Queso Oaxaca is a fresh, creamy-white Mexican string cheese known for its excellent melting properties and salty, acidic flavour. In Australia, it is typically found at speciality Latino grocery stores or artisan cheese shops.
The distinctive string-like texture allows the cheese to be peeled by hand, which is essential for creating authentic melted fillings.
The texture and origin of Queso Oaxaca
Originating from the state of Oaxaca, this cheese is crafted into a ball of strings. This unique structure means you can peel it into thin ribbons rather than slicing it, providing a tactile experience that is quintessential to Mexican cuisine.
Flavour profile and melting characteristics
It is a fresh cheese with a mild saltiness and a subtle acidic tinge. When heated, it melts smoothly and consistently, making it the preferred choice for quesadillas and other traditional melted dishes.
Avoiding the soggy tortilla
A common mistake when using this cheese is ignoring the brine it is stored in. To prevent your tortilla from becoming soggy, press the cheese balls between two plates with extra weight to extract all excess liquid before adding it to your masa.
Finding authentic Mexican cheese in Australia
Authentic Mexican products are genuinely hard to find in mainstream supermarkets like Coles or Woolworths. While buffalo mozzarella is a direct substitute for its melt and colour, those seeking the real flavour should visit speciality Latino grocery stores.
We recommend trying this with this
For a truly authentic experience, pair your Oaxaca cheese with our fresh, stone-ground corn tortillas. When we stone-grind our corn fresh each day rather than using instant masa harina, the result is a more malleable tortilla that holds melted cheese perfectly.
