Cheese Options For The Perfect Steak Quesadillas

Steak quesadillas are a delicious meal, perfect for lunch or dinner, and a great way to use up leftover steak. But what type of cheese should you use?

The best cheeses for steak quesadillas are those that melt well and provide a nice, smooth, stringy texture. Monterey Jack is the most popular choice, but other options include Oaxaca, mozzarella, medium cheddar, and Chihuahua. A combination of shredded and sliced cheese will give the best melt.

Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, and Mozzarella

Steak quesadillas are a delicious and hearty meal, and choosing the right cheese is key. Here's a look at three popular options: Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, and Mozzarella.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack cheese is a fantastic choice for steak quesadillas. It has a creamy flavour that pairs beautifully with the steak, and its melting ability is superb, making it an ideal glue for your quesadilla. When cooked, it becomes nice and stretchy, adding a delightful texture to your dish.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca cheese is a Mexican semi-soft, stringy, cow's milk cheese. It is often formed into a ball, resembling a softball, and shredded for dishes like quesadillas. This cheese is a wonderful option for steak quesadillas, as it melts beautifully and provides a delightful, gooey texture. It is a great way to add an authentic Mexican touch to your dish.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a popular choice for quesadillas, and for good reason. It is easily accessible and melts wonderfully, becoming stringy as it cools. It is also a healthier option, often available in low-fat or part-skim varieties, and is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins. Mozzarella quesadillas are crispy and tasty, and the cheese's stringiness adds a delightful texture.

All three of these cheeses will result in delicious steak quesadillas, each with their own unique characteristics. Monterey Jack and Oaxaca have a similar creamy, stringy melt, while Mozzarella is more easily accessible and provides a healthier option.

Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Medium Cheddar

Steak quesadillas are a delicious and hearty meal, and the choice of cheese is key to getting that perfect, gooey melt. Cheddar, mozzarella, and medium cheddar are all excellent choices for your quesadilla and will each bring something a little different to the dish.

Cheddar is a popular choice for steak quesadillas. It has a creamy flavour and melts beautifully, holding all the ingredients together. It is often sold pre-shredded, which is convenient but can affect its melting properties. For the best melt, shred the cheese yourself. For an even better melt, use a combination of shredded and sliced cheddar. The slices will take longer to melt, so put them directly onto the bottom tortilla so they have the most heat for the longest time.

Mozzarella is another popular choice for quesadillas. It melts wonderfully and has that all-important stringy texture. It is also a healthy option, often made with low-fat or part-skim milk. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins. It is also very accessible, available at most grocery stores.

Finally, medium cheddar is a great option if you want a cheese with a bit more bite. It has a stronger flavour than mild cheddar and will add a tanginess to your quesadilla. It will also melt well and provide that gooey texture you want from a quesadilla.

When making your quesadilla, remember that the cheese is just one part of the dish. You'll also need tortillas, steak, and any other fillings and seasonings you want to include. For a classic steak quesadilla, try bell peppers, onions, and spices. Don't forget to serve your quesadilla with some colourful salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side!

Cheese melting tips

Cheese is a key ingredient in steak quesadillas, adding a creamy texture and a gooey, melty quality. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, some melt better than others. Here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect melt:

Choosing the Right Cheese

Select a cheese with a high moisture content and a low melting point. Cheeses like Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Cheddar, American cheese, and Gruyère are all great options and will result in a smooth, creamy texture. Avoid low-moisture cheeses like Parmesan and Romano, as they burn easily and are better suited for grating.

Shred or Slice the Cheese

Shredding the cheese will help it melt more quickly, easily, and evenly. If you have the time, freshly grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can impact its melting ability. Alternatively, use a combination of shredded and thinly sliced cheese for the best of both worlds.

Bring Cheese to Room Temperature

Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before melting. This will ensure it melts evenly and help avoid a lumpy or greasy texture.

Use Low to Medium Heat

When melting the cheese in a skillet or on a grill, keep the heat between low and medium. This will allow the cheese to melt slowly and evenly, resulting in a smooth and creamy texture. High heat can cause the cheese to become lumpy, greasy, stiff, or charred.

Continuously Stir the Cheese

Whether melting cheese on the stove, in the oven, or in a double boiler, be sure to stir it frequently. This will prevent burning and ensure even melting.

Add a Little Liquid

When melting cheese on the stove, you can add a small amount of milk or water to help the cheese melt more easily and create a smoother sauce.

Avoid the Microwave

While it is possible to melt cheese in the microwave, it is less reliable and can result in uneven melting or burning. If you must use the microwave, do so at low power in short intervals, stirring the cheese frequently.

Cheese and meat combinations

When it comes to steak quesadillas, there are a few key ingredients that can elevate the dish and create a delicious combination of flavours and textures. Here are some ideas for cheese and meat pairings to use in your next steak quesadilla creation:

Monterey Jack and Steak

Monterey Jack is a popular choice for quesadillas due to its mild flavour and creamy texture when melted. It pairs well with various types of steak, including flank steak, skirt steak, sirloin, ribeye, or even leftover steak. This combination provides a good balance of flavours and ensures the quesadilla holds together well.

Cheddar and Steak

Cheddar cheese, particularly medium or sharp cheddar, adds a creamy, smooth texture and a buttery flavour to the quesadilla. When paired with steak, such as rib eye, New York strip, or leftover brisket, the cheese enhances the meat's flavour and creates a satisfying bite.

Queso Asadero or Queso Oaxaca and Steak

For a more authentic Mexican flavour, queso asadero or queso Oaxaca are excellent choices. These cheeses melt well and have a superior flavour that complements the steak. They can be used with flank steak, skirt steak, or any leftover steak you may have on hand.

Mozzarella and Steak

Mozzarella is known for its melting properties and can create a stringy, gooey texture inside your quesadilla. When paired with steak, such as flank steak or skirt steak, the cheese adds a nice creamy flavour that enhances the overall taste experience.

Combinations

For an even more indulgent experience, you can combine two types of cheese in your steak quesadilla. Try using one shredded cheese and one thinly sliced cheese, as the slices will take longer to melt and create a more intact, gooey texture. Some possible combinations include:

• Oaxaca and Cheddar
• Chihuahua and Monterey Jack
• Mozzarella and Cheddar

So, the next time you're craving a steak quesadilla, experiment with these cheese and meat combinations to find your perfect match!

Cheese and seasoning combinations

Steak quesadillas are a great way to use up leftover steak, but you can also cook steak specifically for this dish. The best cuts of steak for quesadillas include skirt steak, flank steak, ribeye, and sirloin.

When it comes to cheese, Monterey Jack is a popular choice due to its mild flavour and creamy texture when melted. Other suitable options are:

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Oaxaca
• Chihuahua
• Queso Asadero
• Queso Oaxaca
• Pepper Jack
• Medium Cheddar
• Cotija
• Mexican Blend
• Queso
• Swiss
• Provolone
• Muenster
• American

For seasoning, you can use a combination of:

• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili powder

You can also add some sliced vegetables to your quesadillas, such as bell peppers, onions, and jalapenos.

Frequently asked questions