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You are here: Home / Cheese Recipes / Cotija Cheese

Cotija Cheese

Douglas Cullen, This blog generates income via ads and affiliate links which earn us a small commission.

Cotija de la Paz, Michoacán

Many Mexican recipes call for the use of cotija cheese (queso cotija) and you might be wondering, “what is cotija cheese?” Cotija is a salty, cheese prepared with cow’s milk which is used as a seasoning similar to the way you use parmesan in a dish. You sprinkle it on in small amounts to add flavor.

Cotija cheese originated in the town of Cotija de la Paz in the state of Michoacán nearly 400 hundred years ago. Authentic cotija is prepared in with unpasteurized milk from pasture-raised cows, salt, and rennet and it is aged for at least one year. Due to its exceptional artisanal quality, it carries a Denomination of Origen (Spanish), just as champagne does.

Block of Mexican Cotija Cheese on Cutting Board
Michoacán Style Cotija Cheese

Use Cotija as a Topping in These Recipes

Here are some of our favorite recipes in which you can use cotija cheese with spectacular results.

  • Enchiladas Potosinas
  • Elotes and Esquites
  • Chilaquiles Verdes
  • Gorditas Encarceladas
  • Salsa Roja with Queso Cotija

Regional Variations

In Mexico, cotija style cheese has many different regional variations with distinct flavors and textures. To illustrate some of the differences, we have chosen four varieties from the states Michoacán, Jalisco, Querétaro, and Chiapas.

Cotija is usually white or pale yellow in color. There are two types, fresh and aged. Fresh cotija has a softer texture, similar to ricotta, and has a mild taste. Aged cotija has a harder texture, similar to parmesan, and has a distinctly earthy, sharp flavor. Less is need to add flavor.

Michoacán Style

The characteristics of Michoacán style cotija are, salty, dry, with a strong aroma, and a hard rind. It crumbles easily. It doesn’t melt. This is the original cotija.

Block of Cotija Cheese from Michoacán, Mexico

Jalisco style

The characteristics of Jalisco style cotija are dry, salty, soft, doesn’t break aparta easily. This type is excellent for grilling or pan-frying. Our jalisco cheese is produced by Quesos Navarro located in Los Altos de Jalisco.

Block of Cotija Cheese from Jalisco, Mexico

Querétaro Style

Querétaro style cotija is unique in that it it covered with a paste made from dried chiles, vinegar, and garlic to preserve it which gives it a distinct color and taste. Its characteristics are soft, fresh, and salty. It doesn’t break apart easily.

Block of Cotija Cheese from Querétaro, Mexico

Chiapas Style

The characteristics of Chiapas style cotija are, fresh, soft, milder, not as salty as other varieties, and doesn’t crumble as easily as other varieties. Chiapas style is excellent for grilling or pan-frying.

Block of Cotija Cheese from Chiapas, Mexico

Cotija Cheese Substitutes

If you need to substitute another cheese for cotija in a recipe, try these Mexican cheeses: queso fresco, queso ranchero, or queso, panela. All are salty, fresh cheeses that crumble well. The flavor they add to a dish will be milder but still very tasty.

Popular Brands in the U.S.

Here are some popular Mexican cheese brands that produce cotija. You should be able to buy them at most large grocery chains. The brands sold in the U.S. are milder than the ones you will find in Mexico.

  • El Mexicano
  • Cacique
  • La Chona
  • La Vaquita

 

More Cheese Recipes

  • Huitlacoche Quesadillas
  • Asadero Cheese Tacos with Salsa Verde
  • Strawberry Chipotle Cream Cheese Dip
  • Cream Cheese Dip with Sesame Seeds and Soy Sauce

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Arlia says

    December 21, 2020 at 6:16 pm

    Is it supposed to taste moldy? There is no visible mold on it.

    Reply

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D. Cullen Profile Picture

Hola, I am Douglas. Let me share my love of Mexican Cuisine with you that developed over 20+ years of living in Mexico.

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D. Cullen Profile Picture

Hola, I am Douglas. Let me share my love of Mexican Cuisine with you that developed over 20+ years of living in Mexico.

More about me →


Most Popular Recipes

  • Classic Salsa Verde
  • Restaurant Style Salsa
  • Traditional Sopa de Fideo
  • Red Pork Pozole
  • Chicken Tinga
  • Agua de Jamaica
  • Tres Leches Cake
  • Beet Salad with Feta Cheese and Citrus Balsamic Viniagrette
  • Red Enchilada Sauce
  • Mole Poblano

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