Mexican cheese blends are often used in many dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and nachos, adding a rich and creamy texture.
However, there are times when you may not have access to the specific cheese blend needed, or you may want to switch things up.
That’s why we have compiled a list of 18 ideal Mexican cheese blend substitutes with ratios and explained how to use them.
As an experienced chef, I’ve often found myself needing to alter recipes because I don’t have the right ingredients, and this guide can come in handy for anyone who is in the same situation.
In short, "What can I use instead of Mexican cheese blend?" Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese, Queso Fresco and Queso Blanco, Colby Jack and Pepper Jack Cheese, Gouda and Mozzarella, Provolone and Queso Blanco, Muenster and White Cheddar Cheese, Fontina and Parmesan Cheese and many more.
What is a Mexican cheese blend, and what does a Mexican cheese blend taste like?
A Mexican cheese blend is a combination of different types of Mexican cheeses, usually consisting of a mix of Oaxaca, Cotija, and Chihuahua.
This blend brings out the unique flavors and textures of each cheese and creates a perfect balance between creamy, sharp, and salty.
Oaxaca cheese is smooth and creamy with a mild flavor, while Cotija cheese is firm and crumbly with a salty taste.
Chihuahua cheese has an earthy flavor that helps to bring all the other flavors together.
When blended together in a Mexican cheese blend, these three kinds of cheese create an incredibly flavorful base for tacos or quesadillas.
It has just the right amount of saltiness to pair with any dish without overpowering it.
The melted texture also pairs beautifully with other ingredients like onions or peppers, creating an amazing flavor explosion with every bite.
Uses of Mexican cheese blend
Mexican cheese blend can be used in various dishes such as quesadillas, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, burritos and even grilled sandwiches.
Its sharp yet creamy taste makes it great for melting over food to create a cheesy topping. Mexican cheese blend can also be used for making fondue or cheese dips for parties or picnics.
Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for homemade pizzas since it melts nicely and creates a savory flavor when combined with other toppings like sausage or peppers.
This versatile mix of cheeses is packed with protein and calcium to give it added nutritional benefits.
Its creamy texture makes it a great addition to any dish that calls for melted cheese, whether it’s being baked in the oven or on the stovetop.
To get the most out of its flavorsome taste, try combining Mexican cheese blend with spices like cumin or chili powder when preparing tacos or quesadillas.
Where to buy a Mexican cheese blend?
If you are looking for where to buy Mexican cheese blends, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of Mexican cheese blends.
Best Mexican cheese blend substitutes
1. Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese – a good Mexican cheese blend substitute
Ratio or measurement: A blend of 50% Cheddar cheese and 50% Monterey Jack cheese is a perfect substitute for a Mexican cheese blend.
The sharpness of the Cheddar complements the mildness of the Monterey Jack cheese. Use this blend in quesadillas, nachos, and enchiladas.
2. Queso Fresco and Queso Blanco
Ratio or measurement: Mix queso fresco and queso blanco in equal proportions for a tangy and fresh taste.
This blend pairs well with tacos, grilled meats, and salads.
3. Try Colby Jack and Pepper Jack Cheese in place of a Mexican cheese blend
Ratio or measurement: Blend 60% Colby Jack and 40 % Pepper Jack cheese, and you'll have a perfect substitute for the Mexican cheese blend.
It’s perfect for spicy dishes like chili, tacos, and nachos.
4. Gouda and Mozzarella
Ratio or measurement: A mixture of 60% Mozzarella and 40% Gouda cheese provides a subtle and creamy flavor.
You can use this blend in quesadillas, burritos, and dips.
5. Provolone and Queso Blanco – a great Mexican cheese blend alternative
Ratio or measurement: Mix equal parts of Provolone and Queso Blanco cheese for a tangy and nutty taste.
This blend is ideal for cheesy bread, grilled sandwiches, and tostadas.
6. Muenster and White Cheddar Cheese
A blend of 50% Muenster cheese and 50% white Cheddar cheese creates a perfect combination of sharpness and mildness.
It’s perfect for melting in quesadillas, baked casseroles, and nachos.
