The best Oaxaca cheese substitutes are mozzarella, muenster, and asadero cheese. Monterey Jack and string cheese are two more good options.
Oaxaca cheese is an incredibly unique, flavorful Mexican cheese. It’s become popular in tacos, quesadillas, and more over the past few years.
Finding a suitable substitute for this beloved cheese can be difficult. It’s just so unique!
Fortunately, there are many great options to choose from if you’re unable to find it in your local store.
Let’s explore some excellent Oaxaca cheese substitutes. They’ll give your dishes the signature creamy texture and cheesy flavor you love!
Best Substitutes for Oaxaca Cheese
1. Mozzarella
Mozzarella is an excellent substitute for Oaxaca cheese due to its mild flavor and aroma. It has a soft, creamy texture and is a great melting cheese. It’s ideal for quesadillas or pizza.
It also has a high moisture content, so it won’t dry out quickly like other cheeses when cooked.
It’s widely available in most grocery stores. This makes it a convenient replacement in recipes calling for Oaxaca cheese.
When substituting, use a similar amount. Be sure to sprinkle some salt on it since Oaxaca cheese is saltier.
2. Muenster
Muenster cheese is a popular substitute for Oaxaca cheese due to its texture and flavor. Some say its flavor profile is actually the closest to Oaxaca!
It has a mild, sweet taste and complements most dishes. It also has a creamy texture and melts beautifully. Muenster is a great option for quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, and the like
3. Asadero
Asadero is a Mexican white cheese with a mild, salty flavor and firm texture. Since Oaxaca cheese is tough to find in some regions, asadero makes an excellent alternative.
It has a similar stretchy texture. It also holds its shape when fried or melted on tacos or nachos. Additionally, it’s much creamier than other cheeses such as cheddar. It pairs nicely with strong spice blends.
Even better, it’s widely available in most grocery stores, so it’s an ideal go-to.
4. Unaged Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a great substitute for Oaxaca cheese because of its similar taste and texture. It has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a creamy, smooth consistency.
This semi-hard cheese has a low melting point, which makes it extremely easy to shred or melt on a variety of dishes.
As a bonus, unaged Monterey Jack is less expensive than other types of cheese. It works nicely with tortillas and other Mexican dishes.
The versatility means it can be used in any recipe that calls for Oaxaca cheese.
5. String Cheese
String cheese isn’t just for lunch boxes! It’s also an excellent substitute for Oaxaca cheese.
It’s easier to find than other alternatives in many parts of North America. But it also has many characteristics reminiscent of traditional Mexican cheese.
It offers a mild flavor and creamy texture, so it’s a flavorful, but not overpowering option. Its longer shelf life makes it far easier to source than other cheeses.
If you’re looking for something comparable to Oaxaca cheese, give string cheese a try.
6. Cheddar Cheese Curds
Cheddar cheese curds are a great substitute for Oaxaca cheese due to their similar texture, structure, and taste.
They offer the classic flavors of a Mexican recipe without straying too far from the culinary norm.
They have a mild yet distinct flavor. They’re an ideal selection in cheesy dishes such as nachos or quesadillas.
They also add a delightful amount of crunchy texture. It just can’t be found in traditional powders and cubes.
This combination of traditional taste with a unique spin makes them an excellent alternative to Oaxaca cheese.
7. Queso Panela
Queso panela is a suitable substitute for Oaxaca cheese with its subtle flavor and creamy texture. It won’t overpower dishes, which makes it perfect for quesadillas and tacos.
Its semi-soft texture creates the perfect melt factor for any cheese dish. It evokes the same feeling as Oaxaca cheese without the same intensity.
On top of that, it boasts a slightly sweet flavor compared to Oaxaca cheese. It can be used as a great introduction to Mexican cheeses.
It’s not quite the same experience Oaxaca cheese provides, but it’s still a wonderful alternative.
8. Cotija
Cotija cheese always works well in a pinch. It has a unique flavor. It’s used as an effective replacement in many dishes.
Unlike Oaxaca, cotija maintains its shape rather than melting when heated. It’s a great choice for topping burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and other Mexican-style dishes.
The salty and tangy taste adds delicious complexity to the meal. It’ll be a hit with the whole family!
Best of all, Cotija is easily accessible at most local grocery stores or online markets, so finding it won’t be a problem.
With its versatile use and accessibility, it’s obvious why it makes for an inspired substitute for Oaxaca cheese!
9. Manchego
Manchego is a type of cheese originating from the La Mancha region of Spain. It’s a popular cheese choice around the world.
With its nutty, salty, robust flavor profile, it makes an excellent substitute for Oaxaca cheese.
Oaxaca cheese needs to be melted to bring out its best qualities. But Manchego boasts a great flavor even when cold.
This hard cheese also features an easier-to-grate texture. It’s ideal for adding quick toppings to dishes like tacos and pizzas.
Manchego offers all the nutritional benefits associated with any cheese source, including calcium, vitamin D, and B12.
10. Ricotta
Ricotta is an excellent substitute for Oaxaca cheese. It has a similar texture and nutritional profile. While it is milder in flavor, it’s still a good substitute when you have nothing else on hand.
It’s easier to find than Oaxaca cheese in supermarkets or online. So it’s more accessible, no matter where you live.
Nutritionally speaking, Oaxaca and ricotta share similar amounts of calcium and phosphorus.
It might not be exactly like Oaxaca cheese, but it’s still a guaranteed winner!
10 Best Oaxaca Cheese Substitutes for Similar Taste & Texture
Try mozzarella, asadero, and Monterey Jack for the best Oaxaca cheese substitutes. All have a similar taste and texture.
Ingredients
Mozzarella
Muenster
Asadero
Unaged Monterey Jack
String Cheese
Cheddar Cheese Curds
Queso Panela
Cotija
Manchego
Ricotta
Instructions
- Select your favorite Oaxaca cheese substitute.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!
