Queso fresco
A fresh, mild, crumbly Mexican cheese that softens but doesn't melt when heated — sprinkled on top of dishes rather than stirred into them for that reason.
Used for
- tacos
- elote
- salads
- beans
In the kitchen
- crumble by hand
- sprinkle on as a finishing garnish
- don't expect it to melt — it just softens
Picking it at the store
- Sold in a block or already crumbled — a block stays fresher longer if you won't use it all at once
- Cotija is a firmer, saltier substitute if queso fresco isn't available, though it won't be as mild
Related terms
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