7. Use Fontina and Parmesan Cheese instead of a Mexican cheese blend
Ratio or measurement: Combine Fontina cheese and Parmesan cheese in a ratio of 60% to 40%.
This blend is perfect for pizzas, pasta dishes, and breadsticks.
8. Feta and Ricotta
Ratio or measurement: Mix Feta cheese and ricotta cheese in equal proportion for a tangy and creamy taste.
It’s perfect for dips, salads, and wraps.
9. Cotija and Cream Cheese – a decent Mexican cheese blend replacement
Blend Cotija cheese and cream cheese in a ratio of 70% to 30%. This combination is ideal for a creamy and tangy flavor.
You can use this blend in Mexican-style omelets, empanadas, and tamales.
10. Blue Cheese and Cream Cheese
Ratio or measurement: Combine blue cheese and cream cheese in a ratio of 60% to 40%.
This blend is perfect for adding a unique flavor to dishes like chicken wings, tacos, and flatbreads.
11. Cream Cheese and Parmesan Cheese Combination to replace Mexican cheese blend
The combination of cream cheese and parmesan cheese is another excellent substitute for Mexican cheese blends.
The cream cheese provides the creaminess, while the parmesan cheese adds the salty flavor.
Ratio or measurement: Mix 1 cup cream cheese with 1/2 cup parmesan cheese for a delicious cheese blend substitute.
12. Cheddar Cheese, Cottage Cheese, and Greek Yogurt Combination
Mixing cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt creates a thick and creamy cheese blend that is perfect for Mexican dishes.
Cheddar cheese adds the sharp flavor, cottage cheese adds the creaminess, and Greek yogurt adds the tang.
Ratio or measurement: Use 1 cup cheddar cheese, half cup cottage cheese, and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for a delicious Mexican cheese blend substitute.
13. Vegan Cheese Substitute – an ideal Mexican cheese blend substitute
If you are looking for vegan alternatives, you can use vegan shredded cheese and cream cheese.
Ratio or measurement: Mix 1 cup vegan shredded cheese with 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese, and you'll have a fantastic vegan cheese blend substitute for your Mexican dishes.
14. Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper Jack cheese worked great as a Mexican cheese blend substitute because of its spicy flavor and melted texture.
Ratio or measurement: Use 1 cup of pepper jack cheese for every 1 cup of Mexican cheese blend in your recipe.
15. Cotija Cheese – gives you a similar taste to a Mexican cheese blend
Cotija cheese is a crumbly Mexican cheese that can add a salty flavor to your dish. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with feta cheese crumbles.
Ratio or measurement: Use 1 cup of feta cheese crumbles for every 1 cup of Cotija cheese in your recipe.
16. Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a mild, crumbly Mexican cheese that is perfect for topping salads and enchiladas. You can substitute it with a combination of feta cheese and ricotta cheese.
Ratio or measurement: Use 1/2 cup feta cheese with 1/2 cup ricotta cheese to get the same flavor and texture.
17. Oaxaca Cheese – a tasty Mexican cheese blend substitute
Oaxaca cheese is a Mexican cheese that is similar in texture to mozzarella cheese. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with mozzarella cheese.
Ratio or measurement: Use 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for every 1 cup of Oaxaca cheese in the recipe.
18. Asadero Cheese
Asadero cheese is a semi-soft Mexican cheese that is perfect for melting. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with a combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
Ratio or measurement: Use 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese with 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese to get a perfect substitute for Asadero cheese.
Tips on How to Choose the Most Suitable Substitution Option for Mexican cheese blend
When choosing a substitution option for a Mexican cheese blend, consider the following tips:
1. Cheese type: Mexican cheese blend typically combines various types of cheese like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla.
Look for a substitute that includes similar cheese varieties to achieve a similar flavor and texture profile.
2. Melting properties: Mexican cheese blend is known for its excellent melting properties, making it ideal for dishes like quesadillas, nachos, and enchiladas.
Choose a substitute cheese that melts well and maintains a creamy consistency when heated.
3. Flavor profile: Mexican cheese blend has a savory and slightly tangy taste. Consider cheeses with similar flavor profiles like Cheddar, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack to capture the essence of the original blend.
