[15] best queso fresco substitutes | Ideal for Cooking

If you can’t find a Queso Fresco, or if you want to try a different cheese, there are several substitutes you can use. 

Feta cheese is an attractive choice, as is ricotta cheese. You could also try crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese. Just make sure the substitute cheese has a similar texture and taste to queso fresco.

What is Queso Fresco?

Queso fresco is a soft, non-aged cheese produced from cow’s milk. Its name comes from “fresh cheese.” 

Queso fresco tastes similar to Indian paneer or farmers’ cheese. It has a soft taste and creamy texture.

Mexican queso fresco is softer than the fresh cheeses found in other countries. It is also slightly salty to a somewhat sour taste. 

The cheese is white and has small holes throughout it. Queso fresco can be eaten fresh or used in recipes.

The 15 best queso fresco substitutes

1. FETA CHEESE 

Feta cheese is a fantastic substitute for queso fresco, as long as it’s crumbled well. It’s got a very similar texture and taste, but with some additional saltiness. 

feta cheese is a fantastic substitute for queso fresco, as long as it's crumbled well

Be sure to use goat cheese or blue cheese alone or in combination with other cheeses if desired. 

Greek feta is another good cheese substitution for queso fresco. It shares the same sort of crumbly texture, but it’s slightly saltier than queso fresco. 

2.TOFU- Vegan Alternative to Queso Fresco

Tofu is a soybean-based food that can be used as an alternative for cheese in many dishes. It’s high in calcium, protein, and iron.

There are different types of tofu: soft, firm, and extra firm, which you can buy depending on the application. For example, if you desire to make a vegan quesadilla with tofu, you will want firm or extra firm tofu.

The best way to substitute cheese in Spanish dishes is with queso Blanco or queso fresco; if you are vegan,

3. POT CHEESE 

There are many types of cheese, and each one has a different flavor and texture. Queso fresco is a famous cheese in Mexico and Central America. It tastes mild, and it has a crumbly texture. 

pot cheese also a popular substitute for queso fresco.

Pot Cheese is a cheese that is made from pot cheese curds. Pot cheese curds are made from non-fat dry milk, chicken broth, and chicken fat (schmaltz). The texture of Pot Cheese is similar to that of queso fresco.

4.MEXICAN QUESCO BLANCO

Mexican queso Blanco is another good substitute for queso fresco. It has a similar texture and flavor, but it’s milder than queso fresco. 

5. RICOTTA SALATA

If you are looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to queso fresco cheese, look no further than Ricotta Salata. 

Ricotta Salata is a type of ricotta cheese that has been dried and then aged. It has a little salty and nutty flavor and a firm texture that makes it perfect for grilling or crumbling over salads, vegetables, soups, and pasta. 

Ricotta Salata is low in fat and calories but high in calcium, protein, and other essential nutrients for good health.

6. FARMER CHEESE 

When looking for a cheese alternative similar to queso fresco, farmer cheese is a great option. 

Farmer cheese is made from cow’s milk and has a mild taste that complements a variety of dishes. It is also a suitable choice if you are looking for a cheese that will melt smoothly.

Read More7 Great Robiola cheese substitues can melt anyone heart

7.PANEER 

Paneer has a similar texture to queso fresco, so it’s another good option if you’re looking for a substitute cheese. Just like same as queso fresco.

Indian paneer is another good substitute for queso fresco and its texture is also the same. While the flavor will be different, it shouldn’t overpower your other ingredients in the recipe.

8. REQUESON 

Farmer Cheeses are trendy in Central America, Mexico, and South America. They’re used in both savory and sweet and plates.

The farmer cheese is an artisanal production, fresh white cheese with a firm texture and slightly sour taste; this delicately salty family cheese can easily be found in Mexican grocery stores or specialty shops.

The queso fresco cheese is a white, crumbly Mexican cheese. It has a slightly salty and sour taste and is produced from cow’s milk. 

