Kamil Perry
Mexican cuisine is famous for its rich and varied use of cheese, and one of the most popular ways to enjoy this is through a 3-cheese Mexican blend. This blend is a convenient way to add a burst of flavour to your favourite Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, quesadillas, nachos, and tacos. But what exactly is it made of?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Types | Mild Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, Cotija, Chihuahua |
| Texture | Creamy, Buttery, Thick, Gooey, Shredded |
| Taste | Tangy, Sharp, Robust, Full-flavoured |
| Dietary Requirements | Vegetarian, Lactose-free, Organic |
| Additions | Real Cream, Natural Mold Inhibitor, Potato Starch, Vegetarian Enzymes |
| Uses | Quesadillas, Enchiladas, Tacos, Nachos, Salads, Omelettes, Chilli, Pizza, Pasta, Casseroles |
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What You'll Learn
Types of cheese used
The 3 Cheese Mexican Blend typically includes a combination of mild Cheddar, Colby, and Jack cheeses. However, there are variations, and some blends may include other types of cheese.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular variety of cheese that is known for its sharp, tangy flavour. It is made from cow's milk and typically aged for several months to develop its characteristic flavour and texture. Cheddar cheese is often used in dishes such as grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese plates.
Colby
Colby cheese is a type of semi-hard cheese that originated in the United States. It is similar to cheddar cheese but has a milder flavour and a more elastic texture. Colby cheese is made from cow's milk and is typically aged for a shorter period of time than cheddar, giving it a softer, more moist texture.
Jack
Jack cheese, also known as Monterey Jack, is a semi-hard cheese that is mild in flavour and light in colour. It is made from cow's milk and often aged for a shorter period of time, resulting in a creamy, buttery texture. Jack cheese is a popular choice for melting and is commonly used in dishes such as quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cheese dips.
Some 3 Cheese Mexican Blends may also include other types of cheese, such as:
- Mozzarella: A soft, stretchy cheese made from buffalo or cow's milk. It is often used in pizzas, lasagnas, and caprese salads.
- Provolone: A mild, slightly sweet Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is often used in sandwiches, paninis, and cheese plates.
- Parmesan: A hard, granular cheese made from cow's milk. It is often used as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, and soups.
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How to make it at home
To make a 3-cheese Mexican blend at home, you will need three types of cheese: mild cheddar, colby, and monterey jack. You can either purchase pre-shredded cheese or shred the blocks of cheese yourself. If you are shredding the cheese yourself, it is recommended to use a food processor for efficiency. Once you have shredded the cheese, combine the three varieties in a large bowl and gently toss until well mixed.
The amount of each cheese may vary depending on your taste preferences. However, a common ratio is equal parts of each cheese. For example, you can start with 2 cups of each shredded cheese, mix them together, and adjust the ratios to your liking.
Storing your freshly made 3-cheese Mexican blend is also simple. Place the mixture in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for several months. This way, you can always have some on hand to sprinkle over your favourite Mexican dishes.
This versatile blend can be used in a variety of dishes, such as quesadillas, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and even omelettes and salads. It adds a delicious, creamy texture and a kick of flavour to your meals. You can also use thick-cut shredded cheese for better melt and gooey texture in dishes like nachos, enchiladas, and pizzas.
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Dishes it can be used in
The 3-cheese Mexican blend is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes to add a rich, creamy texture and a tangy, full-flavored taste. Here are some specific ideas for dishes it can be used in:
Quesadillas: The blend of cheeses can be used as a filling for quesadillas, adding a creamy, melted texture and a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Enchiladas: The 3-cheese Mexican blend can be used as a topping for enchiladas, providing a rich and creamy texture that blends well with the other ingredients. It can also be used as a filling, adding a tangy and robust essence to the dish.
Nachos: Sprinkle the 3-cheese Mexican blend over tortilla chips with shredded chicken, black beans, and pico de gallo to create loaded nachos. The blend of cheeses adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Tacos: The blend of cheeses can be used as a topping or filling for tacos, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavor. It can also be used to make a taco bean dip, creating a six-layer dip that is perfect for parties or gatherings.
