Que Bueno cheese is a brand of Mexican-style cheeses produced by the company Saputo. It comes in several different varieties including shredded cheese blends, quesadilla cheeses, and cheese dip.
What types of Que Bueno cheese are there?
There are many different types of Que Bueno cheese products available:
- Shredded Cheese Blends – These are blends of different cheese varieties shredded together into convenient packages. Some popular blends include Mexican blend, Tex-Mex blend, and Fiesta blend.
- Quesadilla Cheese – These are cheeses specifically designed to be used in quesadillas. They melt very smoothly. Popular options include Quesadilla Cheese and Quesadilla Cheese with Jalapeno.
- Cheese Dip – Que Bueno makes several cheese dips, like Queso Quesadilla Dip, Queso Fiesta Dip, and Queso Jalapeno Dip.
- Oaxaca Cheese – Also known as quesillo, this is a white, semi-soft cheese used in Mexican cuisine.
- Asadero Cheese – A soft, mild, white cheese that melts very well.
- Cotija Cheese – A firm, crumbly cheese with salty flavor.
- Crema Mexicana – Mexican-style sour cream.
What types of cheese are used in Que Bueno products?
Que Bueno uses a variety of cheese types to create authentic Mexican-style cheese flavors:
- Monterey Jack – A mild white cheese that melts well.
- Cheddar – For a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Queso Quesadilla – A unique cheese made specifically for quesedillas.
- Asadero – A Mexican cheese that has excellent melting properties.
- Oaxaca – Also known as quesillo, used for stringy melted texture.
- Cotija – A firm, crumbly Mexican cheese.
- Fresco – A crumbly, fresh Mexican cheese.
- Chihuahua – A mild, soft, white cheese.
The specific cheese blends vary across the different Que Bueno products. But they use strategic mixes of these cheeses to create an authentic Mexican cheese flavor profile.
What makes Que Bueno cheese different?
Here are some of the key things that distinguish Que Bueno cheese from other brands:
- Authentic recipes – Que Bueno cheeses are crafted based on traditional Mexican cheese styles and recipes.
- Ingredient sourcing – They use high-quality dairy ingredients and cheese cultures.
- Melting – The cheeses melt exceptionally smooth, ideal for dishes like quesadillas, nachos, etc.
- Flavor profiles – Prominent Mexican cheese flavors like salty, tangy, and peppery.
- Convenience – Many shredded, pre-mixed blends for ease of use.
- Value pricing – More affordable than many Mexican-style cheese brands.
- Wide distribution – Available at most major grocery chains nationwide.
So in summary, Que Bueno stands out for its authentic recipes, convenient formats, smooth melting properties, on-trend Mexican flavors, and accessible pricing.
Where is Que Bueno cheese made?
Que Bueno cheese products are made by Saputo Cheese USA Inc. Saputo is one of the top cheese producers in the United States.
The main cheese dairy manufacturing facility that produces Que Bueno cheese is located in Tulare, California. This state-of-the-art facility uses high-quality local California milk to craft Que Bueno’s cheese products.
In addition to the Tulare facility, Saputo has other dairy plants across the United States that produce cheese products for the Que Bueno brand. But the majority of Que Bueno cheeses are made and shipped out from the Tulare, California location.
Where can you buy Que Bueno cheese?
Que Bueno cheeses are widely available at most major supermarkets across the United States. Here are some of the main retailers that carry Que Bueno products:
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Publix
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Meijer
- H-E-B
- Food Lion
- Giant Eagle
- Stop & Shop
You can find Que Bueno cheeses in the dairy case alongside other packaged and specialty cheeses. The shredded cheeses and cheese dips may be in the refrigerated deli section as well.
Many major online grocery delivery services also carry Que Bueno cheese products. So you may be able to order them online for home delivery or curbside pickup depending on your area.
What is the price of Que Bueno cheese?
Que Bueno cheese is typically priced very competitively compared to other brands of Mexican-style cheese. Here are some average prices:
Que Bueno Product | Typical Price |
---|---|
Shredded Cheese Blend, 8 oz. | $2.50 |
Quesadilla Cheese, 12 oz. | $3.99 |
Cheese Dip, 16 oz. | $3.49 |
Oaxaca Cheese, 6 oz. | $3.99 |
Of course prices will vary a bit by retailer and region. But Que Bueno cheese consistently offers good value for the quality.
How should you store Que Bueno cheese?
To maintain optimal freshness and quality, you should store Que Bueno cheese products as follows:
- Keep refrigerated at all times until ready to use.
- Make sure the packaging is properly sealed.
- Use by the Best By date printed on the packaging.
- Once opened, reseal tightly and use within 3-5 days.
- Avoid freezing the shredded cheeses whenever possible, as this can impact texture.
- Freeze cheese dips and sauces if not using within 3-5 days.
