Mexican blend cheese is a popular cheese blend that typically contains a mix of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and asadero cheeses. This combination creates a melty, creamy cheese with a slightly spicy kick that is commonly used in Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine.
What Is Mexican Blend Cheese?
Mexican blend cheese brings together the best qualities of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and asadero cheeses into one convenient blend. Here is a quick overview of each of the main cheeses found in Mexican blend:
- Monterey Jack – A mild, creamy white cheese made in California. It has a subtle buttery flavor and melts extremely well.
- Cheddar – A semi-hard cow’s milk cheese known for its sharp, tangy flavor. Cheddar adds punchy, sharp notes to Mexican cheese blends.
- Asadero – A creamy, soft Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor and melts smoothly.
By combining these cheeses into one blend, you get a very versatile cheese that melts smoothly with a flavor profile balancing mild, creamy and sharp, tangy notes. The result is a cheese that adds the right punch of flavor to enchiladas, quesadillas, tacos, and more Tex-Mex favorites.
Standard Mexican Cheese Blend Recipe
There is no single definitive recipe for Mexican blend cheese. However, most commercial blends contain a ratio along these lines:
- 50% Monterey Jack
- 25% Medium or sharp cheddar
- 25% Asadero
This 50/25/25 ratio hits the balance between creamy, melty Monterey Jack and the sharper flavors from aged cheddar and salty asadero. The blend can be tweaked based on preference, such as using more cheddar for a tangier flavor or more asadero for extra creaminess when melted.
Popular Brands of Mexican Cheese Blend
Many major cheese manufacturers produce their own version of Mexican cheese blend. Here are some of the most popular retail brands you can find in grocery stores:
- Cacique Ranchero Cheese – A natural blend with no artificial colors/flavors
- Tillamook Mexican Blend – Made with Monterey Jack, cheddar, and asadero
- Kraft Taco Blend – Contains cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero
- Precious Mexican Style Blend – Adds spicy jalapeño flavors
- Kaukauna Authentic Blend – Melts smoothly; no added colors
Major cheese producers like Land O’Lakes and Cabot also offer their own Mexican cheese blend products. Check the dairy case at your grocery store to compare different brand options.
How Is Mexican Blend Cheese Made?
To make Mexican cheese blend, the individual cheeses that go into the mix are first produced separately. Here is an overview of how each is made before blending:
Monterey Jack Cheese
- Pasteurized cow’s milk is cultured with starter bacteria to develop acidity
- Rennet is added to coagulate the milk into curds and whey
- Curds are cut, heated, and pressed into blocks to remove whey
- Blocks are aged for 1-3 months to develop flavor
Cheddar Cheese
- Cultured milk is heat treated and coagulated with enzymes like rennet
- Curds are cut, Cheddared (stacked/pressed), and milled
- Curds are salted, pressed into blocks, and aged from 2 months to 2 years
Asadero Cheese
- Pasteurized cow’s milk is cultured and rennet is added
- Curds are heated, stretched, molded into balls, and brined
- Balls are aged for about 1 month
Once each cheese variety is made, they are shredded and blended together in the desired ratios. The blend can be packaged right away or aged further to meld the flavors.
How To Use Mexican Cheese Blend
Mexican blend cheese is the perfect topping for all kinds of Tex-Mex and Mexican foods. Here are some of the most popular ways to use it:
- Sprinkled on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, tamales
- Melted over chili, soups, beans, meat dishes
- In quesadillas, either grilled or fried
- Toppings for nachos, chili cheese fries or tater tots
- Melted into dips like queso, chili con queso
- Stirred into rice dishes for cheesy rice
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
Mexican cheese blend can replace recipes calling for a single cheese like Monterey Jack. Its ability to melt smoothly makes it perfect for any baked or broiled Tex-Mex dish.
Key Characteristics of Mexican Cheese Blend
Here are some of the hallmarks of a good Mexican cheese blend:
- Creamy, smooth texture – Should melt evenly without separating or becoming greasy.
- Sweet, tangy, salty flavor – Balance of flavors from each cheese comes through.