Chili: The 3-cheese Mexican blend can be used as a topping for chili, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the spice of the dish.
Salads and Omelets: For a more indulgent twist, the 3-cheese Mexican blend can be sprinkled over salads or omelets, adding protein and calcium while providing a creamy texture and a tangy flavor.
Pizza: The blend of cheeses can be used as a topping for pizza, adding a rich and creamy texture with a tangy twist to your pizza night.
Casseroles and Pastas: The 3-cheese Mexican blend can be incorporated into casseroles, lasagnas, and pasta dishes, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the overall taste.
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Organic and vegetarian-friendly options
If you're looking for an organic and vegetarian-friendly option, the Organic Valley Shredded Mexican Blend is a great choice. It is made from organic Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack cheese and is perfect for adding a kick of flavour to your nachos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes. The blend is crafted from organic cultured pasteurized milk, salt, and vegetarian enzymes, ensuring a delicious and natural taste.
The Organic Valley brand stands out for its commitment to quality and animal welfare. Their cows are pasture-raised and fed a diet free of GMOs, antibiotics, and hormones. This results in cheese that is not only delicious but also free of synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, and artificial ingredients. The blend has no antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides, or GMO ingredients.
The organic 3 Cheese Mexican blend is a versatile option for vegetarians, offering six grams of protein per serving. It can be used in a variety of dishes, including nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, and more. The thick shreds of cheese melt beautifully, creating a gooey texture and enhancing the flavour of your meals.
In addition to its culinary uses, the Organic Valley 3 Cheese Mexican blend also offers convenience and peace of mind. It has a freshness assurance and can be refrigerated for 3-5 days after opening. The blend is also available in both finely shredded and thick-cut shredded varieties, allowing you to choose the best option for your dish.
Whether you're preparing a fun Taco Tuesday feast or simply looking for a tasty addition to your meals, the Organic Valley Shredded Mexican Blend is a fantastic organic and vegetarian-friendly option. It combines the delicious flavours of Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack cheeses, elevating your dishes and satisfying your cravings.
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Commercially available blends
Commercially available Mexican three-cheese blends are typically a mix of mild Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack cheeses. This combination is used by multiple brands, including Organic Valley, Green Valley Lactose Free, and V&V Supremo.
Organic Valley's shredded 3 Cheese Mexican blend is made from organic Cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack. The cheese is sourced from pasture-raised cows fed a diet free of GMOs, antibiotics, and hormones. The brand also offers thick-cut varieties of the cheese blend, which are said to melt better and provide a gooier texture.
Green Valley Lactose Free's 3-Cheese Mexican Shredded blend is also made from mild Cheddar, Colby, and Jack cheeses, but it is produced without lactose. The brand suggests using the cheese in dishes like chili, quesadillas, tacos, omelets, and salads.
V&V Supremo's Shredded Mexican 3 Cheese Blend features Chihuahua, Oaxaca, and Cotija cheeses, which combine to create a rich, buttery, slightly tangy, and full-flavored taste. The blend includes two premium melting cheeses and a hint of bold, sharp, aged Cotija cheese.
Sargento's Creamery Shredded 3 Cheese Mexican blend is made from Queso Quesadilla, Cheddar, and Colby-Jack cheeses. The addition of real cream to the blend is said to give it an amazing melt and a creamy texture. The brand suggests using the cheese in dishes like quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas, and tacos.
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Frequently asked questions
A 3-cheese Mexican blend is a combination of three different types of shredded cheese that are commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
The three cheeses in the blend are typically some combination of cheddar, colby, jack, queso quesadilla, chihuahua, oaxaca, and cotija.
A 3-cheese Mexican blend is great for adding flavour and texture to dishes like nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, tacos, pizzas, and casseroles.
You can buy a pre-made 3-cheese Mexican blend from many major supermarkets and specialist food stores, or you can make your own by shredding and combining your own blend of the three cheeses.
