and texture. Canned cheese, on the other hand, offers ease of use and a longer shelf life, making it a practical choice for those who want a quick solution without sacrificing the cheesy goodness in their burritos.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that some people opt for a combination of shredded and canned cheese in their burritos. This allows for the blending of flavors and textures, creating a unique and personalized taste experience.
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Cheddar cheese
A classic bean and cheese burrito is a simple, tasty, and nutritious meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. It is a great option for meal prep and can be frozen for later. The bean and cheese burrito is a popular choice for those who want a quick and easy meal, as it only requires a few simple steps to prepare. The beans can be refried, or for a quicker option, canned beans can be used. The beans are then mixed with cheese and taco seasoning and placed onto a tortilla before being rolled up and baked in the oven.
There are many variations of the bean and cheese burrito, with some recipes including salsa, diced tomatoes, onions, and sour cream. Some recipes also include rice, which can be cooked and added to the burrito or used to stretch the meal to make more burritos. This is a great option for those who want to make a larger batch of burritos or for those who want to add more substance to their meal.
Amy's Cheddar Cheese, Bean & Rice Burrito is a popular frozen burrito option that can be purchased at stores. This burrito is made with organic pinto beans, rice, veggies, and cheddar cheese, and is hand-wrapped in an organic tortilla. This option is suitable for vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions, as it is soy-free and tree nut-free.
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Monterey Jack cheese
The El Monterey Chicken & Monterey Jack Cheese Burrito is a popular frozen option that can be cooked in the oven or microwave. While the cheese sauce in this product is watery rather than gooey and stretchy, it still tastes reasonably good.
For those who prefer a less chunky dip, vegetables can be omitted and replaced with hot sauce and spices. Breadcrumbs, pickled jalapeños, red onion, fresh tomatoes, or salsa can be used as toppings. Additionally, herbs and spices such as smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, and ancho chilli powder can be added directly to the dip.
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Mozzarella cheese
When using mozzarella in a burrito, consider pairing it with other cheeses to create a more complex flavour profile. For example, combining mozzarella with a sharper-tasting cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, can add a nice contrast in flavours. Additionally, mozzarella works well with ingredients like beans, rice, vegetables, and meat fillings.
One unique idea is to create mozzarella stick burritos, where the star of the show is fried mozzarella sticks. These burritos can be seasoned with green chiles and served with a classic mozzarella dipping marinara sauce on the side.
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Baked burritos with cheese sauce
Ingredients
For the burritos, you will need:
- Flour tortillas (store-bought or homemade)
- Filling of your choice (e.g., ground chicken, tomatoes, diced chilies, black beans, refried beans, rice, salsa, etc.)
- Shredded cheese (a mixture of cheddar and Monterey jack, or cheddar and mozzarella)
For the cheese sauce, you will need:
- Butter
- Cheese (e.g., Cabot's Medium Yellow Cheddar, Habanero Cheddar, or Vermont Extra Sharp)
Method
First, prepare your filling. This could include cooking any meat or vegetables, and heating or preparing any canned beans. Spread about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese onto the center of each tortilla, then add about 1/2 cup of your filling on top. Fold the bottom edge of the tortilla up and over the filling, then fold in the sides and finish by rolling it up from the bottom.
Place the burritos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can then pour the cheese sauce over the burritos and sprinkle extra cheese on top, or serve the sauce on the side. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the burritos are fully heated through and the cheese has melted.
Tips and Variations
If you don't want to use the oven, you can toast the burritos on a stovetop. Simply heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, place the burritos seam-side down, and cook on both sides until toasted and heated through. You can also add some crunch and texture to your burritos by using diced onions, and seasoning with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
The cheese sauce can also be used in multiple ways, such as with enchiladas or as a dip for nachos. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred flavor and sharpness.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many types of cheese that can be used in burritos, including cheddar, mozzarella, cojita, nacho cheese, and pepper jack.
Canned cheddar cheese soup is a popular option for beef burritos.
Beans, rice, salsa, guacamole, avocado slices, tomatoes, and sour cream are all popular ingredients to include in a burrito.
