Randy Chandler
Oaxaca cheese, also known as Queso Oaxaca, is a versatile cheese with a mild, buttery taste. It is a popular choice for dips and pairs well with spicy Mexican dishes. This cheese is typically made from cow's milk and is produced in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, from which it derives its name. Oaxaca cheese can be found in specialty cheese shops or the refrigerated cheese aisle of most grocery stores, such as Kroger and Walmart. It is also available for delivery or pickup through services like Instacart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Mild, buttery |
| Pairs well with | Spicy Mexican food |
| Use cases | Snacking, baking, dips |
| Origin | Oaxaca, Mexico |
| Family | Mozzarella |
| Colour | White |
| Type of milk used | Cow's milk |
| Milk type | Part-skim milk or whole milk |
| Brands | Nuestro Queso, Cacique Cheese, La Chona, Don Francisco's, El Mexicano |
| Substitutes | Asadero, Mozzarella, Muenster, Monterey jack |
| Storage | Refrigerate in waxed or parchment paper and a plastic container or bag |
| Shelf life | Up to 2 weeks once opened |
| Availability | Specialty cheese section or refrigerated cheese aisle in most stores, Kroger, Walmart, Instacart |
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What You'll Learn
Oaxaca cheese for delivery or pickup
Queso Oaxaca cheese can be purchased from several online and in-store retailers for delivery or pickup.
Instacart
Instacart offers delivery or pickup services for Queso Oaxaca cheese. The cheese can be found in the specialty cheese section or the refrigerated cheese aisle of most stores. Some brands package the cheese as rope segments, while others are sold shredded.
Amazon
Amazon offers a variety of Oaxaca cheese options, which can be purchased through their website for delivery.
Kroger
Kroger offers Ole Mexican Oaxaca Cheese, which is available in-store or online for pickup or delivery.
Walmart
Walmart offers Queso Oaxaca, which is available in-store or online for pickup or delivery.
Oaxaca cheese is a white, artisan cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild, buttery taste, making it a great snacking cheese and a good pairing with spicy Mexican foods. It is quite versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack by itself or baked into a dish. When storing Oaxaca cheese, it is recommended to wrap it in waxed or parchment paper and place it in a plastic container or bag. Properly stored cheese can last up to 2 weeks once opened.
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Substitutes for Oaxaca cheese
Oaxaca cheese is a slightly sweet, semi-hard, white cheese with a mild, buttery, and slightly salty flavour. It is a stretchy, stringy, creamy cheese that is part of the mozzarella family and is made from cow's milk. It is quite versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack by itself or baked into a dish.
If you are unable to find Oaxaca cheese, there are several substitutes that you can use, depending on your preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some alternatives that provide a similar taste and texture:
- Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella has a similar appearance, texture, and carbohydrate content to Oaxaca cheese. It is also a part of the mozzarella family and pairs well with Italian dishes.
- Muenster: American Muenster is a semi-soft cheese that melts easily and has a mild flavour. It is also a zero-carb cheese, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
- Monterey Jack: This is an American semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a mild, nutty, slightly sweet flavour. It has good melting properties and can be found in most grocery stores.
- Asadero: This is a stringy cheese from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is slightly drier than Oaxaca cheese but still tastes great and is often used in dips and spreads.
- Queso Panela: A white cheese with a smooth texture and a mild flavour. It can absorb the taste of other ingredients in a dish, making it a good substitute for any soft cheese.
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Storing Oaxaca cheese
Oaxaca cheese is a creamy, stringy cheese with a mild, buttery, and slightly salty flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, such as quesadillas, enchiladas, and empanadas, or enjoyed as a snack on its own. The cheese is perishable and should be consumed within a few hours of opening. To extend its shelf life and maintain freshness, proper storage is essential.
When storing Oaxaca cheese, it is crucial to keep it refrigerated. If you purchase the cheese in its traditional "ball of yarn" form, it is best to leave it in its original packaging until you are ready to use it. Once opened, any leftover cheese should be wrapped tightly in cling wrap, waxed paper, or parchment paper to prevent mould growth and maintain freshness. This wrapping should be replaced with new waxed or parchment paper each time you remove the cheese to prolong its shelf life.
