Cinco de Mayo is a time to celebrate Mexican culture, history, and—most importantly—delicious food! No Mexican feast is complete without cheese, which adds richness, texture and depth to classic dishes. Mexican cheeses come in a variety of forms, from crumbly and salty to melty and creamy, making them perfect for everything from tacos to queso fundido.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 of the best Mexican cheeses for Cinco de Mayo, why cheese is such a big part of the celebrations, and a delicious queso fundido recipe to serve at your fiesta!
Why Mexican cheeses are essential for Cinco de Mayo
Mexican cheeses have a long history, blending Spanish cheesemaking techniques with indigenous dairy traditions. Today, they are a staple of Mexican cuisine and play a vital role in celebrations like Cinco de Mayo.
Cheese in Mexican celebrations
Cheese plays a vital role in Mexican cuisine, and its presence in festive celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, Día de los Muertos and Christmas makes every dish richer and more satisfying. The variety of Mexican cheeses—ranging from fresh and crumbly to aged and bold—allows them to be used in countless traditional dishes that bring people together.
A symbol of warmth and hospitality
In Mexican culture, food is more than just nourishment—it is an expression of hospitality and community. Serving dishes with Queso Fresco, Cotija or Queso Oaxaca during celebrations is a way of welcoming guests and sharing tradition.
Enhancing traditional dishes
Cheese elevates the flavours of Mexico’s most iconic festive foods:
- Tamales and Enchiladas: Queso Fresco or Requesón adds creaminess.
- Chiles en Nogada: Manchego balances the richness of the walnut sauce.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Cotija provides the perfect salty contrast.
- Queso Fundido: A must-have at parties, featuring melty Chihuahua or Oaxaca cheese.
Cheese as a party staple
At large gatherings, cheese-based dishes like queso fundido, chiles rellenos and nachos take centre stage. These dishes are easy to share, interactive and universally loved—making them perfect for celebrations.
Whether it’s a family dinner, a street festival or a lively Cinco de Mayo party, cheese is always part of the feast, bringing flavour, texture and tradition to every table.
Now, let’s explore the 10 best Mexican cheeses to include in your Cinco de Mayo feast!
1. Queso Fresco
Queso Fresco is a soft, crumbly white cheese with a fresh, slightly tangy taste. It doesn’t melt but adds a creamy contrast to bold flavours.
Flavour & texture
- Mild, fresh and slightly salty
- Crumbly, moist and soft
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo
- Tacos: Sprinkle over carne asada or carnitas.
- Enchiladas: Add a final topping before serving.
- Chiles Rellenos: Balances spicy stuffed peppers.
- Mexican Rice Bowls: Enhances texture and flavour.
2. Cotija
Cotija is a firm, aged cheese known as the “Parmesan of Mexico”. It has a strong, salty flavour and crumbles easily.
Flavour & texture
- Salty and umami-rich
- Hard and crumbly
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): A must-have topping.
- Refried Beans: Adds a salty punch.
- Tacos: Great for fish or veggie tacos.
- Guacamole: Enhances depth with salty contrast.
3. Queso Oaxaca
Queso Oaxaca is a semi-soft, stringy cheese similar to Mozzarella. It’s mild, buttery and melts beautifully.
Flavour & texture
- Mild, milky and slightly sweet
- Stretchy, stringy and smooth
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo
- Quesadillas: Creates the perfect cheese pull.
- Chiles Rellenos: Melts inside stuffed poblano peppers.
- Tortas: Adds creaminess to Mexican sandwiches.
4. Queso Chihuahua
Queso Chihuahua is a semi-soft cheese that melts beautifully, similar to mild Cheddar or Monterey Jack. It’s buttery and smooth.
Flavour & texture
- Buttery, slightly tangy and creamy
- Smooth, semi-soft and excellent for melting
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo
- Queso Fundido: The best cheese for a melty dip.
- Nachos: Creates the perfect gooey topping.
- Burritos: Melts well inside warm tortillas.
