Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish consisting of grilled meat, usually steak, chicken or shrimp, served with warmed tortillas and a variety of toppings. While the meat is the star of the show, the cheese served alongside can make or break the dish. Selecting the right cheese to complement the flavors of the fajitas is key. So what is the best cheese for fajitas? There are a few factors to consider when choosing a cheese for fajitas.
What are the different cheeses that pair well with fajitas?
Here are some of the most popular cheeses that work well with fajitas:
- Monterey Jack – A mild white cheese that melts well. Its buttery flavor complements the meat.
- Cheddar – A sharp cheddar provides a tangy bite to balance the richness of the meat.
- Queso Fresco – A crumbly Mexican cheese with a salty, mild taste.
- Pepper Jack – Pepper jack has a slight spicy kick that accents the spices in the fajitas.
- Mozzarella – Melts smoothly and adds a light creamy texture.
- Feta – A bit more bold than other cheeses. The brininess pairs well with the meat.
The most traditional and popular cheese to serve with fajitas is Monterey Jack. Its creamy, melty texture and mild flavor allow the flavors of the meat to shine. Shredded cheddar or pepper jack are also excellent options.
Should you use pre-shredded or block cheese?
You’re better off shredding your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Here’s why:
- Better melting – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that inhibit smooth melting.
- More flavor – The shredded cheese exposed to more air can dry out a bit.
- More cost effective – You can buy block cheese in larger quantities for less money.
Your best bet is to buy a block of Monterey Jack, cheddar or pepper jack cheese and shred it yourself at home. The freshly shredded cheese will melt beautifully over the hot fajitas.
How much cheese should you provide?
Plan for about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of shredded cheese per fajita. You want enough cheese to generously cover the top of each fajita when melted. Having too little cheese can lead to disappointment while too much cheese overwhelms the other flavors.
If serving as appetizers, you may want to provide extra cheese on the side since less meat is served. Around 1 cup of shredded cheese per 3-4 appetizer fajitas is ideal.
Provide a bit more cheese if you know you have guests who really love their cheese!
What Are Some Cheese Serving Options?
Simply sprinkling shredded cheese over the top of the fajitas is the easiest way to serve it. But if you want to enhance the presentation, here are some other creative options for serving cheese with fajitas:
Queso dip
A side of creamy, melted cheese dip is perfect for fajitas. Try this easy queso recipe:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz shredded Monterey jack cheese
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small can diced green chilies
- Hot sauce and cayenne pepper to taste
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Mix in the green chilies, hot sauce and cayenne to taste. Serve warm with the fajitas for dipping.
Jalapeño poppers
For an appetizer twist, stuff cheese inside jalapeños before serving the fajitas.
- 10 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise with seeds removed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- 3 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
Mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheese and bacon. Spoon the filling evenly into the halved jalapeños. Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes until bubbly. Serve along with the fajitas.
Cheese crisps
For delicious homemade snackable crisps, bake shredded cheese in rounds on a parchment lined baking sheet at 400°F until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Try making them with cheddar, pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend. They make a tasty accompaniment to fajitas.
Cheese sauce
Drizzle a bit of creamy cheese sauce over the fajitas for extra richness. Simply prepare your favorite nacho cheese sauce recipe and serve on the side. Cheese sauce is also great for dipping the tortillas.
What To Consider When Purchasing Cheese
Keep the following factors in mind when purchasing cheese for fajitas:
Type of Cheese
Stick to softer cheeses that melt well like Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella or queso fresco. Avoid hard cheeses like parmesan that don’t melt smoothly. A Mexican blend works nicely too.
Mild vs. Sharp
Mild cheese lets the fajita flavors shine through. Sharp cheddar gives a bold, tangy contrast. Choose based on your flavor preferences.
Shredded vs. Block
Block cheese will melt more smoothly than pre-shredded. But shredded cheese saves time prepping.
Add-ins
Cheese with add-ins like jalapeños or bacon bits pair well with fajitas. Just read ingredients to avoid anti-caking agents.
Fat Content
Full fat cheese will melt and taste best on fajitas. Low-fat varieties won’t melt as nicely.
Amount
Plan for 1/4 to 1/3 cup shredded cheese per fajita. Buy accordingly for the number of servings needed.
Complementary Toppings
To take your fajitas over the top, serve them with these tasty cheese-friendly toppings:
- Guacamole – Creamy, cool avocado dip
- Salsa – Tomatoes, onions and peppers enhance the flavors
- Sour Cream – Cooling sour cream balances spicy heat
- Jalapeños – Pickled jalapeño slices provide heat
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato salsa with onion, cilantro and lime
- Hot Sauce – Drizzle over cheese for spicy creaminess
Pairing these fresh, flavorful toppings with the right cheese makes for amazing fajitas.
Key Tips for Serving Cheese with Fajitas
Follow these tips to ensure cheese success with your fajitas:
- Shred cheese just before serving for best results.
- Keep shredded cheese cold until ready to serve.
- Make sure fajitas are very hot when adding cheese so it melts immediately.
- Mix cheeses for more complex flavors.
- Add cheese toppings just before eating so they don’t over-melt.
- Provide extra cheese on the side for those who want more.
- Replace cheese dips if they cool down and harden.
Proper planning for serving cheese with fajitas guarantees maximum enjoyment. The right melted, gooey cheese completes this fun Tex-Mex meal.
What Are The Best Cheeses for Vegetarian Fajitas?
Vegetarian fajitas made with veggies, beans or soy protein instead of meat can be just as delicious. The cheese pairing is important to give vegetarian fajitas plenty of flavor. Here are great cheese choices:
| Cheese | Description |
|---|---|
| Queso Fresco | Mild, crumbly Mexican cheese |
| Monterey Jack | Creamy, melty and buttery |
| Mozzarella | Gooey, with just a touch of saltiness |
| Feta | Briny, tangy flavor |
| Goat Cheese | Rich, earthy and tangy |
Queso fresco, Monterey jack or mozzarella will give vegetarian fajitas a creamy boost. Feta and goat cheese add bolder flavors. Play around with cheese combinations in the veggie fajitas to create your favorite flavors.
Conclusion
With so many tasty cheese possibilities, there’s no need to serve boring fajitas ever again. Matching the right cheese to complement the zesty fajita flavors is the key for phenomenal fajitas. Serve melted Monterey jack or cheddar for classic flavors, or kick things up with pepper jack or queso dip. Top with fresh guacamole, salsa and other toppings to complete the cheese-lover’s dream meal. Savor the flavors of sizzling fajitas made so much better with ooey-gooey melted cheese today! Now pass the fajitas, por favor!