What Is Cotija Cheese? The Perfect Addition To Bring Out The Best Of Mexican Dishes

Cotija cheese is a Mexican artisan cheese that has been enjoyed by Mexicans for centuries. It is named after the municipality of the same name in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, and it is one of the most popular cheeses in Mexico today. Cotija cheese is a semi-hard cow’s milk cheese, usually aged two to three months, that is milled, dried and aged to achieve a crumbly texture and a salty, sharp flavor. This cheese has a salty taste reminiscent of feta, but it’s not as sharp or tangy. It’s one of the key ingredients in many recipes in Mexican cuisine, from soups to quesadillas to enchiladas, and it’s also a cherished topping for Mexican-style toast.

Making and Aging Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is traditionally made with unpasteurized milk from cattle that have eaten grass in the area of Cotija, Michoacan, for at least six months. The milk is heated, skimmed, and treated with rennet, then placed into a form where it is allowed to harden. Once formed, the cheese is brined in a saltwater solution in order to help draw out more moisture and give it a crumbly texture. Once brined, the cheese is either packed in wax or a cloth sack and let age for two to three months, during which time it will develop a sharp flavor and become harder and dryer.

Uses for Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is most often used as a topping for Mexican dishes. It’s excellent for sprinkling on top of soups and salads, tacos, tostadas, and quesadillas, adding a delightful salty kick to the dish. It can also be added to a variety of recipes as a flavorful garnish, including rice and bean dishes, tamales, and even desserts. Cotija cheese is also a key ingredient in many chiles rellenos recipes, adding a sharp, salty flavor that pairs well with the creamy interiors of these stuffed peppers.

Cotija cheese is a delicious and versatile cheese that is perfect for bringing out the very best in a variety of Mexican dishes. Its salinity and sharp flavor are the perfect complement to many recipes and make it a must-have ingredient in any Mexican kitchen. It’s a cheese that is best enjoyed fresh and can easily be found in specialty cheese shops as well as Hispanic grocery stores. Whether you’re cooking a traditional Mexican dish or just looking to add a zing to any dish, Cotija cheese is sure to be a successful addition to your ingredients list.