Have you ever been ready to dig into a hearty burrito or top off some nachos only to find you're fresh out of queso fresco? Check out this guide for finding the perfect queso fresco substitute no matter what you cook.
What is Queso Fresco?
Queso fresco is a soft, mild cheese popular in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. It has a creamy, moist texture that contrasts beautifully with spicy dishes. This cheese easily crumbles or shreds, making it a versatile topping or ingredient.
It lends a subtle salty taste and a hint of tang, which complements savory dishes. With a buttery texture, this versatile cheese is traditionally made from a blend of cow milk and goat milk. Sometimes sheep milk or buffalo milk are used too.
Its unique composition allows it to retain its shape while slightly softening when heated, making it ideal for various culinary applications.
Reasons for Substituting
- Allergies: This cheese contains milk/dairy, so subbing allows those with allergies to enjoy recipes.
- Availability: Depending on where you live, this ingredient can be challenging to find in stores.
- Budget: This Mexican cheese is more expensive than common cheese varieties.
- Convenience: You don’t have this ingredient when a recipe calls for it!
17 Best Queso Fresco Substitutes
1. Feta cheese
Why it works: Mild feta cheese has a similar texture and salty tang.
Example dishes: tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas
Measurement guidance: Use the same amount as called for. Crumble mild feta cheese before adding to dishes.
2. Goat cheese
Why it works: Goat cheese provides creaminess and tang.
Example dishes: burritos, nachos, chili
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Goat cheese is stronger, so use less if the flavor is too assertive.
3. Halloumi
Why it works: Halloumi has a mild flavor and holds its shape when cooked.
Example dishes: fajitas, tacos, nachos
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Slice halloumi before sautéing or grilling.
4. Monterey Jack Cheese
Why it works: Monterey Jack cheese has a similar melty, mild taste.
Example dishes: quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Shred or crumble Monterey Jack first.
5. Cotija Cheese
Why it works: Cotija cheese is Mexican with a firm texture and salty flavor.
Example dishes: tostadas, gorditas, sopes
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Crumble cotija cheese over dishes.
6. Queso Blanco
Why it works: Queso blanco, another Mexican cheese, is mild like queso fresco but denser.
Example dishes: enchiladas, quesadillas, tostadas
Measurement guidance: Use the same amount of queso blanco as queso fresco. Dice or crumble queso blanco before using.
7. Paneer
Why it works: Paneer has a mild, fresh taste and crumbliness.
Example dishes: tacos, nachos, stuffed poblanos
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Drain and crumble paneer before using.
8. Ricotta Cheese
Why it works: Ricotta cheese has a creamy, mild flavor.
Example dishes: enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Drain excess liquid from the ricotta first.
9. Pot cheese
Why it works: Pot cheese has a similar fresh, mild taste.
Example dishes: enchiladas, pupusas, tamales
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Drain and crumble pot cheese before using.
10. Farmer's cheese
Why it works: Farmer's cheese is mild, soft, and crumbly, like queso fresco.
Example dishes: pupusas, tacos, gorditas
Measurement guidance: Use the same amount of farmer's cheese as queso fresco. Crumble farmer's cheese before using.
11. Queso Oaxaca
Why it works: Queso Oaxaca has a mild, melty texture.
Example dishes: quesadillas, chilaquiles, enchiladas
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Shred or dice queso Oaxaca first.
12. Mild Cheddar
Why it works: Mild cheddar has a subtle flavor and can crumble.
Example dishes: chilaquiles, quesadillas, nachos
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Shred mild cheddar before adding to dishes.
13. Mozzarella
Why it works: Mozzarella is a fresh cheese with a mild, milky flavor and melts well.
Example dishes: quesadillas, empanadas, nachos
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Shred or dice mozzarella first.
14. Asadero
Why it works: Asadero has a creamy, melty texture and mild taste.
Example dishes: quesadillas, chimichangas, chilaquiles
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Shred Asadero before adding it to hot dishes.
