Andy Montoya
Asadero cheese is a soft, mild, and creamy Mexican cheese that is often used in cooking and baking. It is made from goat and cow's milk and is known for its melting properties. Asadero cheese originates from the state of Sinaloa in Northwest Mexico, and some areas of Texas. It is also produced in the northern state of Chihuahua, Mexico. While Asadero cheese can be difficult to find outside of Mexico, it may be available in some specialty cheese shops or Mexican grocery stores, particularly in the southern United States. Additionally, some online retailers, such as Cheesemakers, offer authentic Asadero cheese for purchase. For those willing to try, making Asadero cheese at home is also an option, as it can be made using common kitchen tools and specialty ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Chihuahua, Sinaloa, Durango in Mexico, and some areas of Texas |
| Type | Semi-soft, creamy, mild, melting cheese |
| Texture | Smooth, stringy, soft, elastic |
| Substitutes | Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack |
| Buy | Cheesemakers |
| Make at home | Yes, with full-fat milk, non-chlorinated water, rennet salt, a thermometer, a double boiler, a colander, and cheesecloth |
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What You'll Learn
Making it at home
Asadero cheese is a soft, white, flat Mexican cheese made from goat and cow's milk. It is a mild cheese that melts well and is often eaten with bread or tortillas.
To make Asadero cheese at home, you will need the following specialty ingredients and cheese-making tools:
- 1 gallon of full-fat milk (preferably unpasteurized)
- Non-chlorinated water
- 3/4 cup rennet salt (to make brine)
- An accurate instant-read thermometer
- A large double boiler
- A colander
- Cheesecloth
First, you will need to pasteurize your milk if it is not already. Store-bought milk is usually ultra-pasteurized, which is not ideal for cheese-making. To pasteurize milk at home, heat it to a high temperature (around 161-165°F or 72-74°C) for about 15 seconds, then cool it down quickly by placing the container in an ice bath.
Next, mix the milk with a solution of non-chlorinated water and rennet. Traditionally, poisonous silverleaf nightshade berries were used instead of rennet, but this is not recommended due to safety concerns. The mixture is then boiled for about 30 minutes.
After boiling, churn the mixture and cook it again. While it is still hot, flatten it into flat, round shapes. This step gives Asadero cheese its distinctive shape and texture.
Finally, allow the cheese to cool and enjoy! Asadero cheese is a delicious addition to Mexican dishes and can be melted on bread or tortillas.
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Buying from specialist cheesemakers
Asadero cheese is a semi-soft, mild, and creamy cheese with a string-like texture. It is a versatile cheese that is known for its ease of melting and can be used in quesadillas, nachos, hamburgers, enchiladas, and sandwiches. It is also a great topping for salads, tacos, and desserts. This cheese is typically made in Northern Mexico, particularly in the state of Sinaloa and some areas of Texas, and can be hard to find in other parts of the world.
If you're looking for authentic Asadero cheese made by specialist cheesemakers, there are a few options to consider. One option is to visit a Mexican supermarket or specialty food store in your area. These stores are more likely to carry authentic Mexican cheeses like Asadero. You can also try larger American supermarkets, as some of them may carry Asadero cheese, especially if they have a well-stocked international or specialty cheese section.
Another option is to look for online specialty cheese shops or websites that offer a wide variety of cheeses from different regions. These websites often have a selection of Mexican cheeses, including Asadero. Look for websites that specialize in Mexican or Latin American foods, as they are more likely to carry this type of cheese.
When buying from a specialist cheesemaker, it is important to consider the quality and authenticity of the cheese. Look for cheesemakers who follow traditional practices and use high-quality, authentic ingredients. Some specialist cheesemakers may even offer samples or allow you to purchase smaller quantities to try before buying in larger amounts.
Additionally, take into account the storage and shelf life of Asadero cheese. This type of cheese is typically stored at a temperature of around 36°F (with a range of 34°F to 40°F) and has a shelf life of about 90 days from packaging. When buying from a specialist cheesemaker, ensure that the cheese has been stored and transported properly to maintain its quality and freshness.
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Finding it in the southern US
Asadero is a popular Mexican cheese with a semi-soft, mild, and creamy texture, made from cow's milk. It is produced in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua and the southern territories of Mexico, such as Oaxaca. Asadero is a versatile cheese, renowned for its excellent melting properties, and is widely used in Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, nachos, tacos, and fondue.
