Patrick Oconnell
Tamales are a delicious Mexican dish, but what kind of cheese should you use to make them? There are many options, from Monterey Jack to Pepper Jack, Chihuahua, Oaxaca, or even a combination of velveeta and cream cheese. Some people also recommend Kraft Singles or queso fresco and manchego. So, which cheese is the best choice for your tamales? Let's take a look at the options and find out!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional | Chihuahua or Oaxaca |
| Other options | Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Cream Cheese, Kraft Singles, Manchego, Velveeta |
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What You'll Learn
Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
Tamales are a delicious Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of different cheeses. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese are two great options that will add a lot of flavour to your tamales. These cheeses are particularly good at melting, which is important for achieving the right texture in your tamales.
Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It is a good melting cheese, which makes it ideal for tamales. Pepper Jack is a variation of Monterey Jack that has been spiced up with peppers, giving it a slightly hotter flavour. This can be a great way to add some extra spice to your tamales.
If you want to go for a more traditional option, you could try using Chihuahua or Oaxaca cheese. These are both popular choices for tamales and have a great melting texture. Oaxaca cheese, in particular, is known for its stringy, melty texture, which makes it perfect for cheese tamales.
Ultimately, the best cheese to use in your tamales will depend on your personal preference. If you like a milder flavour, Monterey Jack or Chihuahua cheese might be the best option. But if you prefer something with a bit more spice, Pepper Jack or Oaxaca cheese could be the way to go.
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Chihuahua cheese
If you are making tamales with Chihuahua cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you buy a good-quality cheese. This will ensure that your tamales have the best flavour and texture. Second, be careful not to overcook the cheese. It should be melted but still stringy, so take care not to let it get too hot or it may become rubbery. Finally, consider pairing Chihuahua cheese with other traditional tamale ingredients, such as roasted poblanos or grilled green chile.
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Oaxaca cheese
When using Oaxaca cheese in tamales, it's important to shred it finely so that it melts evenly and creates a creamy texture. You can also mix it with other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, to add more flavour and create a unique blend.
To prepare the tamales, start by roasting poblano peppers directly over the flame of a gas stove, grill, or under a hot broiler. Turn them occasionally until the skin is completely charred and blackened all over. This will add a mild smoky flavour to the peppers. Then, fill your tamales with the roasted poblanos and shredded Oaxaca cheese. You can also add other ingredients, such as grilled onions or mushrooms, to create a more complex flavour profile.
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$1.48
Cream cheese
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, including cheese. When it comes to choosing a cheese for tamales, there are several options available, and one of them is cream cheese.
When using cream cheese in tamales, it is important to consider its texture. Cream cheese is softer than some other cheeses, so it may be helpful to mix it with other ingredients to create a more stable filling. For example, you could combine cream cheese with velveeta, as suggested by a Reddit user, to create a creamy and flavourful filling that holds its shape.
Additionally, cream cheese is a good option for those who prefer a milder cheese flavour in their tamales. It can be used as a base to showcase other ingredients, such as grilled vegetables or spices, without overwhelming their flavours.
Overall, cream cheese is a versatile and tasty option for tamales. It can be combined with other cheeses or ingredients to create a unique and delicious filling that complements the traditional flavours and textures of this Mexican dish.
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Kraft Singles
There are various other cheeses that work well in tamales. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack are popular choices as they add a great flavour to each bite. If you want to go for a more traditional option, you could use Chihuahua or Oaxaca cheese. Manchego is also a good option for Mexican food.
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Frequently asked questions
Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Chihuahua, and Oaxaca cheese are all popular choices.
Chihuahua and Oaxaca cheese are more traditional options.
Tamales de elote are a type of tamale filled with cream cheese and poblanos.
