Kamil Perry
Soft cheese tacos are a beloved Tex-Mex dish found primarily in the North Texas area. They are made with corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and smothered in creamy chile con queso. While Mexican tacos traditionally do not feature cheese, Tex-Mex tacos often include it in various forms. Some popular types of cheese used in soft cheese tacos include Cotija, Queso Oaxaca, and Chihuahua. These cheeses offer different textures and flavors, from salty and crumbly to creamy and mild, adding a delicious twist to the traditional taco.
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What You'll Learn
- Soft cheese tacos are a Tex-Mex dish from North Texas
- Queso fresco is a soft, moist, crumbly cheese, perfect for sprinkling over tacos
- Cotija is a salty, crumbly cheese, often used in Tex-Mex cuisine
- Melty layer: place cheese on a tortilla as it grills, then add meat and veggies
- Cheesy taco shells: melt cheddar on a baking sheet, then shape into a taco shell
Soft cheese tacos are a Tex-Mex dish from North Texas
Tex-Mex cuisine is known for its heavy use of shredded cheese, beans, meat, chili peppers, and spices, as well as flour tortillas. While traditional Mexican tacos typically feature cilantro, raw onion, and salsa toppings, Tex-Mex tacos often include cheese. Soft cheese tacos, in particular, are a popular dish in North Texas and are said to be a comfort food.
In terms of the best cheese for soft cheese tacos, there are several options to consider. Queso fresco, a soft and crumbly whole milk cheese, is a popular choice for sprinkling over tacos. Another option is crema, a naturally thickened cream that adds a rich and tangy flavour. For a melty cheese option, queso de Oaxaca is a good choice as it has a mild flavour and melts easily.
When it comes to restaurants that serve the best soft cheese tacos, there are a few establishments in Texas and Oklahoma that are known for their delicious offerings. El Charrito in Oklahoma City (OKC) and El Fenix in the Crossroads Mall in OKC are two examples. In Texas, a food truck in East Austin called Veracruz All Natural is known for its breakfast tacos, which often include cheese.
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Queso fresco is a soft, moist, crumbly cheese, perfect for sprinkling over tacos
Queso fresco is a soft, moist, and crumbly Mexican cheese, perfect for sprinkling over tacos. It is a mild, fresh, and slightly tangy whole milk cheese, often sold wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk. In the United States, you'll typically find pasteurized versions of this cheese in grocery stores. It is traditionally made with raw cow's milk or a combination of cow and goat milk, which gives it a slightly salty and tangy taste. This makes it very similar to farmer's cheese.
Queso fresco is a great choice for those who are health-conscious, as it is not a very salty cheese. Its mild flavour and freshness make it a perfect topping for tacos, to balance out the strong flavours of spicy Mexican dishes. It can also be used as a stuffing or filling, as it does not melt very well. However, it does brown to a nice golden colour, making it great to use as a topping. It can be crumbled on top of tacos, or stuffed inside warm tortillas as a snack.
Queso fresco is often used in Mexican kitchens, and is a popular topping for tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and tostadas. It is also used as a filling for tamales, quesadillas, and chilaquiles. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, and is a great choice for those who enjoy a mild, fresh cheese.
Other popular cheeses for tacos include queso añejo, cotija, queso de Oaxaca, crema, and Chihuahua cheese. These cheeses vary in texture and flavour, offering different options for those who enjoy cheese on their tacos.
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Cotija is a salty, crumbly cheese, often used in Tex-Mex cuisine
While traditional Mexican cuisine may use white cheeses like Oaxaca, Queso Fresco, or Cotija, Tex-Mex cuisine often features yellow cheeses and Monterey Jack. Tex-Mex is known for its spicy and mild flavours, incorporating spices like chilli powder and cumin. The hard-shell taco, a staple of Tex-Mex, is often filled with meat and veggies and topped with cheese. The soft-shell taco, on the other hand, is more common in traditional Mexican cuisine.
Cotija cheese is a popular choice for adding a salty, tangy flavour to dishes. Its crumbly texture makes it easy to sprinkle or crumble over various dishes. In Tex-Mex cuisine, it is often used as a topping or garnish, adding a distinct flavour to tacos, enchiladas, and other dishes. The cheese's dryness also complements saucy layers without dissolving, making it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.
