The Cheesy Burrito Suisse: Unraveling The Mystery Melt

A burrito suisse is a type of burrito that features cheese as a key ingredient. While there is no definitive answer on the type of cheese used in a burrito suisse, some popular choices include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Mozerella. These cheeses are known for their melting capabilities and rich flavours, making them ideal for use in burritos. In addition, traditional Swiss cheeses such as Emmental, Gruyère, and Appenzeller, known for their distinct flavours and textures, may also be suitable for a burrito suisse. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and availability, as different cheeses can be used to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions.

Monterey Jack is a common cheese for burritos

When making burritos, it is important to use a cheese that melts well, and Monterey Jack is known for its smooth, gooey consistency when heated. This makes it perfect for dishes like burritos, quesadillas, and tacos, where the cheese needs to blend with the other ingredients and hold everything together. While some cheeses can be dry or crumbly when melted, Monterey Jack retains its creamy texture, making it a popular choice for those who want a rich and indulgent bite.

Monterey Jack is also a versatile cheese that can be mixed with other cheeses to create unique flavour profiles. For example, it pairs well with cheddar, as the sharpness of the cheddar complements the mildness of the Jack cheese. This combination is a favourite for burritos, as it adds a depth of flavour and creates an even creamier texture. However, some people prefer to use Monterey Jack on its own, as its mild flavour makes it a good base for showcasing the other ingredients in a burrito.

In addition to its flavour and texture, Monterey Jack is also widely available, making it a convenient choice for those who want to create authentic Mexican dishes at home. It is often recommended as a substitute for cheeses that may be harder to find, such as queso Chihuahua. This accessibility has helped to make Monterey Jack a go-to cheese for burrito lovers around the world, and it is often the cheese of choice for both home cooks and restaurants serving Mexican cuisine.

Cheddar is a popular choice for its rich and robust flavour

Cheddar is often blended with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, to enhance its flavour and create a unique taste experience. The combination of cheeses adds depth and complexity to the burrito's flavour profile. This blend of cheeses is a favourite among those who enjoy a mix of traditional and non-traditional ingredients in their burritos.

While some may prefer the sharpness of cheddar, others might opt for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack, which is also a popular choice for burritos. Monterey Jack is a good substitute for those who find cheddar too strong or simply want a different flavour. It has a milder, more subtle flavour that can complement the other ingredients in a burrito without overwhelming them.

Additionally, the availability and accessibility of cheddar make it a convenient choice for burrito lovers. It is widely available in most regions, and its popularity means that it is often readily available in grocery stores and markets. This convenience factor further contributes to its popularity among those who enjoy making their own burritos at home.

For those who enjoy the flavour and texture of cheddar but want to explore different options, there are alternative cheeses that can be considered. For example, Oaxaca and queso quesadilla are common choices for burritos, offering a similar melting capability and a distinct flavour. These alternatives can be explored by those who want to experiment with different cheeses while still enjoying the familiar comfort of a burrito.

In conclusion, cheddar is a popular cheese choice for burritos due to its rich and robust flavour, melting properties, and wide availability. Its versatility allows for customisation, blending, and pairing with other ingredients to create a diverse range of burrito options for all taste preferences.

Swiss-type cheeses are also used, including Gruyère

Swiss-type cheeses, also known as Alpine cheeses, are a group of hard or semi-hard cheeses with a distinct character. Their origins lie in the Alps of Europe, specifically the Alps of Switzerland, where cheesemaking dates back to 2500 BC. Swiss-type cheeses are typically "cooked", meaning made using thermophilic lactic fermentation starters, and are also described as "cooked pressed cheeses". They are often melted in cooking, becoming "gooey" and "slick, stretchy and runny".

Gruyère, a Swiss-type cheese, is a popular choice for burritos. It is made from raw cow's milk—a type of milk used in about 99% of Swiss cheeses. The evening milk is skimmed and left overnight to settle, then mixed with the full-fat milk collected the next morning. Over 100 gallons of milk are needed to create a single 80-pound wheel of Gruyère. The wheels are then soaked in saltwater to help the maturation process begin, and kept in the cheesemaker's cellar for three months to establish ageing. The remaining ageing of five to 24 months takes place in special maturing cellars.

The flavours and texture of Gruyère evolve as the wheel matures. Younger versions of six to nine months have a much softer texture and milder flavours, making it a superb melter and the classic choice for French onion soup. Rèserve wheels are matured for more than 10 months and have more intense, savoury flavours which are at their best on a cheese board. Gruyère has a complex personality, pairing well with a wide range of flavours such as fresh cherries, apricots, hazelnuts, wildflower honey, and even wholegrain mustard.

Other Swiss-type cheeses include Emmental, Appenzeller, and many other traditional varieties from Switzerland and neighbouring countries with Alpine regions.

A blend of cheeses can be used to suit individual taste preferences

While there is no standard type of cheese used in a Burrito Suisse, a blend of cheeses can be used to suit individual taste preferences. For instance, a mixture of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack is a popular choice for bean and cheese burritos. This combination can be adjusted to personal preference by altering the ratio of the two cheeses or even using only one kind. For those who prefer a more robust flavour, sharp cheddar is a good option. On the other hand, Monterey Jack is a suitable substitute for the classic Mexican melting cheese, queso Chihuahua, which can be challenging to find depending on where you live.

Creating a blend of cheeses allows for customisation to suit different palates and can be tailored to the other ingredients in the burrito. For instance, cheddar pairs well with rich and robust flavours, while Monterey Jack is a good melting cheese. A blend of cheeses can also be used to add a variety of textures to the burrito, such as creaminess or stretchiness.

When creating a cheese blend, it is essential to consider the flavour profile and melting properties of the cheeses. For example, Swiss-type cheeses, such as Emmental, Gruyère, and Appenzeller, are known for their nutty and buttery flavours and gooey, stretchy texture when melted. In contrast, other cheeses like Oaxaca and queso quesadilla are also common choices for burritos. By understanding the characteristics of different cheeses, individuals can create their own unique blends to suit their taste preferences.

Ultimately, the choice of cheese blend for a Burrito Suisse is a matter of personal preference, and experimentation with different combinations can lead to discovering new favourites.

Chihuahua cheese is a classic Mexican melting cheese

Chihuahua cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavour. It has a creamy, smooth texture that becomes gooey and stretchy when melted, making it perfect for dishes like burritos, quesadillas, and other Mexican dishes. The cheese is typically made from cow's milk and has a fat content of around 40-45%, which contributes to its creamy mouthfeel.

In terms of colour, Chihuahua cheese is usually a pale yellow to white colour, with a semi-soft, supple texture. It is aged for a relatively short period, typically around 1-2 months, which gives it its mild flavour. The cheese is formed into blocks or wheels and then cut into slices or shredded for use in various dishes.

When used in burritos, Chihuahua cheese adds a creamy texture and a subtle tang that complements the other ingredients. It melts easily, creating a cohesive and tasty filling. The cheese also helps to bind the ingredients together, ensuring that the burrito stays intact and doesn't fall apart.

For those who enjoy a more pronounced cheese flavour in their burritos, combining Chihuahua cheese with other varieties such as cheddar or mozzarella can enhance the taste profile. The mildness of Chihuahua cheese makes it a versatile base that can be paired with various cheeses to create unique flavour combinations.

In summary, Chihuahua cheese is a classic Mexican melting cheese that is perfect for burritos due to its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavour. Its melting properties and versatility make it a popular choice for Mexican cuisine, and it can be easily substituted with Monterey Jack cheese if needed.

Frequently asked questions