Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely use mozzarella cheese for tacos. Mozzarella is a soft, mild, creamy white cheese that melts beautifully, making it a great choice for tacos and other Mexican dishes. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are more traditional taco cheeses, substituting in mozzarella can add delicious flavor and texture. Just be sure to choose fresh mozzarella, not the low-moisture variety, for the best melting properties. Crumbled or shredded mozzarella are easy to sprinkle over tacos, and sliced fresh mozzarella can be a tasty addition as well. Mozzarella pairs especially well with fillings like ground beef, chicken, or steak, along with classic taco toppings like lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, beans, etc. So don’t be afraid to get creative and use mozzarella to enhance your next taco night!
Mozzarella Cheese Overview
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Italy that is made from cow’s or buffalo’s milk. There are a few main varieties of mozzarella cheese:
Fresh Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella is delicately soft and milky white in color, with a light, clean flavor and tender, elastic texture. It is made by stretching and pulling the curds into various shapes and sizes, a process called pasta filata. Fresh mozzarella contains a high moisture content, which allows it to melt smoothly when heated. This makes it an excellent choice for cooking.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella
Low-moisture mozzarella, sometimes labeled as part-skim, is most often used for shredding and on pizza. It has a firmer texture than fresh mozzarella and contains less moisture, giving it better shredding and melting properties. However, it lacks some of the subtle sweetness and delicate texture of fresh mozzarella.
Smoked Mozzarella
Smoked mozzarella has a light beige color and distinctive smoky flavor from being cold smoked over wood chips. It comes in a semi-soft style and melts well, making it a tasty addition to dishes where its smoky essence can shine.
Buffalo Mozzarella
Considered the finest type of mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella is made from the milk of Italian river buffalo. It has a soft, creamy texture and irresistible rich, tangy flavor. Buffalo mozzarella is more expensive than regular mozzarella but is worth splurging on occasionally.
Benefits of Using Mozzarella for Tacos
There are several advantages to using mozzarella cheese for your tacos:
- Creamy, smooth texture – Fresh mozzarella melts into light, creamy pools of cheese that coat each bite.
- Mild flavor – Mozzarella has a subtle, milky flavor that plays well with assertive taco fillings and toppings.
- Excellent melting properties – Especially when using fresh mozzarella, the cheese easily melts into the perfect consistency.
- Added nutrition – Mozzarella provides protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and B12.
- Affordable option – Mozzarella is budget-friendly, especially compared to artisan Mexican cheeses.
- Easy to find – Mozzarella is readily available at most grocery stores.
The mellow quality and meltability of mozzarella make it a flexible choice to use in tacos. It won’t overpower the other flavors but adds rich, gooey satisfaction with each bite.
Best Types of Mozzarella for Tacos
When it comes to tacos, fresh mozzarella and low-moisture mozzarella are better choices than smoked or buffalo mozzarella:
Fresh Mozzarella
Delicate, creamy fresh mozzarella is arguably the best type to use on tacos. It melts smoothly and evenly. The soft curds can be crumbled, shredded, sliced, or cut into small cubes to top tacos hot off the grill or pan. Fresh mozzarella pairs especially well with boldly flavored meats, pungent salsa, and vibrant fresh vegetables.
Low-Moisture Mozzarella
For ease of shredding and melting, low-moisture mozzarella is a practical choice for tacos. Finely shredded low-moisture mozzarella blends nicely into taco fillings and sprinkles easily over the tops. Just be sure to avoid any rubbery, artificial-tasting low-grade cheeses. Go for a quality brand to ensure the best flavor and meltability.
Avoid Smoked and Buffalo Mozzarella
Smoked mozzarella and buffalo mozzarella are too strongly flavored for tacos. Their pronounced smoky or tangy qualities would clash with typical taco ingredients and overpower other flavors. Stick to fresh or low-moisture mozzarella for the right balance of melty and mild.
How to Prepare Mozzarella for Tacos
One of the beauties of using mozzarella for tacos is that it requires very little prep. Here are some easy ways to incorporate mozzarella into your tacos:
Shred It
Use a grater or food processor to shred low-moisture mozzarella. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over taco fillings or mix some right into beef or turkey mixtures before cooking. Gently toss shredded cheese with other taco toppings.
Crumble It
Pull apart larger pieces of fresh mozzarella into small crumbles and bits with your hands. Fresh mozzarella crumbles are delicious when scattered over tacos.
Dice It
Cut fresh or low-moisture mozzarella into 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch cubes. Mozzarella cubes add delightful bursts of melty goodness when combined with other taco fillings.
Slice It
For a ooey-gooey experience, place slices or strips of fresh mozzarella in tacos before heating. The slices will melt deliciously while retaining their shape.
Don’t Overheat It
Avoid overcooking mozzarella or heating it for too long. This can make it rubbery and tough. Gentle warming just until melted allows it to retain its creamy texture.
Best Fillings to Pair with Mozzarella
Mozzarella cheese pairs marvelously with many classic taco fillings. Here are some of the best matches:
Ground Beef
The savory richness of seasoned ground beef is excellent with melted mozzarella. Sprinkle shredded or cubed mozzarella over beef tacos for cheesy satisfaction.
Chicken
From shredded rotisserie chicken to spicy chipotle chicken, mozzarella pairs wonderfully with any chicken filling. The mildness of the cheese perfectly accents the chicken.
Steak
Thinly sliced grilled steak is right at home with melted mozzarella in tacos. The cheese helps cut through the hearty flavors of steak.
Pork
The mellow quality of mozzarella works well with the deeper flavor of pork like carnitas or al pastor.
Shrimp
For seafood tacos, mozzarella lends its creamy texture and subtle saltiness to enhance sautéed or grilled shrimp.
