Need a Queso Fresco Substitute?

If there’s one indulgent cuisine everyone loves, it must be Mexican! With the cheesy goodness and mixture of fresh greens with perfectly-barbecued meat, you’ll want to keep going back for more, and with extra cheese!

But did you know that when cooking Mexican dishes, there are specific types of cheeses to create the ideal flavors? Whether you want gooey cheese or one that crumbles when you top it, these Mexican cheeses are what completes any meal! One of these cheeses would be the queso fresco.

But if you’re unable to get any of that cheese, what would make a good queso fresco substitute?

It might be difficult knowing what you should use in replacement of this unique Mexican cheese. But not to worry, as I show you good alternatives that will still achieve your desired flavor!​

What is Queso Fresco?​

​Queso fresco is one of the most popular types of cheeses used for Mexican dishes. The name itself translates to “fresh cheese,” having the firm texture to use as a topping. It’s a white cheese that tastes salty with a slightly tangy flavor you can compare with farmer’s cheese.

​The cheese is usually made from cow’s milk and sold in round shapes, sometimes packaged in tubs. The cheese curds are ground and then hand pressed, which is why it has the crumbly texture.

Like mentioned, you can easily crumble this cheese and use it on dishes such as tamales or enchiladas, even topping it off on soups and salads! Many people also use this as part of a filling for quesadillas, or even as a light snack, mixing it with salsa on a corn tortilla.

But take note that the cheese doesn’t melt when heated. It will soften a bit and leave a nice consistency that doesn’t make it too gooey and messy to eat, but not too solid and difficult to eat. It doesn’t melt quickly because it usually isn’t made out of whole milk.

But either way, queso fresco is a delicious addition to your dishes, and it’s also beneficial for your health. It’s lower in fat and sodium as compared to other types of cheese, and it’s relatively easy to use and crumble.

The Best Queso Fresco Substitute Options​

Now that you know what queso fresco is and where to use it, what are good alternatives in case you can’t find it in your local markets? If you want the best queso fresco substitute, then check these ingredients out:​

Mild Feta Cheese

This is the best alternative you can use for queso fresco because of its texture. It crumbles very easily while having a very creamy and delicious taste. This white cheese also looks similar to queso fresco, which is why it’s the first alternative to look out for!

Take note that feta cheese is a bit stronger than queso fresco, so add a slightly smaller amount of feta than what the recipe calls for. Use a mild and creamy feta cheese.

The French or Danish variety is a good choice when crumbling it over your meals. The French variety of feta cheese is less salty with a tangier taste and dry texture, better for crumbling. The Danish type is smoother and creamier, which you can easily slice without it falling apart. Plus, it comes in various flavors for you to add more taste to your dishes!

Make sure to choose WHITE feta cheese with a slightly tangy flavor.

Ricotta Salata

If you’re looking for a good queso fresco substitute for salads and soups, then the Ricotta Salata is a dried cheese you can try using. It has a salty taste (depending on how long it been aged), so the older it is, the less salty it can get. The ideal Ricotta Salata cheese to get is when it’s about two months old and looking a bit yellow.

The Italian cheese is made out of sheep milk, with the similar firm texture queso fresco has.