Proper refrigerated storage will keep the cheeses fresh and prevent premature spoilage or mold growth. For best quality and food safety, use Que Bueno products by the Best By dates on the packaging.
How can you use Que Bueno cheese?
Que Bueno cheese is very versatile and can be used in many different Mexican-inspired recipes. Here are some popular ways to use the various Que Bueno cheese products:
- Shredded Cheese Blends: Excellent for tacos, nachos, quesadillas, casseroles, Tex-Mex dishes, garnishing chili or soups, etc.
- Quesadilla Cheese: Ideal for quesadillas, also good for grilled cheese, tacos, nachos, etc.
- Cheese Dips: For nachos, chips, fajitas, chilaquiles, etc. Can also be used to make queso fundido.
- Oaxaca Cheese: Great for melting into cheese pulls for quesadillas, also good for tlayudas.
- Cotija Cheese: Use as crumble topping for tacos, soups, salads, beans, etc. Also good in corn-based dishes.
The convenience of the pre-shredded cheeses makes it easy to quickly prepare Mexican favorites like tacos, quesadillas, nachos, dips, and more. Que Bueno cheese is perfect for elevating your home Mexican cooking.
What are some popular Que Bueno cheese recipes?
Que Bueno cheese products are very versatile ingredients in a wide variety of recipes. Here are some delicious recipe ideas featuring Que Bueno cheese:
Quesadillas – Use Que Bueno quesadilla cheese or shredded Mexican blend between tortillas and grill until crispy.
Nachos – Top tortilla chips with Que Bueno cheese sauce or shredded cheese and bake until melted.
Beef or Chicken Tacos – Add Que Bueno shredded Mexican cheese blend to tacos for flavor and topping.
Cheese Enchiladas – Fill tortillas with Que Bueno shredded cheese and your favorite sauce.
Queso Fundido – Melt together Que Bueno cheeses like Oaxaca and Asadero for this Mexican cheese fondue.
Taco Casserole – Layer tortillas, ground beef, Que Bueno cheese, beans, and other toppings.
Cheese and Chile Tamales – Use Que Bueno Oaxaca cheese for tamales with a kick of heat.
Cheesy Chili – Ladle hot chili over Que Bueno shredded cheese for an easy topping.
What are people saying about Que Bueno in reviews?
Que Bueno cheese consistently earns positive reviews for its melting properties, flavor authenticity, and convenience. Here are some common compliments in reviews:
- “Melts so perfectly smooth and creamy.”
- “Just like the cheese I’ve had in Mexico.”
- “We always have the cheese blend on hand for tacos.”
- “The Oaxaca cheese is amazing for quesadillas.”
- “My go-to for quick and easy nachos.”
- “Much better flavor than other brands I’ve tried.”
- “The spicy queso dip is so addicting.”
Many reviewers say Que Bueno becomes their new favorite Mexican-style cheese after the first try. People consistently praise the authentic melty texture and big taste.
Is Que Bueno cheese considered high quality?
Yes, Que Bueno cheese is generally regarded as high quality cheese, especially relative to the price point. Reasons why it is considered good quality:
- Made with good quality dairy ingredients
- Aged sufficiently for proper flavor development
- Smooth, melty texture
- Authentic Mexican cheese profiles
- Consistent product quality
- Minimal additives or fillers
- Good value for the price
While it may not be artisanal or gourmet, Que Bueno cheese delivers on the key metrics of good quality cheese. The focus on authentic recipes results in cheeses that live up to the standard of real Mexican-style queso.
Is Que Bueno cheese gluten free?
Yes, Que Bueno cheese products are labeled as gluten free. The cheeses contain no wheat-derived ingredients.
However, some sensitive individuals report reacting to casein in dairy products. So Que Bueno may not be suitable for people with gluten sensitivities related to casein cross-reactivity.
Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerances should be able to safely consume Que Bueno cheese based on the ingredient labels. But anyone highly sensitive should take extra care and contact the company with questions.
Does Que Bueno cheese contain preservatives?
Que Bueno uses some preservatives in their cheese products, although the ingredients labels list only “natural flavors” and “enzymes” as preservatives. Typical preservatives used may include:
- Natamycin – An antifungal
- Lysozyme – An enzyme that controls bacterial growth
- Citric acid – An acid that enhances flavor and preservation
In the case of the cheese dips, other ingredients like potassium sorbate may be used as a preservative as well.
The preservatives allow the cheeses to remain fresh during distribution. Que Bueno uses natural fermentation enzymes and salts as the primary preservatives rather than artificial chemicals when possible.
Conclusion
Que Bueno offers a full line of Mexican-style cheese products made from quality ingredients. What really sets it apart is the smooth, melty texture and authentic flavor profiles. Que Bueno cheeses excel at bringing convenient queso flavor to everyday Mexican cooking. With its compatibility across many recipes, accessibility, and value pricing, Que Bueno cheese is a pantry staple for fans of Mexican cuisine.