Bushra Griffith
Quesadillas are a Mexican dish that dates back to the 16th century. The best cheese for quesadillas is one that melts well and complements the other ingredients. Classic choices include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Mozzarella, and Oaxaca. If you're looking for a cheese that is more traditionally used in quesadillas, you might want to try Chihuahua, Asadero, or Queso Quesadilla.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Chihuahua, Oaxaca, Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Asadero, Queso Quesadilla, Parmesan, Gruyère, American |
| Texture | Melts well, smooth, stretchy, stringy, semi-soft, mild, sharp |
| Flavour | Creamy, savoury, delicate, milky, spicy, salty |
| Preparation | Shredded, freshly grated, pre-grated |
| Add-ins | Butter, olive oil, cooking spray, avocado crema, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, taco seasoning, chilli powder, paprika, cumin, cilantro, green onion |
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What You'll Learn
Monterey Jack
If you are making an American-style quesadilla, freshly grated cheddar or Monterey Jack is a standard choice. Monterey Jack is also a good option if you want to add jalapenos to your quesadilla.
For the best results, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect its melting properties.
Quesadillas are a simple and quick meal, often made with flour tortillas, butter, and shredded cheese. They are cooked in a skillet until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
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Cheddar
When making a quesadilla with cheddar cheese, it is important to shred the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese. This is because pre-shredded cheese is often coated in cellulose to prevent clumping, which can affect its melting ability. Shredding your own cheese ensures the best flavour and texture for your quesadilla.
Additionally, butter or oil can be used to enhance the flavour and texture of your quesadilla. Butter adds a rich, crispy texture, while oil helps to crisp up the tortillas. You can experiment with different types of oils, such as olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice.
Overall, cheddar cheese is an excellent choice for quesadillas due to its flavour, melting properties, and versatility. It can be combined with other cheeses, paired with various fillings, and used with different types of tortillas to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
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Chihuahua
V&V Supremo produces a well-known brand of Chihuahua cheese called Queso Chihuahua, which is available in the United States. It is a whole milk, non-processed, all-natural premium product. The company describes its cheese as having "incomparably sumptuous, buttery dairy notes, and supple texture".
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![[Pack of 3] La Paulina Natural Asadero Cheese – Smooth & Tangy, Ideal for Quesadillas, Tacos, and Nachos – Ship Refrigerated with Express Mail - 5 Pound Each](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Bxv+JSsWL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Mozzarella
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for a quesadilla comes down to personal preference. While some people may prefer the mild flavour and stretchiness of mozzarella, others may opt for a different cheese that melts more easily or has a stronger flavour.
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Oaxaca
To make Oaxaca cheese quesadillas, start by heating some butter or oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Place a flour or corn tortilla in the pan and top it with a few inches of Oaxaca cheese. You can also add fresh epazote leaves or other ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms and poblano peppers. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Serve the quesadillas with your favourite salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or avocado crema.
While Oaxaca cheese is a wonderful option for quesadillas, there are also other cheese options that you can consider. Traditional Mexican cheeses like Chihuahua, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla are excellent choices that melt well and have a creamy texture. Monterey Jack is another popular option known for its creamy, mild flavour and beautiful melting capabilities. Cheddar cheese adds depth of flavour with its sharper taste, and it is often mixed with Monterey Jack for a balanced blend.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for a quesadilla depends on personal preference, but it should be something that melts well and complements the other ingredients. Some good options include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Mozzarella, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, and Asadero.
Oaxaca cheese is a stringy and semi-soft Mexican cheese that originated in the region of Oaxaca, Mexico. It has a smooth, meltable texture and a delicate, milky flavor.
If you cannot find Oaxaca cheese, a good substitute would be Monterey Jack cheese as it has a similar flavor profile and melting properties.
