Cheese And Beans: Melty Toppings For Mexican Refried Beans

There are many types of cheese that can be melted on top of Mexican refried beans. Some of the most popular options include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Cotija, and Mexican Blend cheese. For a more authentic Mexican experience, you could try using Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese. These cheeses are known for their melting abilities and are commonly used in traditional Mexican dishes such as molletes, an open-faced sandwich made with refried beans.

Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mexican Blend Cheese

When it comes to choosing the perfect cheese to melt on top of Mexican refried beans, there are several options that can take this dish to the next level. Here are some detailed explanations and instructions on how to use Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or Mexican Blend Cheese to make your refried beans even more delicious.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice for Mexican dishes, including refried beans. It is a semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and a mild flavour that pairs well with the beans. When melted, it becomes gooey and adds a satisfying, creamy texture to the dish.

To use Monterey Jack cheese with your refried beans, follow these steps:

• Preheat your oven to 350-400°F.
• In a bowl, blend together your refried beans and sour cream. You can also add hot sauce to taste for an extra kick.
• Pour the mixture into a small loaf pan or pie plate and smooth the top.
• Generously sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
• Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the beans are warmed through.
• Serve as a dip with tortilla chips or as a side dish with tacos, burritos, fajitas, or any other Mexican meal.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is another excellent option for melting on top of refried beans. It has a slightly sharper flavour than Monterey Jack and can add a nice tanginess to the dish. Cheddar also melts well, creating a creamy and gooey texture.

To use Cheddar cheese with your refried beans:

• Follow the same steps as above for preparing the refried beans and sour cream mixture.
• Instead of Monterey Jack, sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and enjoy your delicious refried beans!

Mexican Blend Cheese

If you want to get creative, you can also use a Mexican blend of cheeses. This can include a variety of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Fresco, Cotija, or even Chihuahua cheese. Using a blend of cheeses adds depth of flavour and a unique twist to your refried beans.

To use Mexican blend cheese:

• Prepare your refried beans and sour cream mixture as instructed above.
• Sprinkle your desired amount of Mexican blend cheese on top.
• Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve your refried beans with your favourite Mexican meal or as a dip!

Remember, the amount of cheese you use is up to your preference. You can add a little or a lot—after all, who doesn't love cheese? Enjoy experimenting with these cheesy additions to your refried beans!

Chihuahua or Oaxaca Cheese

Chihuahua cheese, also known as queso menonita, originates from the Mennonite communities of the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is a firm, light yellow, aged cheese with a strong flavour comparable to sharp American Cheddar. Chihuahua cheese is easy to melt and is often used to make queso fundido, a popular Mexican dish of melted cheese served with chips or other dippers.

Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, is a type of string cheese named after the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is creamy white and moderately soft, with an unusual appearance due to its production process: upon curdling, many strings are formed, which are then wound into a ball. Oaxaca cheese is a good choice for dishes where melted, but not runny, cheese is desired. It is commonly used in quesadillas, stuffed chillies, and other melted cheese dishes.

Both Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheese are excellent options for melting on top of refried beans, adding a delicious, authentic Mexican touch to this popular dish.

Cotija or Queso Fresco

Cotija and queso fresco are two of the most common Mexican cheeses, often used in Mexican dishes and frequently compared to one another. Both are crumbly, white cheeses with distinctive characters and are used to add a creamy element to food. However, they have some differences.

Queso fresco is a soft, fresh cheese made from either cow's milk or a combination of cow and goat milk. Its flavour is mild and milky, with a slight tanginess, and it has a moist, elastic quality that means it can still be crumbled. It is usually aged for a few days at most and has a mild flavour, so it won't overpower a dish. It is often used as a topping for enchiladas, tacos and salads, or as a garnish for dishes like huevos rancheros and guacamole.

Cotija is a hard, crumbly cheese made from cow's milk, named after the town of Cotija in Mexico. It is aged for months, which makes it salty and tangy, and gives it a drier texture than queso fresco. It is similar to Parmesan in texture and is usually grated. Cotija is often used as a topping for dishes like elotes (Mexican grilled corn), tostadas, enchiladas, tacos, migas, salads, chilli, soup or stew.

Both cheeses can be used interchangeably, although cotija is easier to find in stores. However, cotija is saltier than queso fresco, so less may be needed to avoid overpowering the flavour of the dish.

Cream Cheese or Ricotta

For a creamier texture, a layer of cream cheese or ricotta is spread on the bread before adding the beans and toppings. The beans are then generously topped with melted cheese, usually Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese, but Monterey Jack or Cheddar can also be used. The dish is often garnished with fresh pico de gallo or other toppings such as jalapeños, chorizo, or avocado slices.

Ingredients:

• 3 Bolillo rolls or mini baguettes, sliced lengthwise
• 3 Tbsp room-temperature Butter
• 1 16oz Refried beans
• 1 clove minced Garlic
• ¼ Cup Chicken broth
• Toppings of your choice (see below for suggestions)

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Slice the rolls lengthwise and spread butter on the cut side.
• Place the rolls on a baking tray and bake until crisp and golden brown around the edges.
• Spread a layer of cream cheese or ricotta on the bread.
• Add about 2 tablespoons of beans on top of the cheese.
• Sprinkle with shredded cheese of your choice (Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Monterey Jack, or Cheddar).
• Bake for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted.
• Serve with pico de gallo or other toppings.

Some possible toppings for Molletes include:

• Pico de gallo
• Jalapeños
• Chorizo
• Avocado slices
• Fried or scrambled eggs
• Shredded chicken or thinly sliced grilled steak
• Crumbled crispy bacon
• Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, roasted peppers, or grilled vegetables

Spicy or Smoky

If you're looking to add some heat to your refried beans, there are a few options to explore. You can add chilli pepper flakes while cooking, or sauté diced jalapeño peppers with the onion. If you're looking for a milder kick, you can add less hot sauce or try smoky flavours like chipotle. Diced green, yellow, or red onions can also be added to the refried beans for extra flavour and spice.

For a smokier flavour, you can experiment with different types of cheese. While Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mexican blends are commonly used, you could try something like crumbled cotija or queso fresco for a fresher, saltier finish. Alternatively, you can use authentic Mexican cheeses like queso Oaxaca or queso Chihuahua, which melt beautifully and offer a unique flavour. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try using mozzarella, as suggested by a Reddit user.

To enhance the smokiness of your refried beans, you can also try adding bacon. Crumbled crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavour that complements the cheese and beans. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can explore using vegetable broth instead of bacon fat or broth made from soaked beans.

Frequently asked questions