- Good stretch when melted – Can be pulled into long, stretchy strands.
- Melts at relatively low temps – Won’t separate when baked, broiled, grilled.
- Bright, uniform color – No spotting or uneven color.
High-quality pre-shredded blends will maintain these ideal properties. Lower moisture content prevents the shreds from clumping together over time.
Is Pre-Shredded Better Than Block Cheese?
Pre-shredded Mexican cheese blends offer convenience, but some claim block cheeses make better melted dishes. Here is a comparison:
| Pre-Shredded Blends | Block Cheese |
|---|---|
| Easy to measure out desired amounts | Need to shred by hand or use a food processor |
| Treated to prevent clumping/caking | No anti-clumping agents added |
| Exposed to more oxygen during shredding | Less oxidation prior to shredding |
| More processed overall | Less processing from factory to table |
| Melts faster due to higher surface area | Slower melt from larger shred size |
| Shorter shelf life than block | Longer shelf life than pre-shredded |
The choice comes down to personal preference. Pre-shredded blends offer ease of use for quick weeknight meals. Block cheese requires more effort but offers a less processed option.
Can You Freeze Mexican Cheese Blend?
Yes, you can freeze extra Mexican cheese blend to extend its shelf life. Here are some tips for freezing:
- Open package and rewrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Press out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Freezing can cause some moisture loss, so the cheese may not melt quite as smoothly after thawing. Use frozen cheese blend for cooking rather than eating raw.
Shelf Life of Mexican Cheese Blend
In the refrigerator, pre-packaged shredded Mexican cheese blend will last:
- Unopened: About 1 month past the sell-by date.
- Opened: About 1 week.
Properly wrapped block cheese halves or slices will keep longer, around 4-6 weeks in the fridge.
For maximum freshness and the best melted consistency, use Mexican cheese within the recommended time frame.
History of Mexican Cheese Blend
Mexican cheese blends originated in the early 1900s along the Texas/Mexico border. As more American settlers moved into the region, they began combining the local Mexican cheeses like asadero with familiar cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack.
These early blended cheeses were likely produced on cattle ranches and in small dairies through the 1920s. The spread of Tex-Mex cuisine led to growing popularity of Mexican cheeses, especially in the 1940s-50s.
Kraft released the first mass-produced, pre-packaged Mexican blend cheese in the 1970s under the name “Taco cheese.” Other national brands soon followed with their versions, cementing this style of cheese blend in the American dairy aisle.
Nutrition Facts for Mexican Cheese Blend
One ounce (about 1/4 cup shredded) of Mexican cheese blend contains approximately:
- 110 calories
- 9g fat
- 6g saturated fat
- 17mg cholesterol
- 180mg sodium
- 2g carbohydrates
- 0g fiber
- 1g sugar
- 7g protein
Mexican cheese is high in calcium and a good source of protein, but also high in sodium and saturated fat. Those with dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance may need to avoid overindulging.
Substitutes for Mexican Cheese Blend
If you don’t have Mexican blend cheese, here are some possible substitution options:
- Monterey Jack – Very mild and melty.
- Oaxaca – Stretchy Mexican cheese, melts well.
- Queso Quesadilla – Specifically designed for Tex-Mex dishes.
- Asadero – Authentic Mexican cheese. Mild flavor.
- Pepper Jack – Spicy version of Monterey Jack.
- Colby Jack – Another mild, melty cheese.
- Cheddar – Use medium or sharp only. Won’t melt as smoothly.
While you won’t get the exact same flavor, these cheeses can work well as substitutes in cooked Mexican dishes in a pinch.
Conclusion
Mexican cheese blend brings together a winning combination of melty Monterey Jack, tangy cheddar, and creamy asadero. This versatile cheese is mild enough for snacking but packs enough punch to enliven tacos, enchiladas, nachos, quesadillas, and more. While pre-shredded blends offer convenience, block varieties deliver a less processed option. Either way, keeping some Mexican cheese on hand is a great way to add flavor to all your Tex-Mex favorites.