Cooking

What Does Cotija Cheese Taste Like? Does Cotija Cheese Taste Good?

MujeebMarch 15, 2023

5 minutes read

Table of Contents

In this article, you will know the answer to the query “What Does Cotija Cheese Taste Like?“.

The hard, salty cheese of Mexico is called Cotija.

Mexican cuisine gives dishes their creamy consistency.

Like feta cheese, cotija can be found in various shapes like blocks or crumbles.

What does Cotija taste like when you eat it? A variety of spices can be mixed into the dish to change the flavor, depending on what dish you’re eating it with.

Check out the rest of this article to find out what foods Cotija pairs well with.

What is Cotija Cheese?

Cow’s milk cheese, Cotija, is hard and crumbly.

Typically it has a salty flavor with hints of earthiness and nuttiness. It can be grated or sliced.

Initially popular in Mexico, Cotija cheese is now found around the globe as an ingredient in dishes such as tacos, salsas, and casseroles.

To make cotija cheese, follow the same process as making cake cheddar cheese.

The milk is heated, salt is added, and other flavorings, including annatto, are added.

Cotija cheese is pale yellow and has small crystals of fat throughout the chunks, making them appear like grains of sand.

Because there are no water-based ingredients in the manufacture of cotija cheese, it becomes very dry and crumbly when grated or sliced.

Several Latin markets carry Cotija cheese, and it is also available online.

Nutritional Benefits of Cotija Cheese

Countless nutritional benefits come from the farm to your table with Cotija cheese from the South of Central America.

You can also snack on it.

From goat and cow milk, Cotija cheese contains a high amount of protein.

Furthermore, it is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium.

Besides being a good source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin A this cheese is also rich in protein.

The calcium and magnesium content of Cotija cheese is over 30% of the daily value (DV) per 100 grams.

Compared to most cheeses, it has a higher level of phosphorus and vitamins including riboflavin, folate, B12, thiamine, and niacin.

So you don’t have too much sodium on your plate, you can rinse before you remove excess salt from the aging process.

This hard cow’s milk cheese from Mexico may not seem like it would offer much health benefit, but it does.

The protein-rich content of Cotija cheese makes it an ideal choice for those trying to curb their appetite.

Calcium and vitamin D, which contribute to healthy and strong bones, are also abundant in this food.

With 100 calories per serving, Cotija cheese is quite calorie-dense, but it’s worth the indulgence when you want something salty or savory.

What Does Cotija Cheese Taste Like? Does Cotija Cheese Taste Good?

There is a combination of flavors in Cotija cheese, which makes it hard to define its taste.

The saltiness is complemented by nutty, tangy, and creamy notes, depending on the length of time it’s been aged.

A bit saltier and a bit acidic than Parmesan, Cotija Cheese tastes like a mix of both.

As it uses less rennet, it tends to have more tang than other cheeses – so if you don’t like strong flavors, this cheese might not be right for you.

There is some sweetness to Cotija, as well – just enough to tingle your taste buds.

This milder cheese has a tangy flavor as well as a mild flavor, similar to aged cheddar.

You may want to use less of the product at first and give yourself time to adjust to the taste or smell.

There are several Mexican dishes you can make using Cotija Cheese, for instance, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, soups – anything you would normally add grated cheese to.

All the other flavors are brought out at the same time because it adds that extra hint of saltiness and creaminess.

How to Use Cotija Cheese in Recipes?

Over the years, chefs have used this dairy product to enhance the flavor profile of dishes like tacos or Tex Mex fare.

When it comes to understanding how to use this decadent cheese in cooking, those unfamiliar with it may find it difficult.

Salads and beans are excellent dishes to add cotija cheese to for its salty, crumbly texture and flavor.

Guacamole can also be made by adding it to other fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and garlic.

The flavors of this cheese can be complemented by ingredients such as roasted peppers, onions, and jalapenos when used as toppings for dishes like tacos or quesadillas.

You can also crumble the cheese and sprinkle it on top of dishes like nachos or corn chips to add a salty taste and texture.

Cheese is also widely used in dishes like empanadas, meat sauces, and soups that require thickening, such as chili.

It should be melted over vegetables or rice to be used on its own.

How to Find and Choose Cotija Cheese?

Cotija cheese comes in a variety of forms, so knowing these types is essential to finding and selecting them.

Two main varieties differ in flavors, sizes, and textures: fresh and aged.

Several dishes can be prepared with fresh Cotija, including enchiladas, tacos, and salads.

Cheddars such as Feta and Romano have a milder salty flavor than Cotija.

However, aging Cotija can be used to add flavor to dishes such as quiche and pastries without adding moisture, which could result in your dish becoming soggy.

Learning to read labels is the next step.

Cotija cheese of the highest quality will have the producer’s name, weight, country of origin, and freshness date.

When choosing products, look for those that are fresh and have the best taste.

In conclusion, let’s check out where you can find Cotija cheese.

It can be found in many supermarkets and specialty shops selling Mexican or Latin American foods, such as Mexican grocery stores that they do not carry what you are looking for, you may request that they order it for you.