What Is The White Shredded Cheese Used At Mexican Restaurants?

When you visit a Mexican restaurant, you may have noticed a common ingredient that is used to top off many of their delicious dishes – the white shredded cheese. This cheese adds a creamy and savory flavor to dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. But have you ever wondered what kind of cheese it is and what makes it so special? In this article, we will explore the white shredded cheese used at Mexican restaurants and uncover its secrets.

The Cheese: Queso Blanco

The white shredded cheese commonly used at Mexican restaurants is known as queso blanco. This cheese, which translates to "white cheese" in Spanish, is a popular choice for Mexican cuisine due to its mild flavor and excellent melting properties. Queso blanco is a fresh cheese that is made from cow's milk and has a soft, crumbly texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a staple in Mexican cooking.

Characteristics of Queso Blanco

Queso blanco has several characteristics that make it well-suited for Mexican cuisine:

• Mild Flavor: Queso blanco has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the bold and spicy flavors often found in Mexican dishes.
• Creamy Texture: When melted, queso blanco becomes creamy and smooth, making it perfect for topping off dishes or adding richness to sauces.
• Melting Properties: This cheese melts easily, creating a gooey and delicious topping for dishes like enchiladas and quesadillas.

How Queso Blanco is Used

At Mexican restaurants, queso blanco is used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor and texture of dishes. Some popular uses of queso blanco include:

1. Topping for Tacos: Queso blanco is often sprinkled on top of tacos to add a creamy and savory element to the dish.
2. Enchilada Filling: It is used as a filling for enchiladas, adding a rich and melty component to the dish.
3. Nachos: When melted, queso blanco is drizzled over nachos, creating a delicious and gooey topping.

Making Queso Blanco at Home

If you want to recreate the delicious white shredded cheese used at Mexican restaurants in your own kitchen, you can make queso blanco at home. Here's a simple recipe to try:

Homemade Queso Blanco Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of whole milk
• 1/4 cup of white vinegar
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the milk over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
2. Once the milk reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat to low and add the vinegar, stirring gently.
3. Continue to cook the milk for a few more minutes until it curdles and separates into curds and whey.
4. Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the curdled milk through the cheesecloth to strain out the whey.
5. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess liquid from the curds.
6. Transfer the curds to a bowl and season with salt to taste.
7. Your homemade queso blanco is ready to be shredded and used in your favorite Mexican dishes!

In Conclusion

The white shredded cheese used at Mexican restaurants, known as queso blanco, is a versatile and delicious cheese that adds a creamy and savory element to many dishes. Its mild flavor, creamy texture, and excellent melting properties make it a perfect choice for Mexican cuisine. Whether you're enjoying it at a restaurant or making it at home, queso blanco is a key ingredient that enhances the flavors of traditional Mexican dishes.