If you are a cheese lover and have been missing the flavor of Oaxaca, this recipe might interest you.
This simple substitute can be made in minutes with common kitchen ingredients. The best part about it is that it’s still delicious!
Today I’ll explain to you how to produce Oaxaca cheese substitute so that your recipes don’t suffer from a lack of flavor.
All of these versatile cheeses can be used in both savory and sweet dishes, and they’re perfect for anybody looking to add a touch of Mexican flavor to their cooking.
Read on to learn more about Oaxaca cheese, and discover some of the best alternatives to use in your favorite recipes.
What is Oaxaca Cheese? What does Oaxaca Cheese Taste like?
Oaxaca cheese is one of Mexico’s most popular cheeses, with a history stretching back to the 16th century.
Oaxaca cheese is used in many traditional dishes found in Mexican cuisine. It has recently become more popular outside of Mexico due to its mild flavor and excellent melting properties.
Oaxaca cheese is best known as “quesillo“, “queso Oaxaca” or “queso de Oaxaca“. Oaxaca cheese is a semi-hard, white cow’s milk cheese. It has a smooth, creamy texture, making it ideal for melting in foods like enchiladas, quesadillas, and tacos.
Oaxaca cheese is also great for making cheese sauces and dips. It has a mild flavor and subtle sweetness.
There is plenty of cheese present for use as an alternative to Oaxaca Cheese. They are similar to Oaxaca cheese from taste to texture.
12 Oaxaca Cheese Substitutes
1. MOZZARELLA -Best Substitute for Oaxaca Cheese
Mozzarella is a fresh, delicious cheese originally made using water buffalo milk. It’s also commonly made with cow’s milk these days, as well as goat’s milk. Most Mozzarella is made with a combination of this milk.
Mozzarella can be used in various dishes, both savory and sweet. That’s why Mozzarella can easily go with a dish called Oaxaca Cheese. Oaxaca cheese has a similar texture to mozzarella cheese.
For savory dishes, use it as a sauce or topping, or it can be cubed and added to salads or pasta dishes.
You can use sweet dishes in desserts like cheesecake or cubed and add them to fruit salads. You can also check some mozzarella cheese alternatives.
2. CHEESE CURDS – Suitable Replacement for Oaxaca Cheese
You can use a cheese card in many recipes. It does not matter whether you are cooking at home or if you are using a restaurant menu.
Cheese is one of the main ingredients that can be used to prepare several dishes.
One way to use a cheese curd is by adding it to your pasta dish. This can be either a simple spaghetti with tomato sauce or a more complex lasagna.
They are also good for stuffed foods such as peppers, zucchinis, eggplants, and tomatoes.
A cheese card is one of the best ingredients to use to add flavor and texture to your dishes. Its unique shape allows it to bring out the taste of other ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and green peppers.
3. COTIJA- Excellent Oaxaca Cheese Alternative
If you want to substitute cotija for Oaxaca cheese in a recipe, you can generally use one-for-one.
However, because the two types of cheese have different textures and flavors, your dish may not taste exactly as if you used Oaxaca cheese.
4. MUENSTER CHEESE – Amazing Oaxaca Cheese Replacement for Casserole
Muenster cheese can be used in recipes that call for American or Swiss cheese. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and pizza.
Muenster cheese is also a great addition to salads or casseroles. Be sure to store muenster cheese in the fridge, which will last for up to two weeks.
5. Try QUESO FRESCO instead of Oaxaca cheese
Queso Fresco is a great cheese for cooking. You can use it in recipes that call for ricotta or cottage cheese. It also goes well in dishes with vegetables or pasta.
Queso Fresco has a slightly salty taste and a creamy texture. This makes it the perfect cheese for savory dishes.
6. QUESO PANELA
Queso panela can be used in many recipes instead of Oaxaca. It can be melted and served as a dip or added to taste. Here are some ideas:
· Serve with chips or vegetables as a dip.
· Add it to quesadillas, tacos, or burritos
· Mix it with scrambled eggs, beans, rice, or pasta
· Use it to make enchiladas, fajitas or queso flameado (similar to fondue)
This list is just the beginning; there are countless ways you can use panela! Let your imagination run wild.
7. Swap STRING CHEESE Place of Oaxaca Cheese
String cheese is another good substitute for Oaxaca Cheese, and it is a type of cheese made from strips of mozzarella cheese.
String cheese is often eaten as a snack and can also be used in recipes. Here are some ways to use string cheese in recipes:
· Place string cheese on top of the pizza before baking
· Add string cheese to chicken or turkey sandwiches
· Mix string cheese with pasta or rice
· Place string cheese in the middle of a quesadilla
· Roll string cheese into balls and serve with marinara sauce
String cheese is a versatile, tasty, and healthy snack used in many different recipes.
8. ASADERO CHEESE
Asadero cheese is a type of Mexican cheese with a smoky, spicy flavor. It can be used in recipes such as quesadillas, tacos, and burritos.
