Cheese And Tacos: The Perfect Mexican Match

Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that combines meat and vegetables in a fresh flour or corn tortilla. Cheese is also a popular ingredient for tacos, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. The best cheese for tacos depends on personal preference, but popular options include queso fresco, cotija, Monterey Jack, cheddar, Oaxaca, and Chihuahua. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and textures, from salty and crumbly to mild and melty, that can enhance the taste and enjoyment of tacos.

Queso Fresco: a crumbly, white Mexican cheese, similar to feta but made from cow's milk

Queso Fresco is a crumbly, white Mexican cheese, similar to feta but made from cow's milk. It is a popular topping for dips, such as guacamole, and other appetisers. It is also used as a garnish for soups and salads. Queso Fresco is a very versatile cheese and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. For example, it is a fantastic topping for beef and cheese enchiladas or sweet-tangy grilled corn.

Queso Fresco is a fresh cheese, as its name suggests, and has a mild, slightly tangy flavour. It is often sold in small rectangular pieces, similar in size to adobo bricks, and so it is also known as adobera. It originates from Jalisco, in the western part of Mexico.

Queso Fresco is a great choice for tacos as it does not melt when heated, so it can be added to tacos without creating a mess. It is also a good option for those who are vegetarian, as it is made from cow's milk, rather than sheep's milk like feta.

If you are looking for a cheese to crumble over your tacos, Queso Fresco is a perfect choice. It will add a fresh, tangy flavour to your dish, and its crumbly texture will provide a satisfying bite.

Cotija: a dry, crumbly, salty cheese, similar to Parmesan

Cotija is a dry, crumbly, salty cheese, similar to Parmesan. It is a popular Mexican white cheese and is often used in tacos, enchiladas, grilled street corn (Elote), salads, soups, and beans. Cotija is named after the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán, in western Mexico. It is a hard cow's milk cheese with a sharp, salty flavour and a crumbly texture. It is one of the most commonly used varieties of cheese in Mexico and is a great addition to any taco.

Cotija is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a popular topping or garnish for dips, salads, soups, and other appetizers. It can also be added to beans, grilled on corn, or used as a garnish on tacos and other dishes. Cotija is a key ingredient in many authentic Mexican recipes and is often used in place of Parmesan cheese due to its similar flavour and texture.

When choosing Cotija cheese, it is typically sold in a round package and can be found at most traditional grocery stores. It is a great option for those who want to add a salty, sharp flavour to their tacos. It is also a good choice for those who want a cheese that crumbles easily and beautifully. Cotija is a popular choice for those who want to add a traditional Mexican flavour to their dishes.

In addition to its culinary uses, Cotija cheese is also a popular ingredient in Mexican culture. It is often used in traditional dishes and is a key part of many regional cuisines. Cotija is a versatile and delicious cheese that can enhance the flavour of any taco. It is a great option for those looking to explore the diverse and delicious world of Mexican cheese.

Oaxaca: a creamy, mellow, stringy cheese, similar to mozzarella

Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo in its native region, is a creamy, mellow, and stringy cheese with a hint of salty flavour. It is a semi-hard, white cheese from the Oaxaca region of Mexico, with a texture similar to string cheese. It is often sold as rolled-up balls of flat ropes that pull apart like string cheese. This makes it an excellent choice for melting and is commonly used in fillings for dishes such as enchiladas and chile relleno. In fact, it is one of the most commonly used cheeses for cooking in Mexico, along with queso fresco.

Oaxaca cheese is comparable to mozzarella in terms of texture and melting ability. It is a popular choice for quesadillas and can be used in place of mozzarella in recipes such as pizzas and quesadillas. It is also a good substitute for Monterey Jack, as it has a similar flavour profile.

When choosing Oaxaca cheese, look for the terms "quesillo", "queso Oaxaqueño", or "queso Oaxaca" on the packaging. It is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavour and texture of various Mexican dishes.

In addition to its culinary uses, Oaxaca cheese also has cultural significance in Mexico. It is a key ingredient in many authentic recipes and is often used in place of other cheeses due to its melting properties and mild flavour.

Chihuahua: a firm, yellow, melting cheese, similar to cheddar

Chihuahua cheese, also known as Queso Menonita, originated in the Mexican state of Chihuahua and was first produced by Mennonite communities in the area. It is a firm, yellow, melting cheese, similar in flavour to cheddar. It is often used in cheese dips and quesadillas, and is a popular choice for cheese quesadillas, beef enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes.

Chihuahua cheese is a great option for those who want a more traditional Mexican cheese experience. It is a good substitute for cheddar cheese in authentic Mexican recipes. With its firm texture and strong flavour, it adds a delicious, cheesy touch to any dish.

When it comes to tacos, while street tacos often don't have any cheese, Chihuahua cheese is an excellent choice for a melty, cheesy topping. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the taco, complementing the other ingredients. The cheese also goes well with other Mexican dishes like enchiladas and quesadillas, adding a touch of authenticity to your meal.

If you're looking for a cheese that will impress your guests at your next taco night, Chihuahua cheese is a great option. Its unique flavour and melting properties make it a versatile ingredient that can elevate your Mexican cuisine. So, if you're looking for a cheese that is similar to cheddar but with a Mexican twist, Chihuahua cheese is the perfect choice.

Asadero: a Mexican melting cheese, also known as 'queso quesadilla'

Asadero, also known as queso quesadilla, is a Mexican melting cheese with a smooth and creamy texture. It is a popular choice for quesadillas and can also be used on pizzas due to its excellent melting properties. Asadero is a key component of Mexican cheese blends, where it contributes to the desired creaminess and meltability. It is often combined with cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso quesadilla to create a well-rounded flavour and texture.

Asadero is a versatile cheese that can elevate various dishes. When shredded, it becomes an ideal topping or garnish for tacos, adding a creamy and salty element to the traditional combination of meat and vegetables in a flour or corn tortilla. Its melting ability makes it perfect for dishes like quesadillas, enchiladas, and even grilled cheese dishes like Queso Flameado.

The cheese is also a popular choice for creating classic cheese dips, often blended with other cheeses or cream to enhance its smooth texture and flavour. Its mild and creamy characteristics make it a versatile ingredient that complements spicy, salty, or beef-based dishes. Asadero's melting quality also makes it a great option for nachos, where it provides excellent coverage and flavour.

Asadero is a must-have ingredient for anyone looking to explore the world of Mexican cuisine. Its versatility, meltability, and creamy texture make it a key component of many Mexican dishes, especially when combined with other cheeses to create a well-balanced blend. The next time you're at the grocery store, be sure to grab some Asadero to elevate your taco nights and experiment with new flavours and textures.

Frequently asked questions