When choosing cheese for tacos, there are several options to consider. Queso fresco, a soft and moist Mexican cheese, can be crumbled over tacos and other snacks. Queso Oaxaca, a mild and creamy cheese, is ideal for stuffing or garnishing tacos. Crema, a thickened cream similar to sour cream, adds a rich and tangy flavour. Chihuahua cheese, also known as queso menonita, is another option for tacos and other dishes.
While Cotija cheese is a popular choice for Tex-Mex cuisine, it may not be easily available in all markets. However, if you can find it, it can be a tasty addition to your dishes, adding a salty and tangy flavour that complements the spices and sauces commonly used in Tex-Mex cuisine.
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Melty layer: place cheese on a tortilla as it grills, then add meat and veggies
To make soft cheese tacos with a melty layer, you'll need to gather the right ingredients and follow a few simple steps. Here's a guide to help you create delicious, cheesy soft tacos:
Ingredients
For soft cheese tacos with a melty layer, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Soft flour tortillas
- Cheese: Mild cheeses that melt easily are best, such as Queso Asadero, Queso Oaxaca, or Queso Menonita. You can also use shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella.
- Meat of your choice: This can include options like ground beef, chicken, or tofu "meat".
- Veggies of your choice: Popular options include raw onion, salsa, cilantro, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, or mushrooms.
- Other toppings or fillings: You can add refried beans, black beans, crumbled chorizo, sour cream, or any other fillings you prefer.
Instructions:
Now, let's get into the steps to create your soft cheese tacos with a melty layer:
- Heat a skillet: Use a non-stick skillet and heat it over medium heat. You can lightly spray the skillet with cooking spray or use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.
- Prepare the tortilla: Place a soft flour tortilla in the heated skillet.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle your chosen shredded cheese or mild melting cheese over the tortilla. You can also let some cheese fall over the sides for crispy cheese edges.
- Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet to help the cheese melt faster. You can also use a lid to speed up the melting process.
- Add meat and veggies: Once the cheese is fully melted, it's time to add your chosen meat and veggies. Place them on top of the melted cheese.
- Fold the taco: Using a spatula, gently fold the tortilla in half, creating a crispy, cheesy treat.
- Serve: You can serve your soft cheese taco as is, or add some toppings like salsa, sour cream, avocado slices, or a chipotle dipping sauce. Enjoy your cheesy creation!
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, meats, veggies, and toppings to find your favourite combinations. Enjoy the cheesy, melty goodness of your soft cheese tacos!
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Cheesy taco shells: melt cheddar on a baking sheet, then shape into a taco shell
Cheesy taco shells: a fun, tasty twist on a classic
Cheese taco shells are a fun and tasty twist on the traditional taco, delivering a delightful crunch and a rich, savoury flavour. They are also keto-friendly and gluten-free.
How to make them
You will need:
- A baking sheet
- Foil or parchment paper
- Non-stick spray (if using foil)
- A spatula
- A wooden spoon or dowel
- Two jars, glasses, or cans of equal height (at least 4 inches high)
- A preheated oven at 350°F
- Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 ounce or two tablespoons per shell)
Method:
First, line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. If using foil, spray it with non-stick spray. Then, pile your cheese into small mounds of about 1/2 ounce or two tablespoons each. You can make about six mounds per baking sheet.
Next, pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, turning the sheet occasionally so the cheese melts evenly. You will know the cheese is ready when the edges start to brown and the bubbles solidify.
Now, work quickly! While the cheese is still flexible, shape it into taco shells. You can do this by draping the cheese over a wooden spoon or dowel, or placing it into a muffin tin. Allow the shells to cool and harden.
Finally, fill your shells with your favourite toppings and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Soft cheese tacos are a beloved Tex-Mex dish found primarily in North Texas. They are rolled corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and smothered in creamy chile con queso.
There are several types of cheese that are great for soft cheese tacos. These include:
- Cotija: a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that resembles Parmesan.
- Oaxaca: a creamy, mildly-flavoured cheese that melts easily.
- Chihuahua: a classic melting cheese, also known as queso menonita.
- Asadero: a mild melting cheese, similar to Oaxaca.
Soft cheese tacos are traditionally topped with chile con queso, which is a creamy sauce with a dairy base and jalapeños. Other toppings include salsa, cilantro, and raw onion.
Soft cheese tacos are a speciality of North Texas, so they may be hard to find outside of this region. However, you can find them at some Tex-Mex restaurants or make them at home.
