Cheese Options For The Perfect Burrito

The beauty of burritos is that you can customise them to your taste. However, cheese is one of the essential ingredients that make up this classic Mexican dish. While the type of cheese you use is a matter of personal preference, some varieties are more popular than others. The most common types of cheese used in burritos include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella. For a kick of spice, pepper jack is a good option. If you're looking for a classic Mexican melting cheese, queso quesadilla, or Chihuahua cheese, is a popular choice. Oaxaca cheese is another soft, white string cheese that melts easily, making it perfect for burrito fillings.

Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mozerella

When it comes to burrito cheese, you can't go wrong with Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mozzarella. All three are popular choices, each offering a unique taste and texture to elevate your burrito experience.

Let's start with Monterey Jack, a mild and creamy cheese that is a favourite in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. It has a semi-firm texture with a high moisture content, resulting in a smooth and supple consistency. Its delicate, buttery flavour is perfect for balancing spicy ingredients commonly found in burritos. Monterey Jack is also an excellent melting cheese, making it ideal for burritos as it blends seamlessly with other ingredients.

Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, is a semi-hard cheese with a denser, layered texture. It is typically aged longer than Monterey Jack, resulting in a sharper and more complex flavour. Cheddar adds a nice kick to burritos and is a classic choice for those who enjoy a more pronounced cheese presence.

Mozzarella is another excellent option for burrito enthusiasts. It is a semi-soft cheese with a milder flavour than Monterey Jack. Mozzarella is known for its exceptional melting abilities, resulting in a gooey and stretchy texture that can enhance the overall creaminess of your burrito. If you're looking for a cheese that adds a rich, stringy element to your burrito, mozzarella is a great choice.

When deciding between these three cheeses, consider your personal preference for flavour and texture. All of them complement the flavours of a burrito well, but each offers a distinct experience. You can also mix and match these cheeses to create unique combinations that cater to your taste buds.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese is a personal decision, and you may want to experiment with different options to find your favourite. Whether you prefer the mild and creamy Monterey Jack, the sharp and complex Cheddar, or the mild and stretchy Mozzarella, your burrito is sure to benefit from the addition of cheese that enhances its flavour and texture.

Oaxaca and Queso Quesadilla

Oaxaca cheese is widely used in Mexican cuisine, especially in quesadillas, empanadas, and casseroles. It is also a popular choice for cheese-stuffed dishes as it has a superior melting quality. The cheese is available in several different shapes and can be purchased in the form of balls of string or twine.

Queso Quesadilla is the classic Mexican melting cheese. It is similar to Monterey Jack, and the two are often used interchangeably depending on availability. Queso Quesadilla is also known as Chihuahua cheese, named after the state of Chihuahua in Northern Mexico where it is produced.

When choosing cheese for your burrito, consider the flavour and texture you want to achieve. Oaxaca cheese will provide a stretchy, gooey texture and a mild, buttery taste. Queso Quesadilla or Chihuahua cheese will give a similar melting quality and a slightly sharper flavour.

Mexican blend, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack

When it comes to choosing the perfect cheese for your burrito, you may be wondering if you should go for a Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. All three options can be excellent choices, and here's why:

Mexican Blend

If you're looking for an authentic Mexican flavour, a Mexican blend cheese can be a great option. This blend typically includes cheeses such as queso asadero, Monterey Jack, and cheddar. Queso asadero, the only authentically Mexican cheese in the mix, is known for its creamy, smooth texture and excellent melting abilities, making it perfect for burritos. The addition of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses adds a tangy and sharp flavour to the blend. For an even more authentic touch, you can opt for Chihuahua cheddar, which is similar to the more widely available cheddar cheese.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for burritos and is often included in Mexican blend cheeses. It has a sharp, tangy flavour and melts well, making it a versatile option for various dishes. Cheddar is widely available and can be easily recognised by its orange or white colour. When shredded and melted, it adds a creamy texture and savoury taste to your burrito.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack cheese is a semi-firm, creamy, and mild-flavoured cheese that originated in present-day San Diego through Spanish influence. It is an excellent melting cheese, making it a popular choice for burritos. While it may not be a traditional Mexican cheese, it has become a staple in many Mexican-inspired dishes, especially in California. Its mild flavour makes it a versatile option, and it pairs well with other cheeses.

