Street Tacos: What Cheeses Melt The Best?

Street tacos are a popular dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients, including different types of meat, vegetables, and cheese. While cheese is not traditionally added to street tacos in Mexico, it is a common ingredient in other parts of the world, especially in Tex-Mex cuisine. Some popular options for cheese on street tacos include Cotija, feta, queso fresco, goat cheese, cheddar, and Mexican blend. These cheeses provide a range of textures and flavours that can complement the other ingredients in the tacos.

Cotija cheese is a popular choice for street tacos

When it comes to street tacos, the cheese is just as important as the other ingredients, like the meat, avocado, and cilantro. Cotija cheese, in particular, adds a nice salty contrast to the other flavours and its crumbly texture makes it easy to sprinkle on top. It's similar to feta cheese in terms of texture and taste, but Cotija has a more pronounced flavour that stands up to the other bold ingredients in street tacos.

If you're making carne asada street tacos, Cotija cheese is an excellent choice. Carne asada is typically made with flank or skirt steak that's been marinated in a mixture of juice, garlic, herbs, and spices, then grilled to perfection. The meat is then sliced thin and served in tortillas with toppings like avocado, onion, cilantro, and of course, Cotija cheese.

The beauty of street tacos is that you can customise them to your liking. While some prefer the traditional route with just steak, cilantro, onion, and lime, others enjoy getting creative with their toppings. In addition to Cotija cheese, you might consider adding some pico de gallo, avocado slices, or even a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavours and make your tacos truly yours.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to take your street tacos to the next level, Cotija is a fantastic option. Its salty, tangy flavour and crumbly texture will complement the other ingredients perfectly, making your tacos even more delicious and enjoyable.

Feta is a good substitute for Cotija

Cotija cheese is a Mexican cow's milk cheese that is often used in Mexican-style recipes like tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. It has a dry, crumbly texture and a salty flavour. However, Cotija cheese can be difficult to find in grocery stores, so a substitute is often needed.

Feta cheese is a good substitute for Cotija cheese. Feta has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavour to Cotija, and is usually easier to find in stores. Feta is typically made with pasteurized goat milk, but in the US, it is often made with cow's milk, making it even more comparable to Cotija. When purchasing feta cheese, check the ingredient list to see what type of milk it is made with. Some feta cheese is packaged in brine to prevent it from drying out, so be aware that this feta may be saltier than Cotija. If using brined feta as a substitute, adjust the rest of the recipe accordingly to account for the extra saltiness.

Feta can be used as a substitute in the same way that Cotija cheese is used. Cotija is often sprinkled on top of dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and elotes, or it can be blended into a dish to add depth and flavour. Feta can be used in the same way, making it an excellent substitute for Cotija cheese.

Queso Fresco is similar to Cotija but has a higher moisture level

Queso fresco is a popular cheese to use on street tacos, especially those with a Mexican blend of ingredients. It is a fresh, mild, and subtly salty cheese with a higher moisture level than its close cousin, Cotija.

Queso fresco is a Mexican cheese that is often compared to feta, and it has a similar texture to Cotija. It is a crumbly, soft, and slightly granular cheese with a mild flavour. This makes it a good choice for those who want a more subtle cheese flavour on their tacos. It is also a very versatile cheese, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet.

Cotija, on the other hand, is a harder, drier cheese with a stronger flavour. It is also a Mexican cheese, and is often used in authentic Mexican dishes. It has a salty, tangy flavour and a dry, crumbly texture. It is a good choice for those who want a more robust cheese flavour on their tacos.

Both cheeses are good options for street tacos, and can be used interchangeably, depending on personal preference. They are similar in texture and appearance, but differ in moisture content and flavour intensity. Queso fresco is a good choice for those who want a milder, more subtle cheese flavour, while Cotija is better suited for those who want a stronger, more robust flavour. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and both cheeses can be used successfully in street taco recipes.

Manchego is a Spanish cheese that can be crumbled and won't overpower the protein

Manchego is a Spanish cheese that can be crumbled without overpowering the protein, making it an excellent choice for street tacos. This semi-hard cheese, crafted from the milk of Manchega sheep in central Spain, boasts a distinctive herringbone rind and a sweet flavour profile. Its texture transforms from ivory-hued and semi-hard to granular and flaky as it matures, developing a stronger flavour with age.

Manchego is a versatile cheese that can enhance the taste of various dishes. While it is commonly enjoyed raw, it also pairs well with savoury and sweet ingredients. For a classic Spanish experience, serve Manchego with bread, jamón, marinated olives, or cured meats like salchichon, lomo, and jamón Serrano. Its complex, tangy, and sweet notes complement sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, hazelnuts, Marcona almonds, and fruits like figs and grapes.

When it comes to tacos, Manchego's sharp flavour and crumbly texture make it a standout choice. Its ability to be crumbled allows for a balanced garnish that enhances the overall taste experience. Street tacos, typically served in corn tortillas, are characterised by their simplicity, featuring ingredients like cilantro, onions, lime, and seasoned meat. The addition of Manchego cheese introduces a new layer of flavour without overwhelming the other components.

Manchego's versatility extends beyond its flavour. While it is not ideal for melting due to the high protein and butterfat content of sheep's milk, it can still be melted to a certain extent using the Semi Curado variety. Manchego is also excellent for grating, adding a savoury touch to dishes like salads and pasta. Its crumbly texture makes it a perfect garnish or topping, ensuring that it won't overpower the other ingredients in your street tacos.

Manchego cheese is a true staple of Spanish cuisine, offering a complex flavour profile and a versatile texture that can elevate any dish. Its ability to be crumbled, combined with its robust yet balanced flavour, makes it an excellent choice for street tacos, ensuring that your protein remains the star of the dish while adding a touch of Spanish flair.

For a classic taste, opt for cheddar or a Mexican blend

While there are many types of cheese that you can use for street tacos, if you're looking for a more classic taste, it's best to opt for cheddar or a Mexican blend.

Cheddar is a popular and versatile cheese that can be found in most grocery stores. It has a sharp, distinct flavour that can add a nice kick to your tacos. It's also a harder cheese, so it grates well and can be easily sprinkled on top of your other ingredients.

On the other hand, a Mexican blend will give your street tacos an authentic, traditional flavour. Mexican blends typically include a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla. This blend of cheeses will give your tacos a creamy, savoury taste that pairs well with the other classic ingredients in street tacos, such as corn or flour tortillas, cilantro, diced onions, lime, and seasoned meat.

Using cheddar or a Mexican blend will also give your street tacos a more familiar, comforting taste compared to some of the other cheese options. This can be especially good if you're making street tacos for kids or those with more selective palates.

So, if you're looking to stick to a more classic, crowd-pleasing flavour for your street tacos, cheddar or a Mexican blend are excellent choices.

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