Randy Chandler
While Mexican cuisine does not traditionally include cheese in tacos, Tex-Mex tacos often include cheese in different ways: as a topping, a melty layer, or as cheese taco shells. Taco Bueno, a Tex-Mex restaurant, may use a variety of cheeses depending on the type of taco being served. For instance, they may use crumbly cheeses like queso fresco, queso añejo, or cotija as toppings. For a melty layer, they may use queso asadero, queso de Oaxaca (or quesillo in Oaxaca), or queso menonita. Finally, for cheese taco shells, they may use cheddar cheese or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
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What You'll Learn
Crumbly vs melty cheese
In Mexican cuisine, cheese is not traditionally used in tacos. However, some Mexican restaurants, especially those serving Tex-Mex cuisine, include cheese in their taco recipes. When it comes to choosing between crumbly and melty cheese for tacos, there are several options to consider.
Crumbly Cheese
Queso fresco, which literally translates to "fresh cheese", is a popular crumbly cheese option for tacos. It is soft, moist, and crumbly, similar to feta or ricotta. Queso fresco is often sold wrapped in a banana leaf or corn husk and can vary in saltiness. Another variety of queso fresco is queso añejo, which is aged and has a harder, drier texture, similar to Parmesan. Cotija cheese is another crumbly cheese option that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a strong salty flavour and is often crumbled over tacos, beans, and salads. Crumbly cheeses are characterised by their low moisture content, which leads to a firmer, denser, and more brittle texture.
Melty Cheese
For a melty cheese option, queso asadero is a popular choice for tacos. It has a mild flavour and is known for its melty consistency when warmed, making it perfect for adding to Mexican cheese blends. Queso de Oaxaca, also known as quesillo, is another melty cheese option with a mild flavour. It resembles a ball of white string cheese and melts easily, making it ideal for stuffing into quesadillas, burritos, or chiles rellenos. When choosing a melty cheese, consider options with higher moisture and fat content, as these factors contribute to a smoother, more spreadable, and meltable texture.
Taco Bueno Tacos
While there is no specific information on the type of cheese used in Taco Bueno tacos, based on the context of crumbly versus melty cheese, some options can be suggested. If Taco Bueno tacos feature a crumbly cheese, they may use options such as queso fresco, queso añejo, or Cotija cheese. On the other hand, if their tacos have a melty cheese, they might use queso asadero, queso de Oaxaca, or even cheddar cheese, which is commonly used in Tex-Mex cuisine.
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Queso fresco
If you cannot find queso fresco at the store, some alternative options include mild feta, Monterey Jack, or ricotta salata. While these cheeses have similar textures and flavours to queso fresco, they may melt when heated, which queso fresco does not.
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Cotija
In terms of substitutes, Monterey Jack and Cheddar have similar consistencies, textures, and tastes to Cotija. However, it is important to note that Cotija's distinct flavour and texture make it a unique ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
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Cheddar cheese
While Mexican cuisine does not traditionally include cheese in tacos, Tex-Mex and American-Mexican restaurants often do. Cheddar cheese is a common variety used in these tacos. It is a sharp, tangy, and melty cheese that can be used as a filling or garnish. Cheddar is often used interchangeably with Monterey Jack cheese, which is commonly used in American-Mexican restaurants due to its low cost and ease of acquisition.
Queso asadero is a Mexican cheese with a mild flavour and a melty consistency when warmed. It is the only authentically Mexican cheese in the blend. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are not used in authentic Mexican cuisine but are common in Tex-Mex recipes.
Other crumbly cheeses such as queso fresco, cotija, and queso blanco are used as toppings or garnishes for tacos. These cheeses are similar to feta or ricotta in texture and can be salty in flavour. Queso fresco is the more common of these varieties, as cotija is usually crumbled rather than shredded.
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Monterey Jack
While traditional Mexican tacos do not typically include cheese, Tex-Mex tacos often include Monterey Jack cheese. Monterey Jack is a common substitute for Mexican cheeses like Cotija, Oaxaca, and Chihuahua, as it has a similar flavour and texture and is cheaper and more readily available in the US. It is a mild, slightly salty cheese that melts quickly, making it ideal for tacos.
In terms of taco preparation, shredded Monterey Jack can be used as a topping or garnish for tacos. It can also be melted into a quesadilla, or used as a filling for chiles rellenos. For a more indulgent taco, it can be melted on a baking sheet and shaped into a taco shell.
While Monterey Jack is a popular choice for tacos in the US, it is not considered authentic Mexican cuisine. Traditional Mexican tacos typically feature toppings like cilantro, raw onion, and salsa, without cheese. However, some Mexican restaurants, especially those serving Tex-Mex cuisine, may include cheese in their tacos.
In summary, while Monterey Jack is not a traditional Mexican cheese, it is a popular and versatile choice for tacos in the US due to its mild flavour, meltability, and similarity to Mexican cheeses like Cotija, Oaxaca, and Chihuahua. Its accessibility and affordability make it a convenient option for creating delicious, cheesy tacos.
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Frequently asked questions
Taco Bueno tacos use a blend of cheeses, including Monterey Jack, Cotija, and Queso Oaxaca.
Queso Oaxaca, also known as quesillo in Oaxaca, is a type of Mexican cheese with a mild flavor and a creamy texture. It is often used in quesadillas, burritos, or chiles rellenos.
Cotija is a strong and salty cheese that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a dry and crumbly texture at room temperature but softens when warmed. On the other hand, Queso Oaxaca is known for its mild flavor and creamy texture, making it ideal for melting and stuffing into dishes like quesadillas and burritos.
