Queso fresco is a Mexican cheese that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States and around the world. Its light, fresh taste makes it a favorite in many dishes, from tacos to salads. However, it may not be readily available in some areas, or some people may be looking for a healthier or more affordable alternative. In this article, we’ll explore seven substitutes for queso fresco cheese that you can use in your recipes.
What is Queso Fresco Cheese?
Queso fresco cheese is a milky, fresh, and snowy white cheese that perfectly complements both rich south-of-the-border dishes like enchiladas and lighter dishes like salads. Its creamy texture makes it ideal for cooling down the spiciness of chiles while also adding a subtle sour flavor to rich dishes. Due to its non-melting properties, it is a popular choice for stuffing dishes like chile rellenos, quesadillas, tamales, and other beloved cheesy Mexican dishes. Moreover, queso fresco is both inexpensive and readily available throughout the United States.
Best Queso Fresco Cheese Substitutes
1. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a popular Greek cheese that is crumbly, salty, and tangy. It’s made from sheep or goat’s milk and has a similar texture and flavor to queso fresco cheese. Feta cheese is a great substitute for queso fresco cheese because it can be used in many of the same dishes, such as salads, tacos, and quesadillas.
Feta cheese is also a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to queso fresco cheese. It’s lower in fat and calories and has more protein than queso fresco cheese. However, it is saltier than queso fresco cheese, so it may not be the best option for those who are watching their sodium intake.
2. Panela Cheese
Panela cheese is a fresh, unaged cheese that is popular in Mexico. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a texture similar to queso fresco cheese. Panela cheese can be used as a substitute for queso fresco cheese in many dishes, such as tacos, salads, and enchiladas.
Panela cheese is also a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to queso fresco cheese. It’s lower in fat and calories and has more protein than queso fresco cheese. However, it may not be as easy to find as queso fresco cheese.
3. Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that is popular in Italian cuisine. It’s made from whey and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for queso fresco cheese in certain dishes, such as lasagna, stuffed shells, and pizzas.
However, it’s important to note that ricotta cheese has a different texture than queso fresco cheese. It’s also higher in fat and calories and lower in protein than queso fresco cheese. So while it can be used as a substitute, it may not be the best option for all dishes.
4. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese that is popular in the United States. It’s made from curds and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for queso fresco cheese in certain dishes, such as salads and tacos.
Cottage cheese is also a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to queso fresco cheese. It’s low in fat and calories and high in protein. However, like ricotta cheese, it has a different texture than queso fresco cheese, so it may not be the best option for all dishes.
5. Queso Blanco Cheese
Queso blanco cheese is a popular Mexican cheese that is similar to queso fresco cheese. It’s made from cow’s milk and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Queso blanco cheese can be used as a substitute for queso fresco cheese in many dishes, such as tacos, salads, and enchiladas.
Queso blanco cheese is a great option for those who are looking for a similar taste and texture to queso fresco cheese. However, it’s important to note that queso blanco cheese is higher in fat and calories than queso fresco cheese, so it may not be the best option for those who are watching their calorie intake.
6. Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that is similar to feta cheese. It’s made from cow’s milk and has a strong, salty flavor. Cotija cheese can be used as a substitute for queso fresco cheese in many dishes, such as salads, tacos, and enchiladas.
Cotija cheese is a great option for those who are looking for a stronger, saltier flavor in their dishes. However, like queso blanco cheese, it’s higher in fat and calories than queso fresco cheese, so it may not be the best option for those who are watching their calorie intake.
7. Vegan Substitutes
For those who are vegan or lactose intolerant, there are several substitutes available for queso fresco cheese. Tofu, for example, can be crumbled and used as a substitute in many dishes, such as tacos and salads. Nutritional yeast is another option that can be sprinkled on top of dishes for a cheesy flavor.
While these substitutes may not have the same texture or taste as queso fresco cheese, they can be a great option for those who are looking for a vegan or lactose-free alternative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several substitutes available for queso fresco cheese that can be used in many dishes.
Feta cheese, panela cheese, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, queso blanco cheese, cotija cheese, and vegan substitutes are all great options for those who are looking for a healthier or more affordable alternative.
It’s important to keep in mind that each substitute has its own unique taste and texture, so it’s important to experiment with different substitutes to find the best one for your dish.