The AnyCheese Holiday Gift Guide

Cow Milk Cheeses from Mexico

Discover cheeses made from cow milk in Mexico, from historic recipes to contemporary creations.

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Menonita

Menonita, also known as Queso Chihuahua or Chihuahua cheese, is a semi-soft cheese from Mexico. Made from cow's milk, it can be crafted using either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk. The cheese has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. …

Country: Mexico
Milk Type: Cow's milk
Texture: Semi-soft
Flavor: Buttery, mild

Cotija

Cotija is an aged Mexican cheese from the town of Cotija in Michoacán, made by hand from cow's milk. It is white, firm and salty, and it is used crumbled or grated over tacos, soups, salads and elote.

Country: Mexico
Milk Type: Cow's milk
Texture: Hard, artisan
Flavor: Salty, strong

Panela

Panela is a fresh Mexican cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, sold in bright white inverted cones. Its flavor is bland because the cheese is mostly unsalted, and it softens without melting, so it can be fried or crumbled over …

Country: Mexico
Milk Type: Cow's milk
Texture: Fresh firm, artisan
Flavor: Bland, mostly unsalted

Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is a fresh cow's milk cheese made by curdling and draining milk with little other processing. Soft, mild and crumbly, it is a staple of Latin American cooking and is eaten within days of being made.

Country: Mexico
Milk Type: Cow
Texture: Soft, crumbly
Flavor: Mild, Tangy

Anejo Enchilado

Añejo enchilado is an aged Mexican cheese from Zacatecas, made from skimmed goat's or cow's milk and rolled in paprika. It tastes salty and sharp, close to Parmesan, and gets grated over enchiladas, tacos, and tostadas.

Country: Mexico
Milk Type: Cow's or goat's milk
Texture: Semi-hard
Flavor: Salty, sharp, spicy, strong

Criollo Cheese

Criollo cheese is a semi-hard raw cow's milk cheese from the area around Taxco, in northern Guerrero, Mexico. Its yellow to orange paste is full of eyes, the taste is mild and slightly sweet, and it browns well under a …

Country: Mexico
Milk Type: Cow's milk
Texture: Semi-firm
Flavor: Savory, sharp

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