If you’re looking to elevate your dishes with creamy and versatile cheese, look no further than Oaxaca cheese (pronounced “wah-HAH-kah”). Known as the “string cheese” of Mexico, Oaxaca cheese boasts a delightful combination of rich flavor, luxurious texture, and culinary adaptability.
Perfect for Mexican recipes and creative experimental dishes, it’s a must-have ingredient for food lovers, home cooks, and professional chefs alike. Check out a few reasons why you should use Oaxaca cheese in your cooking to elevate your next meal.
1. Melts Exceptionally Well
Oaxaca cheese is a melting marvel. Thanks to its semi-soft consistency and moisture content, it melts into a perfectly creamy, stretchy texture without separating or becoming greasy. This quality makes it ideal for dishes like quesadillas, enchiladas, and even mac and cheese.
Any recipe that calls for smooth melted cheese benefits from using Oaxaca cheese. Whether you’re creating the final touches on homemade pizza or tacos, Oaxaca’s creamy meltability is incomparable.
2. Mild, Buttery Flavor Complements Various Dishes
The mild, slightly salty, and buttery flavor of Oaxaca cheese is perfect for enhancing dishes without overpowering them. Unlike stronger cheeses that dominate a recipe, Oaxaca works harmoniously with other ingredients, whether it’s paired with bold spices, roasted vegetables, or tender proteins. From savory breakfast tacos to hearty stuffed poblanos, its balanced taste delivers just the right amount of cheesy indulgence without stealing the spotlight.
3. Texture Adds a Fun Element to Dishes
Oaxaca cheese’s stringy, curd-like consistency sets it apart from other cheeses. Much like mozzarella, Oaxaca pulls apart into strands, a feature that makes it easy to use in recipes that call for shredded cheese.
Oaxaca is your go-to choice when it comes to delivering the perfect “cheese pull” in quesadillas or grilled cheese sandwiches.
For cooks, this texture is both playful and practical. It holds up beautifully as a topping for pizzas, casseroles, or pasta, ensuring dishes come out with perfectly stringy, gooey layers.
4. Versatile for Mexican and Non-Mexican Cuisine
Oaxaca cheese is a staple in traditional Mexican dishes, but its versatility extends far beyond its roots. While it’s the ideal choice for authentic Mexican fare like tlayudas, chiles rellenos, and tamales, it’s equally at home in other cuisines.
Incorporate it into pizzas, flatbreads, grilled sandwiches, or even lasagna to add a unique twist. Its mild flavor and incredible melting power adapt effortlessly to creative culinary adventures across the globe.
5. Easy To Find in Most Grocery Stores
Although it hails from Mexico, Oaxaca cheese is widely available. Most major grocery stores now stock it, often in the specialty cheese or Hispanic foods section. Better yet, local Mexican markets will almost always have a high-quality version.
This accessibility makes it easier than ever to experiment with Oaxaca cheese in your cooking. No need to hunt high and low—head to your nearest supermarket and get started!
From its exceptional melting ability and delicate flavor to its unmatched versatility, there are many reasons to use Oaxaca cheese in your cooking. Whether you’re recreating Mexican dishes or putting a cheesy twist on classic favorites, this cheese has you covered. Next time you’re experimenting with a recipe, grab some Oaxaca cheese and experience the delicious difference for yourself.