For long-term storage, Oaxaca cheese can be frozen. To freeze the cheese, wrap it securely in waxed or parchment paper and place it in a freezer bag or container. It is important to note that freezing may alter the texture of the cheese, so it is recommended to use frozen cheese in cooked dishes rather than consuming it fresh.
Properly stored Oaxaca cheese can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator. However, once mould starts to grow or the cheese develops a bad odour, it should be discarded. With proper storage practices, you can enjoy the delicious and versatile Oaxaca cheese while maintaining its freshness and quality.
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Melting Oaxaca cheese
Oaxaca cheese is a white, artisan cheese made from cow's milk. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed as a snack or baked into a dish. It is popular for dips and goes well with spicy Mexican foods.
To melt Oaxaca cheese, you can use a stovetop, microwave, or oven. If using a stovetop, heat the cheese with half-and-half or milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the cheese is melted and has a soft, creamy consistency. Be careful not to overheat it, as too much heat can cause the cheese to form a crust along the edges.
If microwaving, place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring at least halfway through to ensure even melting. For oven melting, try baking the cheese into a dip or dish. You can also melt Oaxaca cheese in a pan to make fried dishes like quesadillas. Cut slices of cheese and place them in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Fry until the cheese is browned and crispy, then serve with tortillas or other accompaniments.
Oaxaca cheese is available for delivery or pickup from various retailers, including Instacart, which offers it in the specialty cheese section or the refrigerated cheese aisle. Some brands package the cheese as rope segments, while others sell it shredded, and it should be eaten fresh within a few hours of opening.
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History of Oaxaca cheese
Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo, queso de hebra, and queso Oaxaca, is a semi-soft, white, string-type, Hispanic-style cheese made from cow's milk. It is native to Mexico and was first crafted by Dominican monks who settled in the area during Spanish rule. The monks brought cheesemaking techniques from Italy, and thus, Oaxaca cheese became a part of the pasta filata family, alongside Italian mozzarella.
The exact origins of Oaxaca cheese are a bit unclear, with some legends attributing its invention to a 14-year-old girl named Leobarda Castellanos Garcia in 1885. According to the legend, Garcia accidentally invented the cheese by letting the coagulated milk pass the point for making cheese and then tipping hot water over it, creating a gummy mass that became the basis for Oaxaca cheese. However, others speculate that the cheese was introduced to Mexico by Italians in the 1950s, as mozzarella-type cheese production began climbing worldwide during that decade.
Regardless of its exact origins, Oaxaca cheese has become a beloved part of Mexican cuisine and is widely used in dishes such as quesadillas, empanadas, and birria tacos. It is known for its stretchy, stringy texture and creamy, buttery flavor. The production process is complicated and involves stretching the cheese into long ribbons and rolling it up like a ball of yarn using the pasta filata method. This process gives Oaxaca cheese its signature stringy texture and makes it a unique and coveted delicacy.
Today, most Oaxaca cheese is still produced in Mexico, specifically in the state of Oaxaca, but it has gained widespread popularity and is now consumed and adored worldwide. Its unique flavor and texture make it a popular choice for both traditional Mexican dishes and innovative culinary creations. Oaxaca cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that has truly earned its place as the crown jewel of Mexican dairy products.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy Oaxaca cheese from most specialty cheese or refrigerated cheese aisles in stores. You can also order it online from Amazon, Walmart, and Instacart.
Some brands that sell Oaxaca cheese include Cacique Cheese, La Chona, Don Francisco's, El Mexicano, Ole Mexican, and Nuestro Queso.
Oaxaca cheese has a mild, buttery taste, which makes it a great snacking cheese. It pairs well with spicy Mexican foods.
Oaxaca cheese is meant to be eaten fresh and within a couple of hours of opening. To extend its shelf life, store it in the refrigerator wrapped in waxed or parchment paper, then placed in a plastic container or plastic bag. Rewrap it in new paper every time you take it out. Stored this way, Oaxaca cheese will last up to 2 weeks once opened.
