Cheese And Tacos: The Perfect Melty Combination

Tacos are a beloved dish, but what kind of cheese should you use to make them? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as different cheeses offer different flavours and textures, some popular options include Cotija, Queso Fresco, Chihuahua, and Oaxaca. Each of these cheeses has its own unique characteristics, from Cotija's salty, crumbly texture to the mild, milky flavour of Queso Fresco. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, choosing the right cheese for your tacos can elevate this simple dish into something truly special.

Authentic Mexican cheeses

While cheese isn't a typical ingredient in an authentic Mexican taco, there are several Mexican cheeses that can be used to make your taco night a fiesta.

Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a semi-soft, stringy white cheese with a mild flavour. Its mellow and buttery notes make it a popular choice for quesadillas and fillings. Its texture and flavour are comparable to Monterey Jack.

Cotija

Cotija is a hard, crumbly white cheese from the Parmesan family. It has a strong, salty flavour and doesn't melt. It is often added to chilis, salads, soups, and grilled street corn (Elote).

Anejo Enchilado

Anejo Enchilado is made from goat or cow milk. It is a semi-hard cheese with a strong, spicy, salty flavour. It gets its distinct, bright red exterior from being rolled in paprika. The more this cheese ages, the easier it is to shred or grate, making it ideal for baking or grilling tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.

Queso Fresco

Queso Fresco means "fresh cheese" in Spanish. It is similar to feta cheese in that it is fresh, crumbly, and white. It comes in salty and non-salty versions and is often used as a topping for dips like guacamole or other appetizers.

Chihuahua (Menonita)

Chihuahua cheese, sometimes called "Queso Menonita", originates from the state of Chihuahua. It is aged, firm, and yellow, and is often compared to cheddar. It is a Mexican melting cheese and is used most often in cheese dips.

Queso Crema (Mexican Crema)

Queso Crema, or "cream cheese", is used for spreading and has a smooth, rich, and creamy texture.

Queso Asadero

Queso Asadero is another Mexican melting cheese. It is creamy and smooth, making it a great addition to quesadillas, and it is even sometimes referred to as "queso quesadilla".

Classic cheddar cheese

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of ways in your tacos. You can use it as a topping, adding a nice, sharp tang to your taco. Or, you can use it to make a crispy, cheesy taco shell. Simply bake mounds of cheddar on a baking sheet until melty and slightly crispy, then shape them into shells.

For a classic cheddar taco, you can fill your shell with ground beef, spicy crema, fresh jalapenos, and pickled carrots. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as chicken, veggies, or even shrimp.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, you can try making cheese taco shells with a blend of cheddar and other cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for an extra gooey and crispy shell.

Mexican cheese blends

There are several types of Mexican cheese blends that can be used to elevate your taco night. The first is a blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso quesadilla. This blend is creamy and mild, with a salty tang, and melts beautifully. The second option is a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero, which is perfect for impressing guests with its beautiful, thick-cut ribbons of cheese. The third option is a sharper blend with a more pronounced cheddar flavour, such as the Trader Joe's Fancy Shredded Mexican Style Cheese Blend. Finally, for vegans, there is a plant-based Mexican-style blend with a pleasant, almost vegetal flavour and a peppery spice kick.

When creating your own Mexican cheese blend, it is important to consider the desired flavour and texture. For a creamy blend, opt for cheeses that melt well, such as Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero. If you prefer a sharper flavour, increase the proportion of cheddar in the blend. To add a spicy kick, include taco seasoning or paprika-rolled Anejo Enchilado. For a more authentic Mexican blend, substitute Monterey Jack and cheddar with Chihuahua cheese, which has a similar flavour and texture to mild, white cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Cheese for quesadillas

Quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal to make, and the cheese is a key ingredient. While there are many types of cheese that can be used in quesadillas, some are more popular and flavoursome than others.

Oaxaca cheese is a popular choice for quesadillas. It is a semi-soft, stringy, white cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It melts beautifully and is similar to mozzarella or Monterey Jack in texture. It is also a great choice for children due to its mild flavour.

Chihuahua cheese, also known as quesadilla cheese, is another excellent option for quesadillas. It has a strong flavour and melts well, making it perfect for a quesadilla filling. It resembles a traditional cheddar cheese in colour and texture.

Queso fresco, which translates to "fresh cheese", is a crumbly, white cheese made from cow's milk. It is similar to feta but milder in flavour, with a salty taste. Queso fresco is a popular choice as a topping or garnish for dips, salads, and soups.

Cotija is another aged, dry, crumbly Mexican cheese that is often used in quesadillas. It has a sharp, salty flavour reminiscent of Parmesan. Its crumbly texture makes it a beautiful garnish or topping.

Cheese for kids

If you're making tacos for kids, it's a good idea to stick to milder cheeses with a gentle flavour. While adult palates might enjoy the strong, salty flavours of some Mexican cheeses, these can be a little overwhelming for younger taste buds.

Oaxaca is a great choice for kids as it has a mild, buttery flavour and melts beautifully. It's also similar to string cheese, so kids can enjoy it as a snack while you're preparing the tacos! Queso Fresco is another popular choice for children, as it has a mild, salty flavour. In some regions, it's also spiced up with pepper or adobo, but the plainer variety is a safe bet for kids.

If you're making tacos for kids, it's also worth considering the classic cheddar or Monterey Jack, which are widely available and often less exotic than some of the Mexican cheeses. These are also great options for kids' cheese tacos or quesadillas, which are a quick and easy meal that most kids enjoy. You can add some salsa, slices of apple, or avocado for a more elaborate version, or keep it simple with just cheese.

Frequently asked questions