Cheese And Tortilla Soup: Perfect Pairing Ideas

There are many types of cheese that go well with tortilla soup. For example, a fully-flavoured, melty cheese like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey jack can be used to make a cheesy tortilla soup. Alternatively, a more authentic Mexican cheese can be used. Other toppings that go well with tortilla soup include avocado, tortilla strips, and cilantro.

Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack

These three cheeses are all popular choices to pair with tortilla soup. They each have distinct characteristics that can enhance the flavour of the soup in their own unique way.

Cheddar

A sharp, fully-flavoured cheddar is a good choice for tortilla soup as it will provide a strong flavour without needing to use too much cheese. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be shredded or melted, and it has a sharp, slightly salty taste that can add depth to the soup.

Pepper Jack

Pepper Jack is a spicy, tangy cheese with a hint of pepper. It has a bold flavour that can add a kick to tortilla soup. This cheese is also known for its excellent melting properties, which makes it a good choice for a soup as it will create a creamy, smooth texture.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese with a subtle flavour. It is an excellent melting cheese, which makes it a good choice for adding a creamy texture to the soup without overwhelming the other flavours. It is often used in Mexican dishes, making it a natural pairing with tortilla soup.

Using the Cheeses

When using these cheeses with tortilla soup, they can be shredded or melted and added directly to the soup, or used as a topping. They can also be combined with other ingredients, such as sour cream, Greek yoghurt, or avocado, to create a creamy, indulgent texture and taste.

Sargento® Shredded Authentic Mexican Cheese

Overview

Suggested Uses

This shredded cheese blend is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some suggested uses:

• Enchiladas: Bake it into enchiladas for a creamy, delicious flavour.
• Tacos: Sprinkle it on carne asada tacos for an extra cheesy kick.
• Nachos: Top your nachos with this cheese for an authentic Mexican taste.
• Tortilla Soup: Use it as a garnish for tortilla soup, adding a creamy texture and savoury flavour.
• Quesadillas: Add a melty, creamy taste to your quesadillas with this shredded cheese blend.
• Burritos: Enhance the flavour of your burritos with this smooth and creamy cheese.
• Chilli and Egg Dishes: This cheese adds a wonderful melted taste to chilli and egg-based dishes.

Nutritional Information

The following is the nutritional information for a 1/4 cup (28g) serving of Sargento® Shredded Authentic Mexican Cheese:

• Total Fat: 11% (9g)
• Saturated Fat: 26% (5g)
• Cholesterol: 9% (30mg)
• Sodium: 7% (170mg)
• Total Carbohydrates: 1% (2g)
• Dietary Fiber: 1% (0g)
• Total Sugars: 0g
• Potassium: 15mg

Ingredients

The cheese is made from a blend of natural cheeses with no artificial additives:

• Queso Quesadilla Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes)
• Asadero Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Vegetable Color))
• Queso Gallego Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto (Vegetable Color))
• Manchego Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes)
• Anejo Enchilado Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Paprika (Color), Enzymes)
• Potato Starch and Powdered Cellulose (To Prevent Caking)
• Natamycin (A Natural Mold Inhibitor)

Cream cheese

Additionally, cream cheese is a convenient ingredient that can be prepared in advance and stored for later use. The Cozy Cook recommends softening the cream cheese by heating it in the microwave with a cup of water for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the cream cheese blends seamlessly into the soup, creating a smooth and indulgent texture.

For those who are short on time, cream cheese is a great option as it can be easily incorporated into the soup without requiring lengthy preparation. It is a versatile ingredient that can be added to stove-top, Crock Pot, or slow cooker preparations, as demonstrated by The Cozy Cook's recipe.

In conclusion, cream cheese is a versatile and indulgent ingredient that can elevate the flavour and texture of tortilla soup. It can be used in a variety of ways, customised to the desired spice level, and conveniently prepared in advance, making it a great choice for those seeking a rich and creamy bowl of tortilla soup.

Cheese type and amount

The type and amount of cheese you choose for your tortilla soup can depend on a few factors, such as your personal preference, the availability of ingredients, and the desired level of creaminess or cheesiness. Here are some options to consider:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for tortilla soup as it adds a creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavour. You can use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar, depending on your preference for cheesiness and spice. The amount of cheddar cheese you use can vary, but a good starting point is 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for a standard-sized batch of soup.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is another excellent option for tortilla soup. It has a mild, creamy flavour and melts well, adding a delicious creaminess to the soup. Use shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and consider starting with about 1 cup and adjusting to your taste.

Pepper Jack Cheese

If you want to add a little kick to your tortilla soup, pepper jack cheese is a great choice. It has a similar creaminess to Monterey Jack but with a spicy kick from the added peppers. Again, start with around 1 cup of shredded pepper jack and adjust according to your desired level of spice and cheesiness.

Mexican Cheese

For an authentic Mexican touch, you can use shredded Mexican cheese blends, such as the Sargento® Shredded Authentic Mexican Cheese. This type of cheese blend typically includes a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, and Asadero, providing a delicious, creamy, and slightly spicy flavour. Follow the package instructions for the appropriate amount, or use about 1 to 1.5 cups for a standard batch of soup.

Cream Cheese

For an extra creamy and indulgent tortilla soup, you can add some cream cheese. Use softened cream cheese and add it gradually, stirring until smooth and combined. Start with around 1/3 cup and adjust according to your taste and desired consistency.

When choosing the type and amount of cheese for your tortilla soup, remember that it's essential to add the cheese at the right time. Ensure that the base of your soup is not too hot when adding the cheese to prevent the dairy from separating and affecting the consistency.

Frying tortilla strips

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas (you can use yellow or white corn tortillas)
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil, corn oil, or olive oil)
• Kosher salt (or sea salt)
• Optional: You can add extra seasonings like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, or lime juice powder.

Instructions:

• Cut the corn tortillas into strips. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut them into strips about a quarter of an inch wide. You can stack two or three tortillas together to cut them more easily and evenly.
• Heat the oil in a deep fryer, large skillet, or frying pan. It is recommended to use a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or a similar-sized pan. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. You can test if the oil is hot enough by carefully adding a small drop of water; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• Fry the tortilla strips in batches. Place a couple of handfuls of tortilla strips into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp.
• Remove the tortilla strips from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb any excess oil.
• Sprinkle each batch of tortilla strips with kosher salt while they are still warm. This will enhance the flavour.
• Allow the tortilla strips to cool completely before serving or storing.

Tips:

• Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tortilla strips to ensure they get crispy.
• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can affect the cooking time and the crispiness of the strips.
• Use a slotted metal spoon with a long handle to keep your hand away from the hot oil when removing the strips from the pan.
• Layer the cooked tortilla strips and paper towels on top of each other while cooking to ensure each batch has a fresh layer of paper towel to absorb excess grease.

Storage:

Freshly fried tortilla strips are best enjoyed immediately, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. After that, they may start to taste stale. You can also freeze the tortilla strips for up to a month and take out a handful whenever you need them for a salad or soup topping.

Frequently asked questions