Cheese Tamales: Which Cheeses Work Best?

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish, often served during celebrations and holidays. They are made by filling corn dough with meat, vegetables, and/or cheese, wrapping them in corn husks, and steaming them. While there are many ways to make tamales, the inclusion of cheese is a popular choice. The type of cheese used can vary, but traditionally, Mexican melting cheeses like Oaxaca are used. However, other options such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Chihuahua, mozzarella, Muenster, or even blue cheese can also be used, depending on availability and personal preference.

Monterey Jack cheese is a good substitute for traditional Mexican cheeses

Monterey Jack cheese is native to the USA and is made from skimmed or whole cow's milk, then aged for about a month. It has a semi-hard but smooth texture, making it easy to slice or grate. It is a popular addition to recipes worldwide and is especially well-suited to Mexican cuisine as it melts easily and has a soft taste that balances well with other ingredients.

When making tamales, the cheese is typically cut into thin slices to fit the length of the corn husks. The corn husks are soaked in hot water and then filled with a layer of masa, a slice of pepper, a slice of cheese, and then folded. The tamales are then steamed for up to 2 hours.

Monterey Jack cheese comes in different varieties, including Aged Jack and Pepper Jack. Aged Jack has a firmer texture and a rich, nutty flavour, while Pepper Jack has a semi-soft texture and a spicy kick from the addition of peppers. Both varieties can be used in tamales, depending on your preference.

In addition to its use in tamales, Monterey Jack cheese is a good substitute for traditional Mexican cheeses in other dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, pasta, sandwiches, and pizzas. Its versatility and mild flavour make it a popular choice for cooks looking to create that unique classic American or Mexican taste in their recipes.

Mozzarella is a good alternative to Oaxaca cheese

Tamales are a Mexican dish that can be stuffed with various fillings, including cheese. One type of cheese tamale is the Rajas con Queso, which is made with Oaxaca cheese. However, Oaxaca cheese is hard to find outside of Mexico, so a substitute is often needed. Mozzarella is a good alternative to Oaxaca cheese for a few reasons.

Firstly, in terms of texture, Oaxaca cheese is a semi-hard, creamy, and stringy cheese, similar to mozzarella. This stringy, stretchy texture is achieved through a unique production process that involves stretching and kneading the curds. Mozzarella has a similar texture due to its stretchy, stringy consistency.

Secondly, in terms of taste, Oaxaca cheese has a mild, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor. Mozzarella is also a mild-tasting cheese, with a rich and milky flavor. While mozzarella may be slightly spongier than Oaxaca cheese, their overall flavor profiles are comparable.

When substituting mozzarella for Oaxaca cheese in tamales, it is best to use a variety of mozzarella that is labeled as "low moisture" to achieve a texture closer to that of Oaxaca cheese. Additionally, cheap mozzarella, or "American-style" mozzarella, may be a better alternative than the "real" stuff, as it is stringier and has a higher moisture content.

In conclusion, mozzarella is a suitable alternative to Oaxaca cheese in tamales due to its similar texture and taste. By choosing the right type of mozzarella and adjusting the moisture content, you can create a delicious cheese filling for your tamales that mimics the traditional Oaxaca cheese tamales.

Melty cheese is best for tamales

When choosing a cheese for your tamales, it's important to select a variety that melts smoothly without becoming grainy or oily. Aged cheeses, for example, should be avoided as they can separate when melted, resulting in an unpleasant texture. Low-moisture mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are easily accessible options that melt well and pair nicely with various tamale fillings.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with unconventional cheeses like blue cheese or feta, keeping in mind the importance of complementary ingredients. For a less risky approach, you can incorporate your favourite cheese into the masa dough, where it won't interfere with the filling's consistency. This allows for more flexibility in cheese selection, including aged varieties like parmesan, Grana Padano, and mature cheddar.

Ultimately, the key to successful cheese tamales is to choose a cheese that melts beautifully and complements your chosen filling. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds!

Aged cheeses are not good melting cheeses

Tamales are a versatile dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including cheese. While there are many types of cheese that can be used in tamales, it is important to consider the melting properties of different cheeses to ensure the desired texture and consistency.

Aged cheeses, in particular, are not good melting cheeses. This is because, as cheese ages, its proteins tend to form tighter and tighter clumps, which makes them less effective at binding fat and water together smoothly. Even some cheeses aged in a water-tight barrier, such as wax-aged cheddar, will have a hard time melting smoothly due to the formation of these tight protein clumps.

Additionally, aged cheeses tend to have a lower moisture content, which further contributes to their poor melting abilities. A cheese with more moisture will have more loosely packed milk proteins, which separate more easily when heated. This is why a harder, drier cheese like Parmesan becomes oily and greasy instead of melting smoothly.

For cheese tamales, it is best to use a younger, moister cheese that melts easily and creates a creamy texture. Examples of good melting cheeses include Monterey Jack, Oaxaca cheese, cheddar, and pepper jack. These cheeses will ensure that the filling of the tamale is rich and gooey, rather than oily or grainy.

When preparing cheese tamales, it is also important to consider the size and shape of the cheese slices. For example, in Jalapeño and Cheese Tamales (Rajas con Queso), the cheese is typically cut into long and thin slices to fit the length of the corn husks. This ensures that the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the tamale and provides a consistent texture.

In summary, while there are many types of cheese that can be used in tamales, aged cheeses are not ideal due to their poor melting abilities. Instead, opt for younger, moister cheeses that will create a creamy and gooey filling. With the right choice of cheese and proper preparation, you can create delicious and indulgent cheese tamales.

You can add cheese to the dough to experiment with different flavours

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and cheese. While there are many ways to make tamales, the process of making them is generally time-consuming and labour-intensive. However, adding cheese to the dough can be a great way to experiment with different flavours without affecting the consistency of the tamales.

When it comes to choosing a cheese for your tamales, there are many options to consider. In Mexico, tamales are typically made with Mexican melting cheeses like Oaxaca cheese. However, if you don't have access to traditional Mexican cheeses, you can experiment with other options. Low-moisture mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are easily accessible substitutes that pair well with a variety of fillings.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try adding non-traditional cheeses to your tamale dough. For example, a mild feta cheese could be used to create a Mediterranean-style tamale with complementary ingredients. Just remember to avoid aged cheeses as they don't melt well and can separate, resulting in a grainy and oily texture.

When making cheese tamales, it's important to soak the corn husks in hot water to soften them before assembling the tamales. The dough, or masa, is typically made with masa harina, a type of corn flour, and can be seasoned with salt, baking powder, and broth. The cheese and other fillings are then placed in the centre of the dough, which is spread onto the corn husk, and the husk is folded to enclose the filling. The tamales are then steamed until cooked through.

So, if you're looking to add a cheesy twist to your tamales, don't be afraid to experiment by adding cheese to the dough! With a variety of cheese options and endless flavour combinations, you can create unique and delicious cheese tamales that your family and friends will love.

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