Cheese And Beans: The Perfect Melty Combination

Refried beans are a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine, often served with tortilla chips or as a filling in burritos and tacos. While they can be made with different types of beans, the traditional choice is pinto beans. The beans are usually seasoned and fried with lard, and various ingredients can be added to enhance the flavour and texture, such as sour cream, cheese, and hot sauce. When it comes to choosing the right cheese for refried beans, options like Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso fresco, and cotija cheese are popular choices. These cheeses can be melted on top or crumbled over the beans as a garnish, adding a creamy or crunchy texture and a savoury touch to the dish.

What kind of cheese goes well with refried beans?

Refried beans are a popular side dish, especially in Mexican cuisine. They are typically made with cooked beans (usually pinto or black beans) that are mashed and fried with lard, and often served with cheese on top. So, what are the best types of cheese to accompany this tasty dish?

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a popular choice to sprinkle on top of refried beans. It is a Mexican cheese that is known for its salty, tangy flavour and crumbly texture. It adds a nice contrast to the creamy, fried beans and can be used as a garnish or mixed in.

Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is another Mexican cheese that pairs well with refried beans. It has a mild, fresh flavour and a soft, moist texture. Like cotija, it can be crumbled over the beans or mixed in for a creamy, cheesy flavour.

Monterey Jack Cheese

If you're looking for a melty cheese to top your refried beans, Monterey Jack is a great option. It has a mild flavour and melts easily, making it perfect for baked refried beans or bean dips. It can also be shredded and mixed into the beans for a cheesy twist.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a versatile option that can be shredded, melted, or mixed into refried beans. It has a sharp, tangy flavour that can enhance the taste of the beans. It is widely available and affordable, making it a convenient choice for those who want a cheesy boost to their beans.

Mexican Blend Cheese

For those who want an authentic Mexican flavour, a shredded Mexican blend cheese can be a tasty option. This blend typically includes cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso quesadilla, providing a mix of flavours and meltability that complements the beans well.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with refried beans, there are several options that can enhance the dish. Whether you prefer a salty crumble of cotija or queso fresco, a melty mix of Monterey Jack or cheddar, or the convenience of a shredded Mexican blend, cheese can take your refried beans to the next level. Experiment with different cheeses and find your favourite combination!

How to make refried beans from scratch?

How to Make Refried Beans from Scratch

Ingredients

Refried beans are usually made with pinto beans, but black beans can also be used. For a more authentic recipe, start with dried beans. If you are short on time, you can use canned beans. You will also need:

• Onion
• Garlic
• Olive oil, lard, or another fat of your choice
• Spices: cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, and salt
• Cheese (optional)
• Other toppings of your choice (e.g. jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice)

Method

• Rinse and soak the beans. Sift through the dry beans, removing any unwanted pieces from the bag. Add the beans to a large pot, cover with water, and soak overnight.
• Boil the beans. Drain the beans, add them to a pot, and cover them with fresh water. Add onion and a couple of dashes of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for one hour.
• Fry the beans. Heat your chosen fat in a skillet. Add the garlic and stir. Then add the beans, cumin, oregano, and a quarter cup of the reserved water from the bean broth.
• Mash the beans. Gently smash the beans with a potato masher or fork as they cook, continuing to stir and mash until you reach your desired texture. Add more bean broth liquid if necessary. Season with additional salt if needed.
• Serve. Top with shredded cheese, if desired, and any other toppings of your choice.

Tips

• If you are short on time, you can use an Instant Pot or slow cooker to cook the beans.
• For extra flavour, you can add bell peppers or jalapeños to the recipe. Finely chop and sauté them with the garlic.
• For cheesy refried beans, top with Mexican cotija cheese or stir in your favourite shredded cheese.

What is the best canned refried beans brand?

When it comes to the best canned refried beans, there are several brands that stand out for their taste, convenience, and versatility. Here are some of the top options:

Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans

Rosarita is a well-known brand for Mexican cuisine, and their traditional refried beans are highly regarded. These beans have a creamy texture and a well-rounded taste that pairs well with various Mexican dishes. They are perfect for those who want an authentic Mexican flavour. Rosarita also offers a range of options, including spicy jalapeno beans, lower-sodium choices, vegetarian refried beans, and black beans.

