7 Mexican Cheeses You Should Know (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between queso fresco and queso panela? ›

Soft and white, panela cheese is made with skim milk and thus is firmer and considerably more flexible than queso fresco. Panela can be easily cut but not crumbled.

Cotija cheese is more like aged parmesan, with a sharp tangy flavor and a granular texture that won't melt. Queso fresco is a fresh cheese like feta with a moderately tangy flavor and a texture that crumbles easily but won't melt.

Unlike fresh Mexican cheeses such as queso fresco, queso blanco, and cotija, which have a firmer yet crumbly texture, Chihuahua has a supple texture that melts easily. It has a buttery flavor with a hint of acidity or sharpness.

Asadero. Also known as queso quesadilla, asadero cheese is great for melting. Try it with these Hatch Chiles Rellenos and in this delectably melty grilled Queso Flameado.

Cotija, either crumbled or grated will be the most authentic. Alternates would be Añejo, Enchilado or Chihuahua. For additional richness, crema (a sour cream product) can be added. Other Mexican cheeses like panela, queso asadero and queso fresco do not have much in the way of flavor to effectively garnish a taco.

Despite all their differences, you can absolutely substitute one for the other. Both add a welcome creamy element to food, but cotija tends to be more easily found in stores. Keep in mind that cotija will be a bit saltier than queso, so depending on the application of the cheese or your taste, you may want to use less.

The nearest taste you can compare with it is fresh mozzarella or goat cheese. Queso fresco has a different way of creating it, and that's what sets it apart from other well-known cheese. Queso fresco has a bolder, tangier flavor than mozzarella cheese but is smoother and saltier than that of goat cheese.

In traditional Mexican cuisine, Queso Fresco is used as a crumbled or cubed topping to balance out the flavors in rich and spicy dishes. It's a perfect stuffing cheese because of its soft yet compact consistency.

Cotija is a Mexican cow's milk cheese named after the town of the same name in the state of Michoacán. It's white in color, firm and dry in texture, and salty and milky in flavor.

Not all cheeses melt equally, so steer clear of acid-set cheeses. Chevre goat cheese, farmers cheese, feta, halloumi, ricotta or paneer do become softer with heat, but they won't spread out and melt. Aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano aren't a great choice, either.

What is the white cheese melted on Mexican food? ›

Queso flameado, which you might know as queso fundido, is a bubbling dish of melted white cheese, such as Monterey Jack or asadero, that's mixed with chiles and often chunks of chorizo or strips of fajita meat as well.

Cotija cheese is one of the most used varieties in Mexico. You'll find it in several different recipes such as enchiladas, tacos, beans, salads, and soups. It's a white crumbly variety with a similar flavor and texture to feta.

Asadero Cheese

It elicits a subtle tanginess that offers a little more dimension than Oaxaca cheese. Because of its spectacular melting properties, it's an ideal base for queso on nachos, burritos, tacos, enchiladas or any Mexican dish.

Queso Blanco

Translated to “white cheese,” this option is yet another crumbly cheese for Mexican food. It's softer than Cotija, making it a more subtle option for refried beans, salads, and enchiladas. Queso Blanco is unique in that it melts well without melting completely.

A brilliant combination of our mild cheddar, colby and jack cheeses. This trio will do wonders to the flavor of your chili, quesadillas or tacos.

Everyone loves this Old El Paso blend of Monterey jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, and Asadero cheeses. These four savory cheeses come together for a fiesta in every bite. The gooey goodness is the perfect mix for your favorite Mexican and Southwestern recipes.

Queso Fresco vs Cotija (What is the difference)

Texture: Queso Fresco is much softer and more moist than cotija which has a drier, and more firm texture. Both cheeses are able to be sliced or crumbled. Taste: Due to the aging of the cotija is has a saltier flavor. Queso Fresco is incredibly mild and milky taste.

Queso fresco has a bolder, tangier flavor than mozzarella cheese but is smoother and saltier than that of goat cheese. It is used in several classic Mexican dishes such as tacos and bean dishes. Using queso fresco cheese on any dish can give it a cheese accent making it tastier.