You can also experiment with adding spices or herbs to enhance the Mexican flavors.
4. Texture: Mexican cheese blend has a smooth and creamy texture. Look for cheeses that are semi-soft or semi-hard, which will provide a similar texture when melted.
Avoid using hard cheeses that may not melt well or result in a different texture.
5. Availability and preference: Depending on your location and personal preference, the availability of certain cheeses may vary.
Choose a substitute that is readily available in your area and aligns with your dietary preferences, such as vegan options or lactose-free alternatives.
Homemade Mexican Cheese Blend alternative
To make a homemade Mexican cheese blend, you will need a combination of different types of cheese that are commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
Here’s a simple recipe to create your own Mexican cheese blend:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 cup shredded Queso Quesadilla cheese
– Optional: half teaspoon ground cumin, half teaspoon chili powder, or other desired spices for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Start by shredding the Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Queso Quesadilla cheeses using a grater or food processor. Make sure the cheese is finely shredded for easy melting and blending.
2. In a bowl, combine the shredded cheeses. Mix them together until they are well combined.
3. If desired, add spices like ground cumin, chili powder, or any other seasonings you prefer to enhance the flavor of the cheese blend. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Store the homemade Mexican cheese blend in an airtight utensil or sealable bag in the fridge until ready to use. It will stay fresh for several days.
You can use this homemade Mexican cheese blend in various Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, or nachos.
It provides a flavorful and melty cheese base for your favorite recipes.
Feel free to adjust the ratios of different cheeses or add additional spices to customize the blend according to your taste preferences.
Enjoy your homemade Mexican cheese blend!
Conclusion on Mexican cheese blend substitute
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice, finding suitable alternatives to Mexican cheese blends is essential when working with limited ingredients.
The substitutes I’ve mentioned in this blog post will help you recreate the same delicious taste of
Mexican cheese blends with perfect texture, and the ratios will assist you in achieving the exact quantity needed.
Now, you don’t have to go hunting for hard-to-find Mexican cheeses or compromise your dietary choices to enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Try these alternatives, and feel free to experiment with them to come up with new and exciting cheese blends.
FAQs on Mexican cheese blend substitute
Q1. What is similar to a Mexican cheese blend?
A Mexican cheese blend is typically made from a combination of cotija, queso asadero, and Oaxaca cheeses.
Cotija cheese is a crumbly, salty cheese that often has a sharp and tangy taste. Queso asadero is a semi-soft, mild cheese with a slightly sweet flavor.
Oaxaca cheese is an elastic cow’s milk cheese with a mild flavor but a stringy texture when melted.
All three varieties of Mexican cheeses are often used in traditional dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas and tamales.
Other popular alternatives to this classic blend include Monterrey Jack, Manchego and Chihuahua cheeses.
Q2. What cheese is in the Mexican blend?
The Mexican blend of cheese typically contains a combination of Monterey Jack, Cheddar and Queso Blanco cheeses.
Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese with a mild flavor and creamy texture.
Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese made from cow’s milk that can range from mild to extra sharp in flavor.
Queso Blanco is an unaged, fresh white cheese that has a crumbly texture and mild flavor, making it great for adding a creamy texture to the Mexican blend.
Q3. Can I substitute cheddar cheese for Mexican cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese for Mexican cheese; however, it will not give you the same flavor profile as true Mexican cheese.
Cheddar cheese is a sharp and tangy cheese that has a creamy texture, while Mexican cheese typically has a milder and smoother flavor with a crumbly texture.
Additionally, certain types of Mexican cheeses provide unique flavors that are hard to replicate with cheddar; for example, queso fresco has a salty taste and is often used in tacos.
Q4. What kind of cheese is in pizza blend cheese?
Pizza blend cheese is a combination of several different types of cheese, usually including mozzarella, provolone, Romano and Parmesan.
The diverse flavors and textures of these cheeses work together to create a unique taste experience. Mozzarella provides a creamy texture and mild flavor, while the sharper provolone adds richness.
Romano adds a salty bite, and Parmesan contributes nutty notes. A pizza blend cheese can also contain cheddar or other varieties to create a more complex flavor profile.