Randy Chandler
Crumbly cheese is a popular topping for tacos, with the two most common varieties being queso fresco and cotija. Queso fresco is a soft, crumbly, and mild-flavoured Mexican cheese that is traditionally made from raw cow's milk. It has a similar taste and texture to feta and can be served immediately or aged for a few days. Cotija is a salty, firm, and crumbly cow's milk cheese that is often compared to Parmesan. It is typically aged for three months to a year, and the longer the aging process, the saltier the flavour. Both cheeses are popular toppings for tacos and other Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, beans, and salads.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Cotija, Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Oaxaca |
| Texture | Crumbly, dry, short shreds |
| Taste | Salty |
| Colour | White |
| Use cases | Tacos, beans, salads, corn, enchiladas, soups |
| Authenticity | Cheddar and Monterey Jack are not used in authentic Mexican cuisine |
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What You'll Learn
Crumbly Cotija cheese is a popular choice for tacos
While it is a popular choice for tacos, it is worth noting that cheese is not always included in Mexican dishes. Street tacos, for example, are not served with cheese in Mexico. However, Americanised versions of Mexican food often include cheese, with Monterey Jack and Cheddar being common choices for Tex-Mex recipes.
Cotija cheese is a great option for those seeking a more authentic Mexican dining experience. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, adding a delicious, subtle flavour. For those who prefer a cheese with a more distinct flavour, Cheddar is a popular choice, with its sharp, tangy taste.
While Cotija cheese is a wonderful option for tacos, there are also other Mexican cheeses that can be used. Queso Fresco, for example, is a crumbly cheese with a spongy texture that works well on tacos, beans, and chilaquiles. It is a more mild-flavoured cheese that won't overpower the other ingredients.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for tacos comes down to personal preference. While Cotija is a popular and traditional option, there are a variety of cheeses that can be used to add flavour and texture to this dish.
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Cheddar cheese is sharp, tangy and melty
Cheddar cheese is a versatile and popular variety of cheese, often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, dips, appetizers, and more. It is a cow's milk cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. Cheddar cheese is typically hard and off-white, sometimes sharp-tasting, and can vary in colour from white to yellow to orange, depending on the presence of annatto, a colouring agent derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. The longer a cheddar cheese is aged, the sharper its flavour becomes due to the formation of salt-like crystals as the cheese loses moisture. Sharp cheddar has a tangy, nutty taste, while extra sharp cheddar can be incredibly tangy and creamy, as in the case of a 40-year-old batch discovered by a Wisconsin cheese shop owner.
While cheddar cheese is versatile and widely used, it may not be the best choice for crumbling onto tacos. Traditionally, Mexican dishes do not include cheese, and street tacos in Mexico are not served with cheese. However, Americanised versions of Mexican food often incorporate cheese, and several varieties are commonly used in tacos.
One popular option for tacos is Cotija cheese, a Mexican cheese that is crumbly and dry, similar to feta cheese. It is often crumbled onto tacos, adding texture and flavour without overwhelming the dish. Another option is Queso Fresco, which is also crumbly but less dry than Cotija, with a spongy texture. It adds a subtle salty taste and is ideal for those who prefer a milder cheese on their tacos.
While cheddar cheese is undoubtedly versatile and delicious, when it comes to tacos, Cotija and Queso Fresco are more traditional choices, adding a delightful crumbly texture and a tangy or salty kick to the dish.
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Monterey Jack is a Tex-Mex favourite
While cheese is not always included in Mexican dishes, it is a common addition to tacos in American Mexican restaurants. One of the most popular cheeses used in Mexican cuisine is Cotija, a white, crumbly variety with a similar flavour and texture to feta. However, Cotija is not a cheese that is often associated with "very American" Mexican food. Instead, Monterey Jack is a more likely candidate for the crumbly cheese that you put on tacos.
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, buttery flavour and a creamy texture. It is often used in Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a fusion of Texan and Mexican culinary traditions. While it may not be considered authentic Mexican cuisine, Tex-Mex has become immensely popular in the United States and beyond. The use of Monterey Jack cheese in these dishes is a testament to its versatility and appeal.
The mild flavour of Monterey Jack makes it a perfect complement to the bold and spicy flavours often found in Tex-Mex cuisine. It can be shredded or melted, making it a versatile ingredient for tacos, enchiladas, and other dishes. Its creamy texture adds a wonderful mouthfeel to any dish it's added to.
When paired with other cheeses, Monterey Jack can create a delicious blend that elevates the taste of tacos even further. For example, it is often combined with Cheddar cheese, which has a sharper, tangier flavour. The blend of the two cheeses creates a beautiful balance of flavours and textures.