Asadero cheese can also be used in macaroni and cheese or pizza dishes. Its slightly salty flavor pairs well with other Mexican ingredients such as green chile, cilantro, and poblano.
9. UNAGED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE– similar to Oaxaca Cheese
Cheese is an essential ingredient in dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas. You may be tempted to substitute Monterey jack (unaged) for the authentic Oaxaca cheese varieties used in these recipes, but this would result in unfortunate culinary consequences.
Unaged Monterey Jack Cheese has a much more mild flavor than traditional Oaxaca. It would not contribute the desired savory taste and texture to your dish.
This variety has been aged for at least 60 days, which gives it a richer, more complex flavor than unaged cheese.
No matter which type of Monterey jack cheese substitutes you choose, be sure to shred or cube it before adding it to your recipe. This ensures that the cheese melts uniformly and that your dish has the proper consistency.
Read More- Monterey Jack VS Mozzarella
10. CHIHUAHUA
There are many ways to use Chihuahua in the recipe. One way is to add it to ground beef to make tacos or burritos.
Another way is to put it in a soup or stew. You can also bake Chihuahua with cheese and tomatoes for a delicious dish. No matter how you choose to use Chihuahua, it will provide your recipe with a cheesy and delicious flavor.
11. RICOTTA – Good Alternative to Oaxaca in Cheesecake
The most traditional use for ricotta cheese is in lasagna. Still, its mild flavor also makes it a great addition to many desserts like cheesecake.
It’s an essential ingredient in dishes like manicotti, stuffed shells, and Mexican favorites such as Chile Relleno. Ricotta also makes a great dip or spread.
Ricotta can be used in various recipes, both sweet and savory. Try using it in lasagna, manicotti, or cheesecake.
Ricotta can also make dips, like spinach and ricotta dip, or even spreads for sandwiches. Ricotta is a relatively mild cheese, so it pairs well with a variety of ingredients and flavors.
Read More- Best Ricotta Salata Substitutes
12. MANCHEGO – Great way to Substitution for Oaxaca Cheese
Manchego is a popular cheese that can be used in recipes. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture.
In most recipes, manchego can be used in place of other hard cheeses such as Parmesan or Romano. It is a good choice for dishes that are cooked or served cold.
Read More- 7 Best Robiola Cheese Substitutes
Vegan Substitutes for Oaxaca Cheese
There are a few vegan substitutes for Oaxaca cheese, including:
– Nutritional Yeast
For a more traditional Oaxaca cheese substitute, then nutritional yeast is a good option. It has a similar flavor and can be used in many of the same ways.
– Vegan Cheddar Cheese
Vegan cheddar cheese is also a good option, as it melts well and has a sharp flavor.
– Vegan Mozzarella Cheese
If you want something that’s closer to mozzarella, then vegan mozzarella cheese is a good choice. It melts and stretches just like the real thing.
– Tofu Ricotta Cheese
Tofu ricotta cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make vegan substitute that can be used in lasagna, stuffed shells, and more.
– Store-bought vegan cheese (like Daiya or Follow Your Heart)
What is the crumbly white cheese on Mexican food?
Queso Blanco is a white, crumbly cheese popular in Mexican cuisine. It can be used in dips, sauces, and as a topping for tacos and enchiladas.
Queso Blanco is made from cow’s milk and has a mild flavor that pairs well with other ingredients. It melts and stretches, sometimes referred to as an elastic cheese.
Queso Blanco has a texture similar to mozzarella or feta cheese and can be substituted for either one in recipes.
Queso Blanco does not have a rind and should be firm to the touch with no signs of brittleness.
Wrap Up On Substitute for Oaxaca Cheese
There are a few close alternatives. One option is queso Blanco, which has a similar texture and flavor to Oaxaca Cheese.
Another possibility is panela, which has a slightly sweeter flavor and is slightly firmer in texture than Oaxaca Cheese.
It’s finally up to you to determine which substitutions are best suited to their needs. No matter what substitute is chosen, it is sure to improve over not having Oaxaca Cheese at all.
FAQs Related to Oaxaca Cheese & Its Alternative
Q1. What can you use Oaxaca cheese for?
Oaxaca cheese can be used for a wide range of purposes. You can use it in lasagnas, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes. It’s also delicious in salads or as a snack.
Oaxaca cheese has a mild flavor and a creamy texture, perfect for most dishes.
Q2. What flavor does Oaxaca cheese have?
Oaxaca cheese is a type of Mexican cheese with a mild, slightly salty flavor. It is made from cow’s milk and can be eaten either fresh or aged.
Oaxaca cheese is often used in Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, and tacos. It can also be used as a topping for nachos or pizza.
Q3. What can I substitute for Mexican cheese?
The main ingredient in Mexican cheese is Coagulated Milk. You can buy this product or substitute it with cottage cheese, Parmesan, Cheddar Cheese (American), Colby Cheese of Cottage Cheese.