Looking to add some zing to your Mexican recipes? Try cotija cheese! This salty and crumbly cheese is a favorite in savory dishes like tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, and soups.
Cotija cheese is a type of Mexican cheese that is commonly used in a variety of dishes. It is a salty, crumbly cheese that has a distinct flavor and texture. It is named after the town of Cotija in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, where it originated. It is pronounced Koh-tee-hah.
The cheese is made from cow’s milk and aged for several months. It is usually sold in small rounds or crumbled into pieces. The texture is similar to feta cheese, but it is saltier and has a stronger flavor.
Packaged cotija cheese typically comes with a ‘best by’ or ‘use by’ date printed on its packaging, which is usually about 6 months from its production day given it’s still sealed. Once you’ve opened the package, the cheese should stay fresh for about 2 to 3 weeks if stored properly.
How To Use It
One of the most common uses is with Mexican cuisine. Use it as a topping for dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and refried beans. You can also use it in salads and as a garnish for soups.
Possibly the most popular use of this cheese is when making Elotes, or Mexican street corn. Elote is grilled corn on the cob that is typically covered in a mixture of mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, and cotija cheese. The cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor to the dish that balances out the sweetness of the corn.
Another Mexican cheese, this one is soft and crumbles also and has a similar texture. The taste is much more mild, milky, slightly tangy, and not nearly as salty. This makes a wonderful substitute for cotija.
If you’re unable to get Mexican cheeses, Feta is a close substitute. It has a soft, crumbly texture just like cotija and has a rich, tangy and salty flavoring. The flavor is slightly more mild than cotija, but as a substitute this is as close as you will get.
This is an Italian cheese that is typically finely ground, but it can be grated, crumbled or shaved. The taste is strong, tangy and salty. It is also lactose free.
This creamy cheese can be crumbled also and has a nice mild, mellow flavoring. Texture wise, it’s very similar.
The flavoring of añejo is very similar, it is slightly more bold because it is simply aged cotija cheese. If you are able to find this, it’s a great substitute.
- Refrigerator: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.The shelf life varies depending on the aging process. However, it should stay fresh for almost a month, while aged cotija may last even longer.
- Freezer: freeze in an air tight container for 6-8 months.
Cotija is not a melting cheese. This particular cheese crumbles nicely, which is why it’s used heavily as a topping or garnish.
Cotija cheese is made using animal rennet, this means that if you are following a vegetarian diet, you will want to avoid this particular type of cheese.
Cotija cheese has little to no traces of lactose, most people who are lactose intolerant are able to tolerate this particular cheese.
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Cotija Cheese Guide | Types of Cotija and How to Use Cotija
FAQ
How do you store leftover cotija cheese?
What is the difference between cotija and fresco cheese?
What is the flavor of cotija cheese?
How long does cotija cheese last?
Cotija cheese is known to stay enjoyable in the fridge for at least 4 to 8 weeks. For grated, shredded, or crumbled cheese, it will last about 2-4 weeks in the fridge. How to Tell If Cotija Cheese is Bad If the cotija cheese has any strange colors on it that are not white, such as pink or green, or has a bad smell, this means the cheese is bad.
How long does Cotija last?
Place the unopened package of cotija in your refrigerator’s freezer compartment where they will last anywhere from 3 months up to a year before going bad. Once you open the box you’ll need to transfer the remaining cotija into an airtight container and place it inside your refrigerator where they will last at least 2 weeks before going bad.
Can cotija cheese become moldy over time?
Yes, all cheese can become moldy over time or from improper storage. If the cotija is left out at room temperature for too long, it will be more likely to spoil and become moldy quickly. After a few months, even in the fridge, cheese will eventually mold as well.
Is Cotija a fresh cheese?
Cheese labeled, “Fresh Cotija”, is not actually a Mexico fresh cheese. It has just been aged for less time, generally just over 3 months. When Cotija is fresh, it will be firm and slightly moist. It is easy to crumble and break off into chunks. Either a mild feta cheese or ricotta salata would be a reasonable alternative for Cotija in most recipes.