Vegetables
From grilled veggies to mashed black beans or refried pinto beans, mozzarella pairs nicely with veggie-based taco fillings too.
Play around with mozzarella and your favorite proteins, veggies, and beans to invent tasty tacos. The possibilities are nearly endless!
Toppings that Complement Mozzarella
While mozzarella cheese brings its own appeal to tacos, adding complementary toppings can take them to the next level. Consider these flavorful finishes:
Salsa
A dollop of fresh pico de gallo, salsa verde, or salsa roja adds vibrant color and brightness to balance the rich mozzarella.
Guacamole or Avocado Slices
Cool, creamy guac or avocado slices pair perfectly with warm, melted mozzarella. A classic combo!
Cilantro
Fresh, herbaceous cilantro leaves give a flavor punch and textural contrast to melted mozzarella.
Onions
Both raw diced onions and sautéed onions add a nice sharp note to cut the richness.
Jalapeños
For spice lovers, sliced or diced jalapeños bring just the right heat and crunch.
Lime Wedges
A squeeze of bright, tart lime juice over tacos gives an energizing finish.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match toppings with the mozzarella cheese to build tasty flavor layers.
Serving Suggestions
Mozzarella cheese-topped tacos are satisfying however you serve them up. Here are some fun ideas:
Classic Tacos
Fill a warm corn or flour tortilla with your mozzarella-accented ingredients, fold or roll, and enjoy! Easy, unfussy, and delicious.
Tacos Dorados
For crispy tacos, fold your filled tortillas and fry them lightly just until the cheese melts. Serve these taquitos-style tacos with extra cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
Nacho Tacos
Load up crunchy tortilla chips or tostadas with taco fixings and melted mozzarella for hearty nacho-taco hybrids.
Taco Salads
Crush up tortilla shells and use as the base for vibrant salads topped with your mozzarella-filled taco ingredients.
Taco Boats
Scoop out small baked potatoes or sweet potatoes and fill with mozzarella-topped taco yumminess.
Let your creativity run wild for fun new ways to serve up these cheesy, melty tacos.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
Use these handy tips to guide you to taco success with mozzarella:
- Choose fresh mozzarella for the best meltability and mildest flavor.
- When using low-moisture mozzarella, go for finely shredded to help it melt smoothly.
- Mix some shredded mozzarella right into beef or turkey for extra cheesy flavor in each bite.
- Add mozzarella at the end when reheating tacos to prevent overcooking.
- Combine with stronger flavors like salsa, avocado, cilantro, and lime juice to balance the cheese.
- Stick to just 1 or 2 other toppings along with mozzarella to prevent a muddled mess.
- Try both mozzarella-filled classic tacos and creative fusion-style tacos.
With its easy meltability, mild milky flavor, and creamy satisfying texture, mozzarella is a fantastic choice for enhancing any taco. Just follow these guidelines, get creative with your fillings and toppings, and enjoy the melty magic mozzarella brings to tacos!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to melt mozzarella for tacos?
The best way is to add shredded or cubed mozzarella on top of hot taco fillings just before serving so it melts from the heat. You can also mix shredded mozzarella into meat mixtures or lightly sprinkle cheese over tacos and pop under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt.
Should I use fresh or low-moisture mozzarella?
For the creamiest melted texture, fresh mozzarella is ideal. However, low-moisture mozzarella shreds and melts easily too. Choose based on your preference and what you have on hand.
Is mozzarella cheese authentic for tacos?
While cheddar and Monterey Jack are more traditional, mozzarella works deliciously in tacos. Mexican cheeses like queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese are other authentic options.
Can I make cheese sauce with mozzarella for tacos?
Yes, you can make a smooth cheese sauce by melting mozzarella with a bit of milk or cream over low heat, stirring frequently. Drizzle this sauce over taco fillings.
What meat goes best with mozzarella in tacos?
Ground beef, chicken, and steak are especially tasty with mozzarella, but the cheese also pairs well with pork, chorizo, shrimp, beans, veggies, and more!
Mozzarella Taco Recipes to Try
Here are some delicious mozzarella-filled taco recipes perfect for your next Taco Tuesday:
Steak and Mozzarella Tacos
Marinated, grilled skirt steak is topped with melty mozzarella, charred corn salsa, avocado crema, and cilantro. A winning combo!
Chicken Parmesan Tacos
Crispy fried chicken cutlets are layered with melted mozzarella and marinara sauce in these clever Italian-Mexican fusion tacos.
Caprese Shrimp Tacos
Juicy shrimp join fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze for an incredible caprese-inspired taco filling.
Cheesy Pesto Chicken Tacos
Shredded rotisserie chicken and mozzarella cheese melted with pesto, mayo, and sun-dried tomatoes make a hearty and vibrant taco filling.
Philly Cheesesteak Tacos
Thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and gooey mozzarella cheese give a Mexican twist to a classic Philly sandwich.
Baked Zucchini Tacos
These meatless tacos are stuffed with roasted zucchini, black beans, corn, and melty mozzarella for a delicious vegetarian option.
Creamy Mozzarella Shrimp Tacos
Pan seared shrimp are layered over mozzarella cheese sauce and topped with crunchy cabbage for easy yet scrumptious tacos.
Conclusion
Mozzarella is a fantastic cheese choice to add rich, melty, creamy goodness to any taco recipe. Both fresh and low-moisture mozzarella offer great melt, subtle flavor, and texture perfect for enhancing favorite taco fillings from ground beef to shrimp. Top with zesty salsa, cool avocado, fresh herbs, and more for well-balanced tacos that please. With minimal prep needed and endless tasty options for pairings, mozzarella is sure to become a regular in your taco rotation. Use these tips and recipes to dive into the melty magic that mozzarella brings to tacos!