Cotija

Often referred to as “Mexican parmesan,” cotija is a potent-smelling aged cheese best when crumbled and used to finish a dish. Its roots go back to Cotija de La Paz, Michoacán, where it is cubed and typically served to snack on wherever you order mezcal. In the United States, a wedge of the stuff goes a long way. It adds an instant boost of salty umami flavor to anything it touches.