From the ooey-gooey goodness that fills your favorite quesadillas, to the crumbles that cap off the enchiladas you love, Mexican cheeses make mealtimes something great. But did you know you don’t have to relegate these delectable dairy offerings to south-of-the-border fare? Mexican cheeses can be great additions to all sorts of everyday eats, changing up the flavor profiles of your family’s favorite dishes — and expanding palates, as well. It’s all about getting a general lay of the land in terms of your available Mexican cheeses, and being willing to be a bit adventurous. Read on for some insight from your friends here at Food Town.
Understand Your Mexican Cheese Options
Sometimes the trickiest part of incorporating something new into your meal rotations is knowing where to start. (And when it comes to Mexican cheeses, you have lots of options!) Here’s a general rundown of some of the more popular offerings you’ll find at your neighborhood grocery — and ways you can incorporate them into recipes your family already knows and loves.
Softer Cheeses
Oaxaca
Panela
Queso Fresco
Queso Requesón (or Hispanic Ricotta)
Firmer Cheeses
Asadero
Chihuahua (or Queso Menonita)
Cotija
Cotija Añejo
Manchego
Know Where to Gather Your Ingredients
Unlike the American cheese slices or shredded cheddar that fill most every grocery store’s cases, certain Mexican cheeses can be harder to come by. (But you’re in luck at your Food Town!) We’re big on international options, and we have a special section devoted solely to Mexican cheeses and cremas. It’s all thanks to our deep Houston roots. We understand the flavors of our city, the unique way our neighbors cook — and just how important great flavor is around here. In addition to our full dairy section, which houses the regular items your family uses each day, our Mexican cheese area brings great offerings from brands such as Cacique, Margarita and Houston’s La Vaquita together in one convenient spot. Be sure to stop by and scope out your amazing options during your next grocery run!
Get Those Creative Juices Flowing
At Food Town, we believe half the fun of this great world around us is the variety of flavors out there. If you’re ready to incorporate some of the Mexican cheeses we’ve mentioned up above into your menu, there are a couple ways you can go about it. Consider diving in on a brand-new recipe! Our website is home to all sorts of crowd-pleasing recipes that include Mexican cheese as a major ingredient. You can also find inspiration on our Pinterest pages — especially our Fiesta Food Fun and Chippin & Dippin boards. Of course, if you’re not ready to go all out on something completely new, you can also swap a Mexican cheese in for a similar variety in recipes your family already knows. Manchego is a great sub for mozzarella and Monterey Jack, for instance, and can be a tasty addition to mac and cheese! Queso fresco is a great stand-in for goat cheese or feta, making it a fantastic add-in for Mediterranean-inspired meals, salads and more! (You can use the information right here on this page to scope out substitutes that make sense.)
We hope this post got the wheels turning regarding all the possibilities available with Mexican cheeses — and hope it got your mouth watering, too! Be sure to swing by the dairy and Mexican cheese sections of your Food Town the next time you’re in for a visit, and consider picking up a variety you’ve never tried before. With so many incredible flavors (and so much versatility, too) we’re sure you’ll find something you love. See ya soon!
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