Cheese Options For Delicious, Gooey Casidillas

Quesadillas are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that can be adapted in a million different ways. But what kind of cheese should you use?

The best cheeses for quesadillas are those that melt well and complement the other ingredients. Classic choices include Monterey Jack, a mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, and Cheddar, which adds a sharper flavour. For a traditional Mexican flavour, you could try Chihuahua, Oaxaca, or Asadero. These Mexican melting cheeses are known for their luxurious stretch and can be found in most large supermarkets. Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Queso Quesadilla are also popular choices.

Monterey Jack

When making casadillas, it is important to use a cheese that melts well. Monterey Jack is an excellent melting cheese, and its mild flavour allows other ingredients in the casadilla to shine. It is a versatile cheese that can be used on its own or mixed with other cheeses like cheddar or Colby to create a more complex flavour profile.

In addition to its melting properties and mild flavour, Monterey Jack also adds a golden-brown colour to the casadillas when cooked. This cheese helps create a crispy, buttery texture on the outside of the casadilla while keeping the inside gooey and stretchy.

Cheddar

When selecting cheddar for casadillas, it is important to consider the sharpness of the cheese. While sharp cheddar has a stronger flavour, mild cheddar melts better. Therefore, if you are looking for a smoother consistency, mild cheddar may be the better option.

In addition to its flavour and melting properties, cheddar is also a good source of protein and calcium. This makes it a nutritious option for casadillas, especially when paired with other healthy ingredients such as vegetables or beans.

Overall, cheddar is an excellent choice for casadillas due to its flavour, melting properties, and nutritional value. It can be mixed with other cheeses or used on its own to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Mozzarella

While mozzarella is a popular choice for casadillas, it's worth noting that it is not a traditional Mexican cheese. If you're looking for a more authentic option, you might want to try a Mexican cheese blend, such as queso Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or Asadero. These cheeses melt easily and have a gorgeous, luxurious stretch.

Oaxaca

To make quesadillas with Oaxaca cheese, you can follow these simple steps:

• Heat some butter or oil in a small pan.
• Place a tortilla in the pan and top with a few inches of Oaxaca cheese.
• Cook briefly until the cheese begins to melt, then fold the tortilla.
• Cook the quesadilla on each side until the tortilla is lightly crispy and the cheese is completely melted.
• Serve with your favourite salsa for dipping.

You can also add other ingredients to your quesadillas, such as cooked protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, etc.), sautéed or roasted veggies (mushrooms, peppers, squash, etc.), or raw veggies (avocado, onion, cilantro, etc.).

Asadero

In addition to its use in quesadillas, asadero cheese can be grated, shredded, or crumbled over various Mexican dishes. It is also commonly enjoyed with bread or tortillas. Asadero cheese has a shelf life of 90 days when stored at the ideal temperature of 36°F (34°F-40°F).

Frequently asked questions