15. Provolone
Why it works: Provolone has a smooth, mild flavor profile.
Example dishes: Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, burritos, tacos
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio. Slice or shred provolone first.
16. Cottage Cheese
Why it works: Like queso fresco, cottage cheese has a mild, fresh dairy flavor. When drained thoroughly, it can have a similar texture.
Example dishes: Lasagna, enchiladas, tacos
Measurement guidance: Drain cottage cheese thoroughly by pressing it through a sieve to remove excess moisture. Use the same amount called for of queso fresco. Because it's creamier, you should use a bit less cottage cheese. Adjust the amount of cottage cheese used to suit the specific recipe.
17. Ricotta Salata
Why it works: Like queso fresco, ricotta salata has a dense, crumbly, mild, fresh dairy flavor. It lends subtle saltiness.
Example dishes: Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, salad topping
Measurement guidance: Use a 1:1 ratio in recipes. Because it's denser, you may use less ricotta salata by volume.
Ricotta salata makes an excellent substitute for this cheese in Mexican dishes where you want the crumbliness and mild salty flavor. Its hardness means it crumbles nicely over warm dishes without melting away. Adjust amounts as needed based on the specific recipe.
5 Exciting Vegan Alternatives for Queso Fresco
1. Vegan Feta Cheese
Why it works: Vegan Feta Cheese replicates the crumbly texture and tangy flavor of Queso Fresco quite well.
Example dishes: Mexican cuisine such as tacos, salads, enchiladas
Measurement guidance: Use it 1:1.
2. Extra Firm Tofu
Why it works: When pressed and crumbled, extra-firm tofu can mimic the texture of this cheese.
Example dishes: Stir-fries, curry-based dishes, salads
Measurement guidance: About the same amount as Queso Fresco, but press it to remove excess moisture.
3. Cashew Cheese
Why it works: Cashew cheese offers a creaminess and can be seasoned to match the tanginess of this cheese.
Example dishes: Pasta, lasagne, enchiladas
Measurement guidance: Use an equivalent amount, but consider the moisture content in your dish.
4. Almond Ricotta
Why it works: Almond Ricotta is another plant-based alternative that comes close in texture, albeit less tangy.
Example dishes: Salads, stuffed pasta dishes, pizza
Measurement guidance: Use it 1:1, but remember it's milder, so you should season it up a bit.
5. Coconut-based Cheese
Why it works: It's non-dairy and can be crumbled. However, it's sweeter, so it's best for dishes with a hint of sweetness.
Example dishes: Mexican recipes, such as dessert empanadas, sweet tacos
Measurement guidance: Use sparingly, as the sweetness can overpower the dish.
Common Culinary Uses for This Cheese
- Tacos: Usually crumbled on top of tacos for a flavourful finishing touch. Queso Fresco Substitute: Danish feta cheese, Cotija
- Salads: Often tossed into Mexican or fusion salads for a burst of creamy texture. Queso Fresco Substitute: Feta, Ricotta
- Enchiladas: Typically sprinkled on top before or after baking for a bit of tanginess. Queso Fresco Substitute: Mozzarella, Monterrey Jack
- Chiles Rellenos: Stuffed inside the poblano peppers to balance the heat. Queso Fresco Substitute: Monterrey Jack, Havarti
- Quesadillas: Used as a filling to complement other ingredients. Substitute for Queso Fresco: Cheddar, Gouda
- Guacamole: Sometimes crumbled on top of guacamole for an extra layer of flavor. Substitute Queso Fresco with: Cotija, Feta
- Street Corn (Elote): Sprinkled generously on top and other seasonings. Substitute for Queso Fresco: Parmesan, Cotija
- Sopes: Laid over the thick corn tortilla base. Substitutes for Queso Fresco: Panela, Ricotta
- Breakfast Burritos: Mixed in with eggs and other fillings. Substitutes for Queso Fresco: Cheddar, Monterrey Jack