Amy's Organic Refried Beans

Amy's Organic Refried Beans are perfect for health-conscious individuals as they are formulated with low sodium levels. These beans are suitable for vegetarians and are made with organic and Kosher-certified ingredients. While they have a mild taste, they are versatile and can be used in burritos, tacos, or as a side dish.

La Preferida Refried Beans

La Preferida Refried Beans are a great option for vegetarians and vegans, as they are free from lard and other animal products. The beans are low in fat and made with simple ingredients: precooked pinto beans, salt, soybean oil, and water. They are quick and easy to prepare, making them a convenient choice for those short on time.

Taco Bell Original Refried Beans

Taco Bell's Original Refried Beans are a good choice for those seeking a familiar, sweet taste. These beans have a distinct chunky texture and are well-seasoned, giving them an earthy and mildly salty flavour. They are a blend of pink and pinto beans, making them unique and versatile.

Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans

Old El Paso's Traditional Refried Beans are a great option for those seeking a more traditional, homemade taste. These beans are fried with a blend of herbs and spices, making them flavourful and aromatic. They are suitable for vegetarians and are fat-free and cholesterol-free, making them a healthier option.

Trader Joe's Traditional Style Fat Free Refried Beans

For those seeking a fat-free option, Trader Joe's Traditional Style refried beans are a tasty choice. They have a surprising creaminess and density, making them a great base for burritos or dips.

Isadora Traditional Refried Beans

Isadora Traditional Refried Beans stand out for their complex flavour and creamy texture. The secret ingredient is lard, which adds a hint of smokiness and savouriness that is often found in restaurant-style refried beans. They are also affordable, making them a great value option.

Bush's Refried Beans Traditional

Bush's Refried Beans Traditional is another excellent option for those seeking actual, discernible beans in their refried beans. Their products are of good quality, and these refried beans are no exception.

Ducal Refried Beans Black

Ducal Refried Beans Black are smooth, tasty, and creamy, offering a unique and satisfying experience. They are a great choice for those who want to try something different from the usual pinto beans.

A Dozen Cousins Classic Refried Pinto Beans

Although this option is extremely cumin-heavy, it is a good choice for those who don't want to bother with adding their own spices. These refried beans are heat-and-eat, making them convenient for quick meals or snacks.

In conclusion, there are numerous excellent canned refried beans options available, each with its unique features and flavours. The above list provides a range of choices to suit different taste preferences, dietary needs, and convenience factors.

What is the best type of bean to use for refried beans?

Refried beans are a staple of Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine. They are not, in fact, fried twice, but are cooked beans added to a skillet with onion, garlic, and spices, and then mashed until thick and creamy.

The best type of bean to use for refried beans is the pinto bean. This is the traditional choice, and the one that will give you the most authentic flavour. They are creamy and rich, and mix well with other ingredients like scrambled eggs, soup, rice, and more.

However, you can also use black beans. These are a good option if you prefer a chunkier texture, as they don't blend as smoothly as pinto beans.

If you are short on time, you can use canned beans, but dried beans that are cooked from scratch will give you a better flavour. If you do use canned beans, you can add more or less liquid depending on your desired consistency. You can also add more or less sour cream to canned beans to get a better flavour and a creamier consistency.

How long do refried beans last?

Refried beans are a tasty and versatile dish, but how long do they last? Well, it depends on how they are stored. If you're keeping your refried beans in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. To extend their shelf life, it's important to keep them refrigerated and tightly covered. If you're not planning to eat them within this timeframe, it's best to freeze them.

Freezing is a great way to make your refried beans last longer. When properly stored in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, they will maintain their best quality for about 2 months in the freezer. However, even beyond that time, they will remain safe to consume as long as they are kept frozen.

It's worth noting that the texture of refried beans may change after freezing and thawing, becoming softer. So, if you're planning to use them in dishes like sauces, soups, or casseroles, they will still be perfect for cooking.

Now, let's talk about the signs of spoilage. The best way to tell if your refried beans have gone bad is by checking their odor, flavor, and appearance. If they develop an unpleasant smell, taste, or visible mold, it's best to discard them. Additionally, if the can or package is leaking, rusting, bulging, or severely dented, it's important to throw them out.

In summary, refried beans will last for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months (or more) in the freezer. Always remember to practice safe food handling and storage to ensure your beans stay fresh and delicious!

Frequently asked questions