Queso Enchilado

This is a unique aged cheese. It is not as widely available as other Mexican-style cheeses, but it is so good that it is worth ordering online to taste. It is essentially a slightly less salty cotija that has been dipped in paprika or chile powder to develop an alluring red hue and peppery flavor throughout the cheese. It is descended from Spain’s traditional hard cheeses that were dipped in smoked pimentón powder to aid the curing process. In rural Mexican communities, pimentón was switched out with a chile paste made from dried red chiles. We recommend using this chile anywhere you would use cotija. However, because it is less salty, it is also delicious enough just sliced on a toasted tortilla.