Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is the most popular and versatile Mexican cheese. It first made an appearance in American supermarkets in the early 1970s. Its snow-white curds pressed into a small wheel stood out among all the cheddars and processed cheese singles in the cheese section. It is also the easiest Mexican cheese to find across supermarkets around the country. It is often defined as a fresh farmer’s cheese, but Mexican style: slightly milky, bouncy, and with a neutral flavor that helps tie everything together. It doesn’t really melt, but it does intensify in flavor when heated. It can be cubed and slipped into a poblano chile, roasted, and served as an appetizer or another element in your carne asada plate. It can also be crumbled on top of beans, on top of your tostada, or used as a layer in your torta. It’s a good idea to always have queso fresco on deck. Sometimes a warm tortilla with a slice of queso fresco and a dollop of salsa is all you need to keep going.