Farmer cheese can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. Queso fresco is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine.

If you can’t find a queso fresco, farmers’ cheese or even Paneer (Indian cheese) can be substituted.

9. QUARK 

Quark is a fresh cheese with a mild, slightly sour flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It is a popular ingredient in German and Scandinavian cuisine. It can be enjoyed on its own or used in dishes like salads, soups, and pasta.

Quark is a great option if you are looking for an alternative to queso fresco. It has a similar flavor profile but a smoother texture. 

10.RICOTTA 

Ricotta cheese is another option with a very similar texture to queso fresco. It’s also relatively mild in flavor, so it won’t overpower your other ingredients.

11. MONTEREY JACK CHEESE

Monterey Jack cheese is an excellent alternative to queso fresco cheese. It is a creamy, mild-tasting cheese that melts well and pairs perfectly with savory and sweet dishes. 

Monterey Jack cheese may be used in place of queso fresco in any recipe. It is available at most grocery stores. Give it a try the next time you need to use queso fresco cheese!

Some of our favorite recipes that include Monterey Jack cheese are:

– Cheesy enchiladas with red sauce

– Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato and bacon

– Quinoa and black bean bowls with avocado and pico de gallo

– Dessert crepes with strawberries, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream

12. DRY-CURD COTTAGE CHEESE

Dry curd cottage cheese alternative to Queso fresco cheese, but soft. It is ideal for pies, empanadas, or pastries, which can be fried or baked. 

This cottage cheese has a long shelf life. It is straightforward to prepare, and you need 1/2 gallon of milk and white vinegar.

13. CRUMBLED BLUE CHEESE

Crumbled blue cheese can also be used as a substitute for queso fresco. It has a more robust flavor than feta, so it might be a good option if you’re looking for something with a bit more of a punch. 

14. FRESH MOZZARELLA

Fresh mozzarella is another good substitute for queso fresco in recipes that call for melted cheese. It has a light and creamy texture and will melt nicely when heated. 

15. GOAT CHEESE

Goat cheese is also a good substitute for queso fresco, although there are some subtle flavor differences between the two. It has a tangier, more distinct taste.

Read More10 Great Oaxaca Cheese alternatives

Wrap Up on- Substitute for Queso Fresco

Queso fresco is a tasty, fresh cheese produced from cow’s milk. 

You can substitute it with queso Blanco if you are looking for an option on your menu but be careful as there will only be 50% of the calories and fat content, so don’t expect to get all those great flavors!

FAQs Relates to Queso Fresco& Its Alternative

Q1. Can I substitute queso fresco for mozzarella?

In Mexico, the most similar cheese to fresh white American cheese is called Queso Oaxaca or Quesillo, as referred to in some parts of Mexico. 

But this is a whole other type of cheese not typically used for pizza and is not available here in the United States.

Suppose you don’t want to use fresh mozzarella. In that case, your best option is to try and find a small farmer’s market that sells Mexican-style white cheese as it will be the closest substitute for queso fresco, as I mentioned before. 

You can also try using ricotta as some people have claimed it to be an adequate substitute.

Q2. Can I substitute cotija for queso fresco?

Cotija and queso fresco are both cow’s milk cheeses, but they’re very different in flavor and texture. It depends on your recipe for which one you can substitute (if either). 

You wouldn’t want to swap cotija for feta cheese in a Greek salad, so it’s crucial to know what type of cheese your recipe calls for.

Q3. What’s the difference between queso fresco and Ranchero Queso Fresco?

Queso fresco is a cheese that is made from cow’s milk and has a mild flavor and slightly salty taste. 

Ranchero queso fresco and queso Blanco are types of cheeses that contain cow’s milk and have a mild flavor and slightly salty taste. 

So, what’s the difference between queso fresco and Ranchero queso fresco? The main difference is that the Ranchero queso fresco has a spicy flavor.

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