Cheese And Beans: The Perfect Pairing For Your Palate

Refried beans are a popular Mexican side dish, often served with tortilla chips, tacos, or burritos. They are made by mashing and frying cooked beans, usually pinto or black beans, with a fat such as lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil. The addition of cheese is a common way to enhance the flavour of refried beans, with popular options including Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso fresco, and cotija.

Monterey Jack, cheddar, or cheddar jack cheese blends

When choosing a cheese to pair with refried beans, you can't go wrong with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a cheddar jack blend. These cheeses melt beautifully over refried beans, adding a creamy texture and savoury flavour that complements the beans perfectly.

If you're looking for a mild, slightly tangy cheese that will enhance the flavour of your refried beans without overwhelming them, Monterey Jack is an excellent choice. It has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour with just a hint of tanginess, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.

On the other hand, cheddar cheese offers a slightly sharper, more pronounced flavour. Its nutty, salty taste can add depth and complexity to your refried beans, taking them to the next level. Cheddar also has a firm texture that melts beautifully, making it ideal for creating a gooey, decadent topping.

For the best of both worlds, consider using a cheddar jack blend. This combination offers the perfect balance of mild and sharp flavours, creating a well-rounded, dynamic taste experience. The blend also melts smoothly, ensuring your refried beans are covered in a luscious, creamy layer of cheese.

When choosing between these options, consider your personal preference for cheese strength, as well as the other flavours in your meal. If you're serving spicy dishes or strong-flavoured meats, a milder cheese like Monterey Jack might be preferable to avoid overwhelming the palate. However, if your refried beans are part of a more subtle dish, a sharp cheddar could be the perfect way to add a punch of flavour.

No matter which cheese you choose, be sure to grate it finely for even melting and distribution. You can also mix the cheese with other toppings, such as sour cream, hot sauce, or cilantro, to create a decadent, flavourful dish that will impress your guests.

Cotija or queso fresco

Cotija and queso fresco are both Mexican cheeses that can be used to top off refried beans. They are similar in that they are both salty, crumbly, and white cheeses. However, there are some differences between the two.

Queso fresco, which translates to "fresh cheese", is typically made from raw cow's milk, although some varieties may also include goat's milk. It is a semi-soft or soft cheese with a mild taste that is not usually aged. It has a soft, moist texture similar to low-moisture crumbly mozzarella and will soften and slightly brown when heated, but it will not melt. Its mild flavour makes it a perfect complement to the spicier elements of Mexican cuisine.

Cotija, on the other hand, is an aged cheese that is typically made from cow's milk. It has a dry, crumbly texture and a salty, sharp, and tangy flavour. The longer it is aged, the saltier it becomes. Cotija is often referred to as Mexico's parmesan due to its similar texture and salty flavour, although it is saltier than Italian parmesan.

When choosing between Cotija and queso fresco for refried beans, consider the desired taste and texture. If you prefer a milder flavour and softer texture, queso fresco is a better option. If you want a saltier and firmer cheese, Cotija is the way to go. Both cheeses can be used as toppings for refried beans and will add a delicious savoury element to the dish.

Lard or bacon grease

When it comes to making refried beans, the addition of fat is essential to achieving that authentic taste and texture. While some recipes call for vegetable oils or butter, lard or bacon grease are the preferred choices for a more traditional flavour. But which one should you choose? Let's take a closer look at the advantages of each.

Lard

Lard, or pork fat, is a traditional ingredient in Mexican cooking and is key to making truly restaurant-quality refried beans. It adds a depth of flavour that is difficult to replicate with other fats. When using lard, look for fresh pork lard at Mexican or Latin markets, as the packaged lard found in supermarkets often contains processed chemicals and lacks the desired flavour. If you can't find fresh pork lard, you can make your own by rendering pork fat trimmings in the oven. This homemade lard will keep for up to a year in the fridge or up to three years in the freezer!

Bacon Grease

Bacon grease, or bacon fat, is another popular choice for adding flavour to refried beans. It imparts a salty, savoury taste that takes the dish to the next level. Many people prefer to use bacon grease because it is readily available in their kitchens, especially if they cook bacon frequently. However, it is important to note that bacon grease has a more pronounced flavour than lard, and it can make the beans taste too much like bacon. If you are looking for a more classic refried bean taste, lard might be a better option.

So, which should you choose? If you are aiming for the most authentic flavour and texture, lard is the way to go. It is the traditional fat used in Mexican cooking and will give your refried beans that restaurant-quality taste. However, if you are looking for a convenient option and don't mind a stronger bacon flavour, bacon grease is a tasty alternative. Ultimately, both lard and bacon grease will elevate your refried beans, making them rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

Sour cream

To make refried beans with sour cream, simply add a dollop of sour cream to your heated refried beans and stir through until well combined. You can also add cheese, hot sauce, and bacon fat to taste. For a more substantial meal, you can use the refried beans as a filling for burritos and tacos or as a dip with tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz can of refried beans
• 2 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1/2 tablespoon of bacon fat

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Melt the bacon fat in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add the canned refried beans and stir until heated through.
• Mix in the sour cream and stir to combine.
• Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
• Bake for about 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
• Serve and enjoy!

Spices and seasonings

Firstly, the type of bean used can make a difference. Dried pinto beans are considered the traditional choice for refried beans, but red kidney or black beans can also be used. The beans are boiled and simmered for several hours, and it is important to keep adding water to ensure they do not burn.

Once the beans are soft, they are removed from the heat and seasoned. Suggested seasonings include cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Chili powder is also recommended, along with freshly ground black pepper. These seasonings are stirred into the beans until fully incorporated.

For an extra kick, adding hot sauce or diced jalapeños can enhance the spice level of the dish. Sour cream is also a popular addition, providing a slight tang and a smooth, creamy texture. Butter can be added for extra fat content, and onion can be cooked and stirred into the beans for added flavour.

Finally, the choice of cheese is key. Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of the two are popular options for a melty cheese topping. For a more authentic flavour, queso fresco or cotija cheese can be crumbled on top.

Frequently asked questions