What’s the Cheese Used in Authentic Mexican Cooking?

Faith Durand
Faith DurandSVP of Content
Faith is the SVP of Content at Apartment Therapy Media and Editor-in-Chief of Kitchn, and the author of three cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning The Kitchn Cookbook. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters.
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published Feb 3, 2011
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Q: About a year and a half ago we moved to a different state, and had to leave behind our favorite authentic Mexican restaurant. I have been working to recreate these dishes at home, but I can’t figure out the cheese they use. It is a white, shredded cheese that has a very salty flavor. It is about the consistency of mozzarella, but has a much stronger flavor.

Is anyone familiar with what this might be?

Sent by Alaina

Editor: Alaina, I think that the cheese you’re looking for is queso fresco — a squeaky, salty farmer-style cheese found at Latin American groceries (and in some mainstream grocery stores as well). Here’s a little more about it:

• What Is Queso Fresco?

It is also extremely easy to make at home. You can try making it with part goat’s milk and part cow’s milk for a really authentic flavor.

• Make Queso Fresco!

Readers, any more tips for Alaina?

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Related: Recipe: Bean Chilaquiles with Avocado & Queso Fresco

(Image: MexGrocer.com)

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Cheese
mexican
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