- Mexican-style Soups: Crumbled into soups like pozole for a creamy touch. Substitutes Queso Fresco: Ricotta, Cream Cheese
- Chimichangas: Often sprinkled on top or incorporated into the filling. Queso Fresco Cheese Substitutes: Cotija, Feta
- Flautas: Garnished on top for a creamy, salty kick. Replacements: Monterrey Jack, Mozzarella
- Huevos Rancheros: Crumbled over the fried eggs and salsa for added richness. Alternatives: Cheddar, Ricotta
- Mexican Pizza: Used as one of the cheese layers, adding its unique tang. Alternatives: Feta, Paneer
- Ceviche: Occasionally sprinkled on top to balance the ceviche's acidity. Similar to Queso Fresco: Feta, Parmesan
- Empanadas: Sometimes used in the filling for a dairy contrast to the meat or vegetables. Similar to Queso Fresco: Ricotta, Panela
- Tostadas: Crumbled atop crispy tortillas layered with beans and other toppings. Alternatives: Cotija, Feta
- Tamales: Occasionally mixed into the masa or used as a filling. Substitute for queso fresco: Monterrey Jack, Cheddar
- Mexican Rice Dishes: Sprinkled on top for a cheesy finish that's not overly gooey. Substitute Queso Fresco: Parmesan, Panela
- Chorizo Dishes: Mixed with crumbled chorizo for breakfast dishes or tapas. Replace queso fresco: Feta, Havarti
- Refried Beans: This cheese is often combined with refried beans in dishes like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and tostadas. The crumbly cheese contrasts texture and a salty, mild flavor that balances the rich, soft beans. Substitutes: While you can use crumbled feta or cotija here, queso blanco or Monterey jack will better mimic the mildness of queso fresco against the beans.
Super Helpful Tips for Using Substitutes
- Drain wet substitutes like Ricotta to avoid a soggy mess.
- Season milder cheeses like Mozzarella with a bit of salt for added oomph.
- Always do a small test batch before committing to a substitute.
- Freeze and thaw substitutes like feta to make them crumbly, like Queso Fresco.
- To avoid dairy, try vegan cheese or crumbled firm tofu.
- Add a lime or lemon juice pinch in mild substitutes to enhance tangy notes.
- Chill cheese before serving over hot dishes so it doesn’t melt away.
- Try a blend of feta and Monterey jack to mimic the unique flavor better.
- Adjust salt, chili powder, cumin, or other seasonings to suit your specific substitute.
Is queso fresco the same as feta?
No, they are not the same. While they share some similarities, like a crumbly texture and tangy flavor, feta is much saltier and more pungent. The former has a milder, fresher taste.
Is mozzarella similar to queso fresco?
There are some similarities but also differences. They are both fresh cheeses with a mild, milky flavor. However, mozzarella has more stretch and melts more quickly.
Can you substitute cotija for queso fresco?
Yes, cotija can substitute for this cheese in many dishes. While more robust in flavor, cotija shares queso fresco's crumbly texture and salty qualities. Use a bit less cotija than the stated amount.
What is queso fresco in English?
The name translates to "fresh cheese" in English. It is a fresh, white Mexican cheese with a moist, crumbly texture and mild, lightly salty flavor.
Is ricotta and queso fresco the same?
No, they are not the same cheese. Ricotta is creamier and moister, while the other is drier and easily crumbles. But ricotta's mild flavor can be successfully substituted in some dishes.
Is there dairy in queso fresco?
It is a dairy cheese made from cows, goats, or a combination. Those with milk allergies need to avoid this ingredient.
Is queso fresco vegetarian?
Yes, the traditional version of this cheese is made without animal rennet and is entirely vegetarian. It is made from milk and contains no meat products.
Is queso fresco goat cheese?
Sometimes, but not always. The cheese can be made from goat's milk, cow's milk, or a blend. Goat cheese can mimic queso fresco's tangy flavor and crumbly texture.
