Patrick Oconnell
Chile has four major kinds of cheese: queso mantecoso or Chanco, a buttery cheese; queso fresco or quesillo, a farmer's cheese; queso de cabra, a goat milk cheese; and “gauda”, an industrial cheese that usually comes sliced. In Tex-Mex cuisine, it is customary to eat chilli with a handful of grated cheese thrown on top. This cheese is usually mozzarella, but can also be Jack, pepper jack, Chihuahua, or cheddar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Chile |
| Types of cheese | Queso mantecoso or Chanco (buttery cheese), queso fresco or quesillo (farmer's cheese), queso de cabra (goat's cheese), "gauda" (industrial cheese) |
| Tex-Mex custom | Chilli is eaten with a handful of grated cheese on top |
| Tex-Mex cheese types | Mozzarella, Jack, pepper jack, Chihuahua, cheddar |
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What You'll Learn
- Mozzarella is a popular choice for chilli con carne
- Chile has four major kinds of cheese: queso mantecoso or Chanco, queso fresco or quesillo, queso de cabra, and gauda
- Tex-Mex chilli is often served with grated cheese on top
- Chiles rellenos are Mexican-style cheese-stuffed chiles
- Cheddar, pepper jack, and Chihuahua cheese are also used in chiles rellenos
Mozzarella is a popular choice for chilli con carne
Other types of cheese can also be used in chilli con carne, depending on your personal preference. For example, cheddar cheese is a common choice as it has a sharper flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients in the dish. Pepper jack, Chihuahua, and Monterey Jack cheese are also good options, as they have a slightly spicy flavour that complements the chilli.
Ultimately, the best cheese for chilli con carne is the one that you enjoy the most. Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite, or mix and match to create a unique flavour profile.
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Chile has four major kinds of cheese: queso mantecoso or Chanco, queso fresco or quesillo, queso de cabra, and gauda
In terms of what kind of cheese goes on top of chile, this depends on the type of chile. For example, chiles rellenos are Mexican-style cheese-stuffed chiles that are traditionally served with just a bit of salsa on top, with the cheese all inside. However, at Cal-Mex and Tex-Mex restaurants, they are served smothered in sauce and a ton of bright orange shredded cheese. For chilli, it is Tex-Mex custom to throw a handful of grated cheese on top. This is usually mozzarella, which is stirred into the chilli in the pan just long enough to melt into the meat.
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Tex-Mex chilli is often served with grated cheese on top
If you want to make a more substantial meal, you could put some baking potatoes into the oven to provide a vessel for the cheesy chilli. This will also make the chilli go further. However, tortilla chips or a loaf of freshly sliced bread for dunking are also good options.
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Chiles rellenos are Mexican-style cheese-stuffed chiles
When it comes to the type of cheese, there are a few options. Some recipes call for grated Jack, pepper jack, Chihuahua, or cheddar cheese. These cheeses are often used in a ratio of 10 ounces (285 g) for a regular serving and 16 ounces (450 g) for a smothered version.
Another option is to use mozzarella cheese. This involves chopping or tearing the mozzarella and stirring it into the chilli in the pan, allowing it to melt into the meat. This method is a quicker alternative to the traditional way of serving chilli with a handful of grated cheese thrown on top.
Regardless of the type of cheese used, chiles rellenos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are also one of the fried foods that hold up the best to a reheat, making them a convenient option for leftovers.
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Cheddar, pepper jack, and Chihuahua cheese are also used in chiles rellenos
Chiles rellenos are Mexican-style cheese-stuffed chiles. They are often smothered in sauce and bright orange shredded cheese. Cheddar, pepper jack, and Chihuahua cheese are also used in chiles rellenos. In fact, Tex-Mex custom decrees that chilli be eaten with a handful of grated cheese thrown on top. This can be mozzarella, which is stirred into the chilli in the pan to melt into the meat.
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Frequently asked questions
Queso mantecoso or Chanco, queso fresco or quesillo, queso de cabra, and “gauda”.
Grated cheese is thrown on top of chilli, usually mozzarella.
Jack, pepper jack, Chihuahua, or cheddar cheese.
A bit of salsa on top, with the cheese all inside.
