Chilli con carne, often shortened to just “chilli”, is a spicy stew or soup made with minced or ground beef, chilli peppers, tomatoes and spices. It’s a popular dish in Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. Adding cheese is controversial among chilli purists, but cheese on top of chilli can provide a nice creamy contrast to the spicy meat and sauce.
Should you put cheese on chilli?
There’s no right or wrong answer – it’s ultimately a matter of personal taste. Here are some pros and cons of adding cheese to chilli:
Pros:
- Cheese adds richness, creaminess and extra flavor.
- The contrast between spicy chilli and cool, creamy cheese is pleasing to many palates.
- Popular cheese choices like cheddar, Monterey jack and queso fresco complement the flavors in chilli.
- Cheese adds protein and calcium.
- Cheese on top keeps the chilli underneath piping hot.
- Kids and picky eaters may be more likely to enjoy chilli with cheese.
Cons:
- Some think adding cheese negatively impacts the authentic flavor of traditional chilli.
- Cheese mutes some of the spiciness and robust flavor.
- The texture and mild flavor of cheese may seem out of place in chilli to some chilli purists.
- Cheese adds extra calories and fat.
What types of cheese pair well with chilli?
These cheeses are commonly added to chilli:
- Cheddar – Popular for its nutty flavor and creamy meltability. Aged cheddar provides a sharper bite.
- Monterey Jack – With its mild flavor and supple meltability, it integrates smoothly into chilli.
- Pepper Jack – The spicy kick complements the heat of the chilli.
- Queso Fresco – The crumbly Mexican cheese contributes a salty, milky flavor.
- Colby – Similar to cheddar but even mellower in flavor.
- Swiss – Its distinctive nutty, slightly sweet flavor balances the spices.
- Provolone – When melted, it provides a smoother, creamier texture.
- Blue Cheese – Some enjoy the pungent tang as a topping for chilli.
Traditional tex-mex and Mexican chilli recipes don’t call for cheese. But the cheeses above, especially cheddar, Monterey jack and queso fresco, are popular choices in the United States.
How to add cheese to chilli
Here are some tips for adding cheese to chilli:
- Add shredded cheese a little at a time, stirring continuously, until melted and fully incorporated.
- Mix in small cheese cubes for pockets of gooey cheese throughout the chilli.
- Top bowls of chilli with grated cheese and let it melt from the heat of the chilli.
- Make chilli cheese nachos by topping tortilla chips with chilli and melted cheese.
- Serve cheese on the side to mix in or top each bowl as desired.
- Use cheese as a garnish or let individuals add their own to taste.
- For baked chilli, top with cheese and bake until melted.
Go easy on the cheese – too much can make chilli greasy or overly rich. And avoid boiling or simmering chilli with cheese mixed in, as this can cause the proteins in cheese to separate and become grainy.
What about no cheese on chilli?
Leaving the cheese off chilli allows the pure flavors of the meat, chiles and spices to shine through. Some other ways to enjoy chilli without cheese:
- Top with chopped raw onion, cilantro or salsa for extra flavor and texture.
- Drizzle with lime juice for some brightness.
- Serve with tortilla chips, rice or cornbread on the side.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños for more heat.
- Add other toppings like diced avocado or sour cream.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s up to personal preference whether you want to add cheese to your chilli or go cheese-less. Cheese lovers enjoy the contrast of creamy, melted cheese with hearty, spicy chilli. Purists prefer to skip the cheese and let the pure, authentic chilli flavors shine through. Whichever way you like it, chilli makes for a satisfying, comforting meal.