It doesn’t have to be taco Tuesday to enjoy tacos. Tacos are simply one of the best food items on the planet and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack!
But if you’re preparing to make some tacos for din-din, you might be stuck wondering – what cheese is best for tacos?
While everyone will have their “fave” cheese for tacos, there are actually many different types of cheeses that can be used in your tacos.
Below, I’ve found the top 7 kinds of cheese you can successfully use for tacos.
Let’s dive in!
Best Cheese for Tacos: Our 7 Top Picks
Even saying the “tacos” makes me drool; how about you? But before we start daydreaming about shoveling tacos into our mouths, let’s discuss which cheeses should be added to your tortilla.
Cheddar Cheese
You can’t go wrong with cheddar cheese, especially medium cheddar (although you can also use mild or sharp cheddar if that’s what you prefer.)
Cheddar cheese has a lovely flavor and texture that isn’t overpowering, and it accompanies typical ingredients in Mexican tacos like iceberg lettuce and cilantro with ease.
Needless to say, cheddar is one of the best cheeses for tacos. It can be used as a fresh cheese or melted.
However, I don’t recommend melting too much cheddar. Otherwise, it can become a gooey, globby disaster.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Another cheese that’s similar to cheddar is Monterey jack.
This type of cheese is known for its white appearance and slightly sweet flavor. However, it is typically combined with cheddar to create “Colby” or spices to create “pepper jack.”
You can use Monterey Jack or any variations and enjoy them in your tacos!
Oaxaca Cheese
Oaxaca cheese is one of the most popular Mexican cheeses on the market. Why? For one, it has a similar flavor profile to Monterey jack, which many people find enjoyable.
However, the big difference between these two yummy kinds of cheese is that Oaxaca has a thicker, string cheese-like texture that is highly versatile.
You can undeniably eat this “string cheese” as a snack or plop it on top of all of your favorite tacos. It tends to taste impressively well in soft tacos.
Queso Fresco
Queso fresco, often referred to as queso Blanco, is another famous Mexican cheese found in Mexican restaurants across the globe.
The great thing about queso fresco is that it has a mild flavor with a slight tanginess that can pair well with several types of meat, from pork to ground beef.
Queso fresco is easily crumbled, which means it can be applied atop your delicious tacos in a flash.
Chihuahua Cheese
Another top-notch Mexican cheese that should find its way into your refrigerator is Chihuahua cheese.
This unique Mexican cheese closely matches cheddar cheese but with more of a sour and salty flavor, making it a versatile option for all of your recipes, from flour tortillas to corn tortillas and beyond.
If you’re someone that prefers or needs melty cheese for their recipe, Chihuahua is a great choice.
This cheese melts quickly and easily, which is why it’s commonly called” Mexican melting cheese.”
Cotija Cheese
On the other hand, Cotija cheese is a type of Mexican cheese that does not melt and can’t be considered a “shredded cheese.”
It has a salty flavor and consistency that resembles feta cheese and parmesan cheese combined.
Cotija cheese is designed for sprinkling, making it a staple in most Mexican restaurants. Sprinkle it on top of your Mexican tacos for a truly authentic flavor that can’t be beat.
Queso Asadero
Queso asadero cheese is very similar to Oaxaca in terms of flavor and consistency.
It’s another one of the favorite melting Mexican cheeses on the market, making it a staple for tacos and other Mexican food items.
Queso asadero can be used as a crumbly cheese with a crumbly texture or shredded/grated to be used alongside other taco fillings.
Bonus: Mexican Blend
If you’re really stuck on which cheeses are the best cheeses for tacos, you can always opt for a pre-made Mexican blend.
While there are many to choose from on the market, they will typically have a combination of three kinds of cheese, including Monterey, cheddar, asadero, and other cheeses.
This makes it a breeze to put together taco night!
FAQ
What kind of cheese do Mexican restaurants use on tacos?
What kind of cheese a restaurant uses depends mainly on where you go.
However, some of the most popular cheese options include cotija, Oaxaca, and chihuahua. Sometimes, the restaurant will use a blend of several kinds of cheese.
The type of cheese used in the Mexican dish will also depend on what you ordered. For example, quesadillas might have Oaxaca, while burritos are sprinkled with cotija.
What is the white cheese sprinkled on tacos?
The white cheese traditionally sprinkled on tacos and other dishes is cotija.
Do street tacos have cheese?
Street tacos typically do not have cheese.
Street tacos are authentic tacos that come stuffed with meat, such as chicken, shredded beef, carne asada, etc. They’re topped with onion, cilantro, and salsa.
They differ from hard shell tacos, which typically come with your choice of meat, plus lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
However, there are no “rules” when it comes to whether or not you can add cheese to street tacos. Personally, I love a sprinkle of Cotija or queso fresco on top of mine.
Is mozzarella good on tacos?
Mozzarella is not typically used alone on top of tacos, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it. It will still taste delicious.
The better option is to use a blend that includes mozzarella!
