Best Mexican Cheeses
Best Mexican Cheeses, ranked by AnyCheese readers with the most popular first. Every cheese links to its full guide: where it comes from and how it tastes.
Last updated 19 hours ago.
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1
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.
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2
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. Its flavor is mild and buttery, making it an excellent choice for melting in dishes like quesadillas and nachos. Menonita cheese has a smooth texture, which adds a creamy element to any meal. It's a popular cheese in Mexican cuisine, valued for its ability to blend well with other ingredients.
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3
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.
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4
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 food.
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5
Queso Blanco con Frutas - Pina y Mango
Queso Blanco con Frutas - Piña y Mango is a soft cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, popular in Mexico and the Caribbean. It has a natural rind and a straw-colored interior. The cheese is infused with the flavors of pineapple and mango, giving it a fruity and slightly lemony taste. Its aroma is aromatic, complementing its tropical fruit profile. This cheese is often referred to as "white cheese with fruit" and can be used in a variety of dishes where a touch of sweetness is desired. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or melt, adding a fruity twist to both savory and sweet recipes.
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6
Queso Para Frier
Queso Para Frier is a popular cheese from Mexico and the Caribbean, known for its ability to hold its shape when cooked. Made from pasteurized cow's milk, this cheese has a soft texture and a mild, salty flavor. It is white in color and does not have a rind. The aroma is fresh, making it a pleasant addition to many dishes. Often used for frying, this cheese becomes golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside, making it ideal for dishes like fried cheese sticks or as a topping for salads and sandwiches. It is also spelled as Queso Para Freir in some regions.
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7
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.
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8
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 grill.
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