In conclusion, when deciding between Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese for your burrito, consider your preference for authenticity, flavour, and texture. All three options have their unique characteristics, but ultimately, the best cheese for your burrito is the one that suits your taste buds!

Panela or fried cheese

Panela, or Queso Panela, is a versatile Mexican cheese that can be used in burritos. It is a mild, white, fresh cheese that is not aged before being sold. It has a crumbly texture, similar to that of Queso Fresco, but with a firmer consistency, like a firm Ricotta.

One of the unique characteristics of Panela cheese is that it does not melt easily when heated, making it ideal for frying or grilling. This property allows you to pan-fry the cheese without it losing its shape. The fried cheese can be used as a topping for burritos, adding a crispy and savoury element to the dish.

When frying Panela cheese, you can simply place it in a pan or skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Fry the cheese until it forms a crust on both sides, which should only take a few minutes. You can then remove it from the pan and add it to your burrito as a tasty, crispy addition.

In addition to frying, Panela cheese can also be crumbled and sprinkled on top of a burrito or used as a filling. Its ability to absorb flavours makes it a versatile ingredient that can enhance the taste of your burrito. The cheese can also be baked in the oven and served with tortilla chips, providing a delicious and crispy texture.

Whether you choose to fry, crumble, or bake Panela cheese, it can be a delicious addition to your burrito. Its mild flavour and unique texture make it a versatile ingredient that can be customised to suit your taste preferences. So, if you're looking for a cheese that can add a crispy and savoury touch to your burrito, Panela or fried cheese is definitely worth considering!

Cotija or Parmesan

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your burrito, there are many options to consider. Two popular varieties that often come up in discussions are Cotija and Parmesan. Both have their unique characteristics, and understanding their differences can help you make the right choice for your dish.

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a variety that hails from Mexico, specifically the state of Michoacán, and is named after the town of Cotija. It is a cow's milk cheese with a crumbly texture and a salty, tangy, and slightly sour taste. Cotija is aged for several months, and while it softens with heat, it does not melt, making it ideal for sprinkling or crumbling over various dishes.

In Mexican cuisine, Cotija cheese is commonly used as a topping for tacos, tostadas, salads, grilled corn, and grilled dishes like enchiladas, chilaquiles, posole, and elotes. It is also crumbled over beans and soups or used as a garnish. Cotija is often referred to as the "Parmesan of Mexico" due to its similar texture and flavour profile.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese that originated in Italy. It is typically made from cow's milk and has a pale yellow colour. Parmesan is aged for a minimum of 12 months, and some varieties are aged for up to 36 months, resulting in a sharp, nutty flavour and a slightly grainy texture.

Parmesan is widely used in Italian cuisine and is commonly grated or sprinkled over pasta dishes, salads, soups, and vegetables. It is also used as a garnish for meat dishes, adding a salty, nutty flavour to the meal.

Cotija vs Parmesan

While Cotija and Parmesan cheeses share some similarities, they have distinct differences in flavour and texture. Cotija has a more pungent, salty, and tangy flavour profile, while Parmesan is known for its nutty, salty taste. In terms of texture, Cotija is crumbly and often used in chunks or crumbled, whereas Parmesan is harder and typically grated.

When choosing between the two, it's important to consider the context of your dish. Cotija is ideal for Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, adding a salty and tangy kick. On the other hand, Parmesan is more suitable for Italian dishes such as pasta, risotto, and pizza, where its nutty and salty flavour complements the other ingredients.

Frequently asked questions