Monterey Jack is a beloved cheese that has earned its place in the hearts of many Tex-Mex enthusiasts. Its mild flavour, creamy texture, and versatility make it a perfect choice for those who want to add a touch of creaminess to their tacos without overwhelming the other ingredients. So, the next time you're craving some Tex-Mex cuisine, don't forget to include this delicious cheese in your dishes!
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Queso Fresco is spongy, salty and bland
Queso Fresco, which translates to "fresh cheese", is a mild, fresh, soft, and slightly tangy Mexican cheese. It is often described as spongy, salty, and bland. It is a staple in many Mexican kitchens and can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, and chilaquiles.
Queso Fresco has a unique texture and taste that sets it apart from other cheeses. It is known for its spongy, crumbly texture, which makes it ideal for crumbling on top of various dishes. The cheese is made with raw cow's milk or a combination of cow and goat milk, giving it a slightly salty and mildly tangy flavor. This sets it apart from other cheeses that are typically used on tacos, such as Cotija, which is drier, firmer, and saltier due to the aging process.
Queso Fresco is a versatile cheese that can be used in many different ways. It can be crumbled on top of tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes, adding a little texture and flavor without overwhelming the dish. It can also be grilled or used as a filling, although it does not melt well. When grilled, it browns to a nice golden color, making it a tasty addition to dishes like quesadillas and chile rellenos.
The mild, salty, and bland flavor of Queso Fresco makes it a good choice for those who are conscious about their sodium intake. It has a lower sodium content than other aged cheeses, making it a healthier option for those watching their salt intake. Additionally, its high moisture and high-pH levels contribute to its longer shelf life compared to other fresh cheeses.
Overall, Queso Fresco is a unique and versatile cheese that is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Its spongy, salty, and bland characteristics make it a popular choice for adding texture and flavor to dishes without being overwhelming. With its mild taste and crumbly texture, it is a great option for those looking for a healthier cheese option that can be used in a variety of dishes.
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Authentic Mexican street tacos don't use cheese
While some people enjoy adding cheese to their tacos, authentic Mexican street tacos traditionally do not include cheese. Street tacos are typically small tacos served on corn tortillas with various meats, such as al pastor, carne asada, barbacoa, carnitas, or chorizo. They are often served on small plates or in street-style fashion from carts or trucks.
The addition of cheese to tacos is more common in Americanized versions of Mexican cuisine. For example, some popular cheeses used in American Mexican tacos are Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, and Cotija, a crumbly and dry cheese similar to feta. These cheeses are not typically used in authentic Mexican street tacos.
Instead, traditional Mexican street tacos are often topped with ingredients such as onion, cilantro, salsa verde, guacamole, or salsa. The focus is on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple spices rather than the addition of cheese.
However, it is worth noting that some modern interpretations of Mexican street tacos may include cheese. For example, some recipes for carne asada tacos, a type of Mexican-inspired street taco, suggest adding Cotija cheese or other Mexican cheese blends as a topping.
Ultimately, the inclusion of cheese in Mexican street tacos is a matter of personal preference and regional variation. While traditional Mexican street tacos do not include cheese, some modern interpretations and Americanized versions may incorporate it as a topping.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several crumbly cheeses that can be used on tacos, including Cotija, Queso Fresco, and Panela. Cotija is a dry, crumbly, and salty cheese that is commonly used in Mexico and can be added to tacos, beans, salads, corn, and soups. Queso Fresco is another crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty or bland taste that can be used on tacos, beans, and chilaquiles. Lastly, Panela is a hard, salty cheese that is easy to slice but hard to crumble and is often fried since it doesn't melt.
Cotija is a dry and crumbly cheese that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a salty and sharp flavour similar to Parmesan. It is a very popular cheese and can be used in various dishes such as tacos, beans, salads, soups, and enchiladas.
Both Cotija and Queso Fresco are crumbly Mexican cheeses, but they differ in texture and taste. Queso Fresco is a fresh cheese that can be salty or bland, while Cotija is aged and has a dry texture and a sharper, saltier taste.
Yes, there are several other cheeses that can be used on tacos depending on your preference. Some popular options include Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Cheddar, and Manchego. These cheeses have different textures and tastes, but they all complement Mexican dishes well.
You can typically find these cheeses at specialty grocery stores or cheese shops. If you're looking for a specific type of Mexican cheese, you may need to visit a Mexican market or order online. Some larger supermarkets may also carry a selection of Mexican cheeses, depending on your location.
