The Versatile Queso Chihuahua: A Mexican Cheese Delight

Queso Chihuahua, also known as Queso Menonita, is a semi-soft Mexican cheese with a mild, buttery taste. It is traditionally made from cow's milk, though some varieties use a combination of cow's and goat's milk. The cheese is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it originated with the arrival of Mennonite communities in the 1920s. Queso Chihuahua is a versatile cheese, commonly used in Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, quesadillas, and chilaquiles, as well as dips like queso fundido. It is also a popular choice for melting over nachos or in casseroles and baked dishes.

Queso Chihuahua's origin and history

Queso Chihuahua, also known as Queso Menonita, originates from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It was first produced by Mennonite communities in Northern Mexico in the 1920s. These communities had travelled from Western Europe via Russia to Western Canada before settling in Chihuahua, Durango, and Guanajuato.

The Mennonites brought their cheesemaking recipes with them, and their new neighbours soon adopted them. The cheese is now made by both Mennonites and non-Mennonites throughout the state and is popular across Mexico.

Queso Chihuahua is a soft, white cheese available in braids, balls, or rounds. It is similar to a mild white Cheddar or Monterey Jack and is good for melting. It is often used in Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, and chilaquiles, as well as dips like queso fundido.

The cheese has a supple texture that melts easily and a buttery flavour with a hint of acidity or sharpness. It has a soft and mouldable texture at room temperature and becomes smooth, stretchy, and flowing when heated.

How to make queso Chihuahua

Queso Chihuahua, also known as Queso Blanco, is a soft white Mexican cheese that is good for melting. It is often used in dips, fondue, and sauces, and is similar to a mild white Cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces of cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 2 cups of shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 2 cups of shredded Chihuahua Cheese
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• 10 oz of Rotel tomatoes (Lime & Cilantro flavour recommended)
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 cup of whole whipping cream

Method:

• In a saucepan, add the cream cheese, Pepper Jack cheese, Queso Chihuahua cheese, sour cream, tomatoes, and seasonings.
• Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it is melted and creamy.
• Add the whole whipping cream and heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
• Allow the dip to sit for 5 minutes to thicken (optional).
• Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Tips:

• If you are short on time, you can buy tortilla chips from the store, or you can make your own stovetop-fried homemade tortilla chips.
• To make the dip thicker, simply wait for about 5 minutes and stir it well as it cools and thickens.
• To reheat the dip, use a low heat setting on the stove.
• To keep the dip low-carb, serve it with cut-up veggies like bell peppers instead of chips.

Enjoy your homemade queso Chihuahua!

How to store queso Chihuahua

Queso Chihuahua, a soft white cheese from Mexico, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in dishes like enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas. To ensure its freshness and longevity, proper storage is essential. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store queso Chihuahua:

Storing Unopened Queso Chihuahua

Queso Chihuahua should be stored in the refrigerator, specifically in the coldest part, such as the bottom shelf or the meat drawer. Keep the cheese in its original packaging, which is typically vacuum-sealed in plastic. This type of packaging helps extend the cheese's shelf life by protecting it from air exposure, moisture, and other contaminants.

Storing Opened Queso Chihuahua

Once the package of queso Chihuahua has been opened, it is crucial to handle the cheese with care to prevent spoilage. Here are the steps to follow:

• Wrap the cheese: After opening, remove the cheese from its original packaging and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This creates a barrier that protects the cheese from air exposure and helps retain moisture.
• Use an airtight container: Alternatively, place the cheese in an airtight container, such as a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. This method also helps maintain optimal moisture levels and prevents the cheese from drying out.
• Store in the refrigerator: Place the wrapped cheese or the airtight container in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Maintaining a consistently cold temperature is crucial for preserving the quality and freshness of the cheese.
• Consume within two weeks: Even with proper storage, opened queso Chihuahua has a limited shelf life. It is recommended to consume the cheese within two weeks of opening to ensure optimal taste and texture.

Handling Mold on Queso Chihuahua

If you notice surface mold on your queso Chihuahua, don't panic. Small amounts of mold can be safely removed without compromising the rest of the cheese. Here's how to handle it:

• Trim the mold: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut away the moldy portion of the cheese. Ensure that you don't cut too deeply into the cheese, as this may spread the mold to unaffected areas.
• Remove moldy portions: After trimming, discard the moldy pieces to prevent cross-contamination.
• Re-wrap and store: Once the mold has been removed, re-wrap the cheese tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container before returning it to the refrigerator.

Freezing Queso Chihuahua

If you have a large quantity of queso Chihuahua or want to extend its shelf life, freezing is an option. Here's how to do it:

• Wrap tightly: Start by wrapping the cheese tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no areas are exposed.
• Use foil or an airtight bag: For added protection, wrap the cheese again in aluminium foil or place it in an airtight zip-top plastic bag. This creates a barrier that helps prevent freezer burn and maintains the cheese's quality.
• Freeze unopened or tightly wrapped cheese: You can freeze queso Chihuahua either in its original unopened packaging or after it has been tightly wrapped as described above.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator: When you're ready to use the frozen cheese, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the texture and moisture content of the cheese.
• Use thawed cheese for cooking or melting: It is recommended to use frozen and thawed queso Chihuahua for cooking or melting rather than eating it at room temperature, as its texture may suffer.

What to serve with queso Chihuahua

Queso Chihuahua, also known as queso menonita in Mexico, is a soft white cheese that is good for melting. It is similar to a mild white Cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Given its meltability, it is a popular choice for dips, such as queso fundido (fondue-style melted cheese), chile con queso, or choriqueso. It can also be used in quesadillas, chilaquiles, or sauces.

Tortilla Chips

A popular choice to serve with queso Chihuahua is tortilla chips. For a simple appetizer, you can serve the cheese melted in a fondue dish with tortilla chips for dipping. You can also cut tortillas into small triangles and fry them in oil to make your own tortilla chips.

Vegetables

If you are looking for a healthier option, you can serve queso Chihuahua with cut-up vegetables such as bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, or green), or crudites.

Spices and Seasonings

Queso Chihuahua can be seasoned in various ways to add extra flavour. You can add spices such as chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder, or fresh ingredients such as jalapenos, chopped tomatoes, or cumin.

Other Cheeses

Queso Chihuahua melts well and is often combined with other cheeses to make a rich and creamy dip. Some cheeses that pair well with queso Chihuahua include pepper jack, cream cheese, and sour cream.

Meat

For a heartier dish, you can add meat to your queso Chihuahua. For example, you could add a type of sausage to your melted cheese dip.

Nutritional information about queso Chihuahua

Queso Chihuahua, also known as queso menonita in Chihuahua and neighbouring states, is a soft white Mexican cheese. It is often sold in braids, balls, or rounds and is good for melting.

A 30-gram slice of Queso Chihuahua contains 112 calories, 8.9 grams of fat, 1.7 grams of carbohydrates, and 6.5 grams of protein.

A 100-gram serving of the cheese contains 19 grams of saturated fat, 105 milligrams of cholesterol, 6 grams of total carbohydrates, 442 milligrams of phosphorus, and 651 milligrams of calcium.

Queso Chihuahua is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and protein. It is also a complete protein source, meaning it provides all the essential amino acids.

The cheese is often used in dishes such as queso fundido (fondue-style melted cheese), choriqueso, quesadillas, chilaquiles, and chili con queso. It can also be used in sauces or dips, such as chile con queso, where it is combined with other cheeses, cream, and spices.

Frequently asked questions