Oaxaca is a Mexican-style cheese that has a very unique flavor. It is often used in dishes like enchiladas and quesadillas.
If you can’t find Oaxaca cheese or if it’s too expensive, don’t worry! We have plenty of substitutes that will give your dish the same delicious flavor.
Have a look!
Substitutes for Oaxaca cheese
- Asadero
- Buffalo Mozzarella
- Muenster
- Monterey jack
- String cheese
- Cheddar curds
- Queso Panela
- Queso Fresco
- Ricotta cheese
Asadero
Asadero is a type of Mexican cheese that is similar to Oaxaca cheese. It is a white, creamy cheese that has a mild, slightly spicy flavor.
Asadero is also a bit smoky and slightly salty. It’s a great cheese for making burritos, tacos, and quesadillas. It is a good substitute for Oaxaca cheese because it has a similar flavor and texture.
Buffalo Mozzarella
Buffalo mozzarella is a more versatile form of mozzarella cheese that can be used in many recipes as a substitute for Oaxaca. It is a creamy, flavorful cheese that is easily available and can be easily added to recipes.
Buffalo mozzarella is also a good choice for those who are health-conscious, as it is lower in fat and calories than many other types of cheese.
To use buffalo mozzarella as a substitute for Oaxaca, simply add some salt to bring the flavor as close to the real thing as possible.
You can also use buffalo mozzarella as a filling for tacos or enchiladas, or as a topping for pizzas and pastas.
Muenster
Just like Oaxaca cheese, Muenster is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavor, and is great for melting.
Muenster cheese has a higher fat content than Oaxaca cheese, making it a richer and creamier cheese. It is also a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant because it is lower in lactose than other cheeses.
To substitute Muenster cheese for Oaxaca cheese, use a 1:1 ratio, which means you don’t need to make any changes to the recipe.
Muenster cheese can be found in most grocery stores near the other shredded cheeses.
Monterey jack
Unaged Monterey jack cheese can be used as a substitute for Oaxaca cheese in many recipes. This mild cheese melts well and provides the same results as Oaxaca, making it a convenient and easy-to-find substitute.
It is a particularly great substitute to use in quesadillas, grilled sandwiches, or even omelets.
Monterey jack also has a number of benefits over Oaxaca. It is lower in fat and calories and is a good source of calcium and protein. So, using Monterey jack cheese as a substitute for Oaxaca can help to make a healthier dish.
String cheese
String cheese is usually made from cow’s milk, and it has a mild flavor with a slightly sweet taste.
String cheese is a great substitute for Oaxaca cheese for a number of reasons. It is cheaper and more easily available than Oaxaca cheese. It is also less salty and has a slightly creamier and stringy texture.
Plus, it has a number of health benefits, including being high in calcium and protein. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for those who are watching their weight.
String cheese also melts well, making it a good choice for dishes like quesadillas or enchiladas. However, it does not have the same rich flavor as Oaxaca cheese, so it may not be the best choice for dishes that rely on the strong flavor of the cheese.
Any standard American string cheese makes for a great substitute for Oaxaca.
Cheddar curds
Cheddar curds are a great substitute for Oaxaca cheese. They are unfermented and have a squeaky texture that is great for melting.
They also have a mild flavor that makes them a great choice for dishes where you don’t want the cheese to overpower the other ingredients.
Cheddar curds are a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas, and nachos. They are also a great topping for salads and soups.
In addition, cheddar curds are a good source of protein and calcium, making them a healthy option for those looking to add more nutrients to their diet.
If you are looking for a cheese that will melt well and not overpower your dish, cheddar curds are a great option.
Queso Panela
Queso Panela, also known as white Mexican cheese, is a smooth, creamy cheese with a salty flavor.
It is an excellent substitute for Oaxaca cheese in dishes such as quesadillas, enchiladas, and Chiles Rellenos. It has a smooth texture and a salty flavor that makes it ideal for use in sauces, casseroles, and gratins.
Queso Panela melts well and has a milder flavor than Oaxaca cheese, making it a good choice for those who do not like spicy food.
Queso Fresco
Queso fresco is a type of fresh cheese that originated in Mexico. It has a creamy texture and a slightly salty flavor. It is often used as a filling for tacos and burritos, or as a topping for salads and soups.
Queso fresco can be made from cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or sheep’s milk, and is a good substitute for Oaxaca cheese. It has a similar flavor and texture to Oaxaca cheese, but it is not as rich. Queso fresco can also be used as a substitute for cottage or ricotta cheese in savory dishes.
However, Queso fresco does not melt as easily as Oaxaca cheese, so it may not be the best choice for dishes that require melted cheese.
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese is a delicious, easily-available cheese that can be used as a substitute for Oaxaca cheese in many recipes. While it may not be the best substitute for aged cheeses such as Parmesan or aged Gouda, it can be a good substitute for milder cheeses such as Oaxaca or mozzarella.
It has a milder flavor than Oaxaca cheese, so it is ideal for dishes where you want the cheese to be a subtle backdrop rather than a star ingredient. Ricotta is also lower in fat and sodium than Oaxaca cheese, making it a healthier choice.
When substituting Ricotta for Oaxaca, I recommend using Ricotta Salata, which is a saltier, more savory variety of Ricotta. This will help to replicate the flavor of Oaxaca cheese more closely.
FAQs
What is Oaxaca cheese?
Oaxaca cheese is a type of cheese that is popular in Mexican cuisine. It has a rich, smoky flavor and a creamy texture. It is often used in dishes such as quesadillas, enchiladas, and chiles rellenos.
What is the best substitute for Oaxaca cheese?
The best substitute for Oaxaca cheese depends on your preferences and the dish you are making.
If you want a cheese that melts well and has a similar flavor, cheddar curds or queso panela are good choices. For a cheese with a similar texture but milder flavor, ricotta cheese is a good option.
Are there any health benefits to using substitutes instead of Oaxaca cheese?
Yes, there are health benefits to using substitutes instead of Oaxaca cheese. Cheddar curds are a good source of protein and calcium, making them a healthy option for those looking to add more nutrients to their diet. Queso panela is also a good source of protein and calcium, and it is low in fat and sodium. Ricotta cheese is lower in fat and sodium than Oaxaca cheese, making it a healthier choice.
What are some good substitutes for Oaxaca cheese?
Some good substitutes for Oaxaca cheese include cheddar curds, queso panela, ricotta cheese, and manchego. Each of these cheeses has a similar flavor and texture to Oaxaca cheese, making them ideal for use in dishes where you do not want the cheese to overpower the other ingredients.
Conclusion
While Oaxaca is an excellent choice for many dishes, it can be difficult to find and expensive.
Fortunately, there are several substitutes for Oaxaca cheese that will give you the same flavor and texture without breaking the bank. Cheddar curds, queso panela, ricotta cheese, and manchego are all good substitutes for Oaxaca cheese.
So next time you’re in the mood for a Mexican-inspired dish, don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses until you find the perfect one for your recipe!