Many major grocery stores in America sell shredded Mexican-style cheese blends. They are commonly found down the dairy aisle in bags next to your standard shredded cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella. As its name indicates, this type of cheese is primarily used for Mexican inspired meals like tacos, nachos, burritos, and countless other dishes.
If you’re here wondering what types of cheeses are in a Mexican cheese blend, you’re not alone. Below you’ll find out the cheeses that are commonly used in this type of shredded cheese with examples from popular products. Let’s get into it!
Types of Cheeses in Mexican Cheese Blends
Here is a list of the cheeses you will find in most Mexican-style cheese blends found in U.S. grocery stores:
- Monterey Jack – As its name implies, this cheese was invented in Monterey, California. The “Jack” part of the name comes from the last name of David Jack who was a noteworthy major distributor of the cheese in the late 1800s. It’s a semi-firm tasting cheese derived from pasteurized cow’s milk that easily melts. The cheese is often described as buttery and mild tasting with a light yellow color.
- Cheddar – This cheese likely needs no introduction for most readers. It’s known for its rich, bold flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Cheddars primary varieties include mild, medium, sharp, and extra sharp. The sharper tasting cheddars are typically aged several months longer than the milder varieties. This cow’s milk cheese that originates from England is the most popular type of cheese in the world.
- Colby Jack – Colby Jack is a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses. See above for a description on Monterey Jack. In regard to Colby, it’s an American cheese that was first created near Colby, Wisconsin in the 1870s. The cheese is considered semi-hard and it’s made from cow’s milk. While it has an appearance close to cheddar, its quick aging process and the removal of a lot of its acidity from a washing process of its curds produces a much different flavor. Colby is often described as being creamy, buttery, mild, and sweeter than cheddar.
- Queso Quesadilla – This cheese originates from Northwest Mexico/Texas. It’s known for its ability to easily melt making it perfect for many Mexican dishes. Queso Quesadilla is a semi-soft cheese that is mild, creamy and often compared to Monterey Jack.
- Asadero – This is a semi-firm white cheese that hails from Mexico. It has the texture like string cheese or a mozzarella ball with a mellow but tangy taste. Similar to mozarella, this cheese properly melts the way most people desire.
- Oaxaca – This cheese is a cousin to Asadero that originated in an area of Mexico that shares its name with this cheese. It is said to be a moister version of asadero with a similar mild and creamy taste.
Store-Bought Mexican Cheese Blends
The table below shows the types of cheeses used in popular Mexican cheese blends. This information should help you better understand how this type of cheese is crafted based on these example. You’ll notice that not all Mexican cheese blends are created the same in regard to the cheeses used to make them.
| Mexican Blend | Cheeses Used |
|---|---|
| 365 By Whole Foods – Mexican Blend | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Blanco, & Asadero |
| Andrew & Everett – Mexican Mix | Cheddar & Monterey Jack |
| Good & Gather (Target Store Brand) | Monterey Jack, Sharp Cheddar, & Colby |
| HEB – Mexican-Style Blend | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, & Queso Quesadilla |
| Kraft – Mexican-Style 4 Cheese Blend | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, & Queso Quesadilla |
| Kroger – Mexican-Style Blend | Monterey Jack, Mild Cheddar Cheese, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero |
| La Morenita – Mexican Blend | Quesadilla, Asadero, Monterey Jack, & Oaxaca |
| Lucerne – Mexican-Style 4 Cheese | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, & Queso Quesadilla |
| Meijer – Mexican-Style 4 Cheese | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero |
| O Organics – Mexican-Style Blend | Colby Jack, Cheddar, & Monterey Jack |
| Organic Valley – 3 Cheese Mexican | Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, & Colby |
| Private Selection – Mexican Blend (Kroger brand) | Asadero, Oaxaca, & Quesadilla |
| Sargento – Creamery 3 Cheese Mexican | Queso Quesadilla, Cheddar, & Colby Jack |
| Sargento – Off The Block 4 Cheese Mexican | Monterey Jack, Mild Cheddar Cheese, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero |
| Simple Truth – Organic Mexican-Style Blend (Kroger brand) | Monterey Jack, Colby, & Cheddar |
| Tillamook – Mexican 4 Cheese Farm-Style Cut | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero |
| Weis Market – Mexican Four Cheese Blend | Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Quesadilla, Asadero |
Make Your Own Mexican Cheese Blend
There is nothing complicated about making your own Mexican cheese blend if you have two or more of the cheeses listed above on hand. Simply uses a box grater or food processor to shredded the cheeses or combine existing shredded cheeses in even parts until well blended.
If you want a blend with a little bit more excitement, you can add taco seasoning or similar spices to taste to your Mexican cheese blend. The addition of spices is similar to how taco cheese is made, which can also be purchased at many grocery stores and contains similar cheeses to Mexican cheese blends.
Final Thoughts
Shredded Mexican-style cheese blends are popular in American grocery stores, that are commonly used in Mexican dishes like tacos and nachos. The blends typically include cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, Colby Jack, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero, and Oaxaca.
Store-bought options vary, but some popular combinations include Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Blanco, and Asadero. Alternatively, you can create your own blend using equal parts of any of the cheeses discussed above.
Now that you know the cheeses used in Mexican cheese blends it time to plan your next Mexican cuisine. Enjoy!