If you’ve been making your tacos with Mozzarella, Cheddar, or that shredded three-cheese blend, you might not have any complaints, but you’re probably not receiving any rave reviews either. If you’re tired of experiencing the same mediocre taco every Tuesday night, look at your choice of cheeses and figure out the best kind of taco cheese. A quick and easy way to adjust and revolutionize your taco’s taste is to switch up the cheeses you’re stuffing inside. From mild and buttery Oaxaca to the deep and caramelized notes of Spanish Manchego, there are many delicious options when it comes to the best taco cheese!
Fundamentals of Cheese in Tacos
When it comes to picking the best cheese for Mexican-style tacos, it’s all about flavor, texture, and authenticity. Traditional Mexican cheeses like queso fresco, cotija, and Oaxaca are go-to choices. Queso fresco is a mild, crumbly cheese that adds a fresh, milky flavor to any taco. It's perfect for soft tacos filled with carnitas or beans. Cotija, on the other hand, is saltier and firmer, making it a great topping that won’t melt but adds a punch of flavor, especially on fish or shrimp tacos. Oaxaca cheese is often called the “Mexican mozzarella” because it melts beautifully. It’s stringy, stretchy, and ideal for tacos where you want that gooey, melty goodness—think carne asada or even simple cheese quesadillas.
There is no hard and fast rule for the best cheese for tacos! Don’t be afraid to experiment and think outside-the-box options - just look for a cheese that melts really well and you’re good to go. Monterey Jack or even cheddar can be great choices, especially for those Tex-Mex style tacos that are a bit heavier on the cheese. Make sure you either grate or shred the cheese for perfect melting.
Pairing the right cheese with your taco fillings is key. For spicy fillings like chorizo, the creaminess of Oaxaca or queso fresco helps balance the heat. If your tacos are packed with grilled veggies, the salty tang of cotija can enhance the flavors.
How to Choose the Right Cheese
When attempting to successfully swap cheeses, be sure to consider how each distinct cheese will play off the other elements within. While cheddar might have worked well with the traditional American pairings of ground beef and iceberg lettuce, the sharp and salty taste of Idiazabal, for example, might shine more brightly when combined with pulled pork, cilantro, and creamy avocado.
Burrata and Parmesan
The milky and luxurious taste of Burrata, when mixed with the sharp, salty notes of Parmesan, is magic when combined and offers the perfect counter to roasted poblano peppers. Simple yet definitely tasty, stuff this into anything from a traditional hard shell to a soft steamed one.
Fontina
Italian Fontina’s incredibly rich and creamy characteristics and mushroomy notes are brought to the forefront of the palette by pairing it with garlic, Mexican oregano, and roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian option full of robust, savory flavor.
Feta
Greek Feta’s intensely briny salt-forward flavor profile is tempered by sweet pork belly, pineapple, and aromatic mint. This sensational combination is sure to be a hit with all who try it, offering big, bold flavor in so many unexpected ways!
Manchego
While this may seem unimaginative, there is truly nothing that compliments the well-rounded toasty notes of Spanish Manchego more than the spicy piquancy of Chorizo sausage. A generous dollop of sour cream to balance the spice and a spoonful of salsa Fresca to remind us of it makes a welcome addition to the union.
When constructing your taco, we encourage you to think about cheeses you may not traditionally consider taco-friendly; they might inspire you to start getting creative in the kitchen and thinking outside the shell. Consider the bulk of the interior and how the flavors you choose can complement your cheese of choice. Stuffing something new between the crispy folds of your tortillas may result in your tastiest creation yet!
Conclusion: How to Use Cheese in Tacos
While technically, you could probably put almost any cheese on a taco (if you paired it with the right ingredients), there are some combinations that work exceptionally well. These offer something new and exciting while not being so radically different as to make one feel as if they’re no longer eating a taco at all. Whether you’re sticking to traditional options or experimenting with something new, the right cheese can elevate your tacos from tasty to unforgettable.