When you eat or prepare a Mexican dish, you will notice that cheese is a common ingredient. Cheese is used in a ton of different Mexican dishes. You will see cheese in tacos, burritos, and even in soups. However, traditional Mexican cuisine has a variety of cheeses they will use. Each type of cheese brings their own flavor and textures to the dish. Today, Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant would like to put the spotlight on some of the popular cheeses used in Mexican cuisine.
Popular Cheeses Used in Mexican Food in Las Vegas, NV
Chihuahua Cheese: Chihuahua cheese originates from the state of Chihuahua, it was first made by the Mennonite farmers. Some people even call this cheese Queso Menonita because of the Mennonite farmers. Chihuahua cheese is most popularly used in tamales and in chiles rellenos. This cheese has a similar taste to a combination of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese.
Cotija Cheese: Cotija cheese comes from the town of Cotija from the state of Michoacan. This is an aged cheese that is used best as a topping on beans, antojitos, and salads. It is most popularly seen sprinkled on elote or grilled corn. Cotija cheese has a salty flavor, softens easily when warmed, and is crumbly when it is cold.
Crema Cheese: Crema cheese is thick cream cheese. Crema cheese is a combination of American sour cream and French crème fraiche. This cheese is mostly used as garnishes, for dipping vegetables, and in soups.
Manchego Cheese: Manchego is a cheese that the Spanish brought with them when they colonized Latin America. This cheese is made from goat’s milk which adds a sharpness to the flavor. Manchego cheese is mostly used for cheese and crackers, and in sandwiches.
Panela Cheese: Panela is a firm yet flexible white cheese. Panela cheese is sprinkled on top of just about anything. It is a cheese that is made from skim milk and has a salty flavor.
Queso Anejo: You will mostly find this cheese pre-grated. It has a hard and dry texture. It is also a bit crumbly which is why it is used as a garnish on many Mexican cuisine, however it is particularly used on enchiladas.
Queso Asadero: This is another cheese that came out of the state of Chihuahua, This is finer cheese that melts quickly. Because it melts easily it is mostly used in quesadillas and provides a mild cheesy flavor.
Queso Fresco: Queso fresco translates as fresh cheese. It is made from whole milk and is used for snacks and as a garnish.
Queso De Oaxaca: This cheese is mostly known as Quesillo. This cheese is much like a white string cheese but is in a ball. This cheese is favored as a stuffing for quesadillas, chiles rellenos, or in soups. It has a mild creamy flavor that also melts easily.
Requeson Cheese: Requeson is a Mexican version of ricotta. However, this cheese is not really like ricotta cheese, it is more like a cottage cheese and has small curds. This cheese is used for gorditas or in empanadas.
Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV, Paradise, Lone Mountain & Henderson, NV)
These are the great and flavorful cheeses found in many traditional Mexican cuisine. If you want to satisfy your cravings, come on down to Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant today. We feature jack cheese and our special cheese blend in many of our dishes.