Finding Asadero Cheese in the Southern United States:
Asadero cheese is more commonly found in the southern United States due to its proximity to Mexico, where it is produced. In states such as Texas, you may be able to find Asadero cheese in specialty cheese shops or Mexican grocery stores. These stores often cater to the large Mexican and Latin American communities in the region, so they are more likely to stock authentic Mexican cheeses like Asadero. Look for stores that specialize in imported or international foods, as they may have a wider selection of Mexican cheeses.
Additionally, some online retailers and cheese subscription services based in the southern US may offer Asadero cheese. These services often source their products from local cheesemakers or small-batch artisans, so you can support local businesses while enjoying this delicious cheese. Check their websites or social media pages for availability and ordering options.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try making your own Asadero cheese at home. The process is not too difficult, and you can find recipes and tutorials online. You will need a few specialty ingredients and tools, such as cheesecloth, a strainer, a thermometer, and, most importantly, the necessary dairy products. With some time and patience, you can create your own fresh Asadero cheese to use in your favorite recipes.
Lastly, when purchasing Asadero cheese, always check the packaging or labels for storage instructions. Asadero should be kept refrigerated below 40°F to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. When opened, wrap any leftovers in cling film or wax paper and store them in a sealed container to avoid cross-contamination. If you plan to store it for an extended period, freezing grated or sliced Asadero can prolong its shelf life, but always defrost it slowly in the refrigerator to maintain its texture.
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Asadero vs Oaxaca
Asadero and Oaxaca are two Mexican cheeses with similar characteristics, and they can be used interchangeably in recipes. However, there are some subtle differences between the two.
Place of Origin
The most significant difference between Asadero and Oaxaca cheese is their place of origin. Asadero cheese is produced in northern Mexico, while Oaxaca cheese gets its name from the place it was first made – Oaxaca, a state in southern Mexico. This difference in origin means that Asadero may be more readily available in some places in the southern United States.
Texture and Taste
Oaxaca cheese is slightly drier and harder than Asadero. Oaxaca has a semi-soft texture and a mild, buttery flavour with a hint of tanginess. It has a stretchy, stringy consistency when heated, similar to mozzarella. On the other hand, Asadero is a soft, creamy cheese that melts easily, making it ideal for dishes like nachos and quesadillas. It has a mild flavour and is often eaten with bread or tortillas.
Substitutes
Both Asadero and Oaxaca cheese are commonly used in Mexican cuisine and can be found in Mexican or Latin American grocery stores, as well as the specialty cheese sections of mainstream grocery stores. However, if you are unable to find them, there are several substitute options available. For Oaxaca cheese, you can use buffalo mozzarella, Muenster cheese, string cheese, cheddar cheese curds, un-aged Monterey Jack cheese, queso panela, queso cotija, queso Chihuahua, Manchego cheese, or ricotta cheese. Asadero cheese, also known as queso asadero, can be used as a substitute for Oaxaca cheese, and vice versa.
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Asadero vs Chihuahua
Asadero cheese, or queso asadero, is a creamy, smooth, semi-soft white cheese that is made fresh from goat and cow's milk. It is a mild melting cheese that is often used to make quesadillas, pizzas, queso fundido, or cheese-topped baked dishes. Asadero cheese is produced in the north of Mexico and began to be made during the Mexican Revolution in Chihuahua.
Chihuahua cheese, or queso Chihuahua, is a firm, light yellow aged cheese with a stronger flavour than most Mexican cheeses. It is comparable in sharpness to an American cheddar and is easy to melt, making it suitable for use in queso fundido. This cheese is produced in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua, where cattle descended from animals brought from Europe are a major means of sustenance. The production of cheese is an important and respected industry in this state, and it is still frequently carried out in the home.
Asadero and Chihuahua cheeses are both melting cheeses with mild flavours, but they differ in texture and colour. Asadero is a semi-soft white cheese, while Chihuahua is a firm light yellow cheese. Asadero cheese is produced in the north of Mexico, while Chihuahua cheese is specifically produced in the state of Chihuahua.
Both Asadero and Chihuahua cheeses are commonly used in Mexican cuisine and can be substituted for each other in many recipes. However, their unique characteristics may make one cheese more suitable than the other for specific dishes. For example, Asadero's creamy texture makes it ideal for quesadillas and pizzas, while Chihuahua's sharpness adds flavour to tamales and chiles rellenos.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy Asadero cheese from specialist cheese shops, such as Cheesemakers, or online retailers like igourmet.
Yes, you can make Asadero cheese at home. You will need cheesecloth, a strainer, a thermometer, and the necessary ingredients, such as milk, water, and rennet.
Asadero cheese originates from the state of Sinaloa in Northwest Mexico, including areas of Texas. It is also produced in the northern state of Chihuahua, Mexico.
