El Mexicano · 5 lbs
El Mexicano Oaxaca Part Skim Milk Cheese, 5 lbs
What it is
This is a semi-soft, white, string cheese from Mexico. It is made from pasteurized part-skim milk and has a mild, milky flavor. The cheese is formed into a ball or a braid, making it easy to shred or pull apart. Its texture is smooth and slightly elastic when melted, which is a characteristic of traditional Oaxaca cheese.
How people cook with it
Oaxaca cheese is a versatile ingredient that melts beautifully. It is commonly used in a variety of savory dishes.
- Melting in quesadillas
- Stuffing into empanadas
- Layering in enchiladas
- Adding to casseroles
To use this cheese, you can simply pull it apart into strands or shred it with a grater. When heated, it becomes wonderfully gooey and stretchy, making it ideal for dishes where melted cheese is a key component. It is particularly popular in Mexican cuisine, where its mild flavor complements a wide range of spices and ingredients. For quesadillas, it melts evenly between tortillas. In baked dishes, it creates a delightful cheesy topping.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to firmer cheeses like cheddar, Oaxaca cheese has a much higher moisture content and a softer texture. Its stringy nature when melted is distinct from cheeses that tend to become oily or separate. It offers a milder flavor profile than some aged cheeses, allowing other ingredients to shine.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs preparing Mexican-inspired meals often choose this cheese.
How to keep the rest
After opening, wrap any unused cheese tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out. It is best consumed within a few days of opening for optimal texture and flavor.