The Best Cheeses To Pair With Mexican Beans

Mexican beans are a versatile dish that can be served as a side, dip, or filling for burritos and tacos. While there are several types of beans that can be used, pinto and black beans are the most common. When it comes to cheese, there are a variety of options to choose from, including Cotija, Queso Fresco, Oaxaca, Panela, and Manchego. These cheeses can be crumbled or melted on top of the beans, adding a layer of flavour and texture.

Cotija cheese

Cotija is an aged cheese, and its texture and flavour depend on its age. "Young" or fresh Cotija has a texture similar to feta—moist and crumbly—and a mild flavour. Aged Cotija, on the other hand, is sharper and firmer, more akin to Parmesan. The longer Cotija ages, the saltier it becomes.

Cotija is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. In Mexican cuisine, it is commonly used as a topping or garnish for tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, refried beans, salads, and soups. It is also a key ingredient in Elotes (Mexican street corn), where it balances out the sweetness of the corn. Cotija can be added to vegetarian dishes as well, such as veggie burgers and salads.

When exposed to heat, Cotija softens but does not melt, making it ideal for crumbling and sprinkling. Its unique texture and flavour can enhance the taste of many dishes, from traditional Mexican fare to more creative culinary experiments.

Queso fresco

For example, you can make Instant Pot pinto beans with queso fresco. This dish is made with onions, chile, jalapeno, tomatoes, and cilantro, and is served with avocado slices and plenty of queso fresco on top.

Alternatively, you can try making Pozole with pinto beans and queso fresco. This Mexican stew features salty queso fresco crumbles, tangy pickled onions, and refreshing radish slices as garnishes.

Refried beans

To make refried beans, start by sorting and rinsing the beans to remove any debris. Cover the beans with water in a stockpot, adding onion, garlic, and spices such as chili powder, cumin, or oregano. Bring the beans to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer, cooking until the beans are tender. This process can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the desired texture.

Once the beans are tender, drain and mash them, adding bean broth or water as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Some recipes call for blending the beans for a smoother texture. The secret ingredient to adding depth of flavor to refried beans is pork lard, which can be found at Mexican or Hispanic food markets. If you don't have access to pork lard, alternatives such as bacon grease, shortening, or butter can be used. However, these substitutes may impart a different flavor to the dish.

Finally, season the refried beans with salt and pepper to taste, and serve them hot. For an extra touch of authenticity, top the beans with crumbled Cotija or Queso Fresco cheese. These cheeses add a salty, savory note to the dish and can be melted on top for a decadent finish.

Lard

Where to Find Lard

If you want to make truly authentic refried beans, seek out a Mexican or Latin food market to source your lard. The packaged lard found in supermarkets is not ideal, as it does not deliver the same flavour and contains processed chemicals. If you cannot find a Mexican market, you can ask your butcher for pork fat trimmings and render your own lard at home. This is a simple process that just requires a slow cooker and some time.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

For vegetarian or vegan refried beans, you can substitute lard with vegetable oil, shortening, or butter. Bacon grease is also an option, but it will impart a strong flavour to the beans.

Cooking with Lard

To use lard in your refried beans, simply melt it in a large skillet over high heat. Then, add your cooked and drained beans to the skillet and cook for several minutes, stirring frequently. Next, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the beans to your desired consistency. You can add some of the reserved bean water to achieve a smoother texture. Finally, season with salt and pepper, and serve with crumbled Cotija or Queso Fresco cheese on top.

Mexican cheese blend

Mexican beans are a versatile dish that can be served as a side, in a burrito, or as a dip with chips. To elevate this dish, adding cheese is a great option. A Mexican cheese blend typically includes Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Colby Jack, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero, and Oaxaca.

Monterey Jack, a semi-firm cheese, was invented in Monterey, California, and is known for its mild, buttery flavour. Cheddar, on the other hand, is a popular English cheese with a bold, rich flavour. Colby Jack is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack, resulting in a semi-hard cheese with a creamy, buttery taste. Queso Quesadilla, originating from Northwest Mexico and Texas, is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, creamy flavour. Asadero, a semi-firm white cheese from Mexico, has a tangy flavour and is known for its melting ability. Lastly, Oaxaca, a cousin to Asadero, is a soft, white string cheese that is also moist and creamy.

You can purchase a pre-made Mexican cheese blend from most major grocery stores, or you can make your own by shredding and combining equal parts of the cheeses mentioned above. For an extra kick of flavour, you can add taco seasoning or similar spices to your blend.

Frequently asked questions