5. Queso Asadero
Queso Asadero is a smooth, mild cheese that melts easily, making it perfect for grilled or baked dishes.
Flavour & texture
- Mild, buttery and slightly nutty
- Soft and creamy with excellent meltability
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo:
- Cheese-Stuffed Peppers: Works well in jalapeño poppers.
- Burgers: Use for a Mexican-style cheeseburger.
- Mac & Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture.
6. Queso Panela
Queso Panela is a soft, fresh cheese that holds its shape when heated, making it perfect for grilling.
Flavour & texture
- Mild, milky and slightly salty
- Soft but firm, holds shape when heated
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo
- Grilled Panela: Sear on a hot skillet for a crispy outside.
- Tacos: Dice and toss in veggie or chicken tacos.
- Salads: A great addition to fresh salads.
7. Requesón
Requesón is a soft, creamy cheese similar to Ricotta. It’s often used in fillings and desserts.
Flavour & texture
- Mild, slightly sweet and milky
- Creamy, spreadable and soft
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo:
- Enchiladas Suizas: Adds a creamy element.
- Stuffed Chiles: Works well inside poblano peppers.
- Desserts: Mix with cinnamon and honey for a sweet treat.
8. Queso Añejo
Queso Añejo is an aged, firm cheese with a bold, slightly salty flavour. It’s firmer than Cotija and great for grating.
Flavour & texture
- Salty and slightly tangy
- Hard and crumbly
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo
- Tacos Al Pastor: Adds a sharp contrast to pork tacos.
- Soups: Sprinkle on top of tortilla soup.
- Chiles Rellenos: Enhances the dish with deep flavour.
9. Queso Crema
Queso Crema is a soft, spreadable cheese with a texture similar to cream cheese.
Flavour & texture
- Smooth, tangy and creamy
- Soft and spreadable
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo
- Queso Dip: Makes a great creamy dip base.
- Tostadas: Spread on before adding toppings.
- Fruit Pairings: Serve with fresh mango or papaya.
10. Queso Manchego (Mexican-Style)
Unlike Spanish Manchego, Mexican Manchego is softer, milder and melts well. It’s often compared to Monterey Jack.
Flavour & texture
- Mild, buttery and slightly nutty
- Semi-soft and great for melting
Best uses for Cinco de Mayo
- Chiles en Nogada: A key ingredient in this classic dish.
- Grilled Cheese: Perfect for a melty sandwich.
- Cheese Boards: A great choice for a Mexican cheese platter.
Featured Recipe: Queso Fundido with Chorizo
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Queso Chihuahua, shredded
- 1 cup Queso Oaxaca, shredded
- ½ cup Queso Asadero, shredded
- ½ pound chorizo, crumbled
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Cook chorizo, onions, and jalapeños in butter.
- Layer cheeses in an oven-safe dish.
- Top with chorizo mixture.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas.
Enjoy your Cinco de Mayo celebration with the best Mexican cheeses!
Final thoughts
Mexican cheeses add bold flavours and textures to your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Whether you’re melting Queso Chihuahua for nachos, crumbing Cotija on elote or grilling Panela, there’s a cheese for every dish.
Which Mexican cheese is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!
References
- A Guide to Mexican Cheese: This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on various Mexican cheeses, including their characteristics and culinary uses https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-mexican-cheese
- Queso Fundido with Chorizo Recipe: For an authentic queso fundido recipe featuring chorizo, this resource offers step-by-step instructions https://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/queso-fundido-with-chorizo-recipe/
- A Brief Tour of Mexican Cheeses: This article provides an overview of popular Mexican cheeses, their origins, and how they’re commonly used in dishes https://www.thespruceeats.com/brief-tour-of-mexican-cheeses-4118015
- A Complete Guide to Mexican Cheese: This guide delves into various Mexican cheeses, their flavours, textures, and ideal culinary applications https://keviniscooking.com/a-complete-guide-to-mexican-cheese/
Cheese lover. Scientist. Created a website and a Youtube channel about cheese science because he could not find answers to his questions online.
