Milky, crumbly, and mild, Queso Fresco literally translates to “fresh cheese.” Used for topping everything from street tacos and migas to chiles rellenos and flautas, Queso Fresco is a true Mexican treasure. Come along with me on a quick journey to learn all about this yummy kitchen staple!

halved block of queso fresco on a wooden cutting board with some of it crumbled.

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What Is Queso Fresco?

Queso Fresco, sometimes referred to as Queso Blanco (literally “white cheese”), is a Mexican farmer’s cheese. Traditionally made with a blend of raw cow and goat milk, this fresh, un-aged cheese is super mild with a flavor akin to fresh mozzarella.

Unlike mozzarella, however, queso fresco doesn’t melt. It will get softer when heated, but won’t create a stretchy cheese pull like you might expect from other cheeses (like Queso Oaxaca, for example).

The process of making queso fresco is quite simple: warm milk is curdled with an acid (e.g. lemon juice or vinegar), then the curds are pressed together into a ball. Once made, it is quite easy to crumble into pillowy white mountains, perfect for dusting everything from enchiladas to salads.

If made in the traditional fashion (with raw milk), queso fresco won’t last long in the fridge — it has a tendency to mold or go off much more quickly than harder cheeses. If you buy it at the store, it’ll generally last quite a bit longer both because of pasteurization and commercial packaging. That said, you should still opt to use it within 2 weeks of the “sell by” date for the best flavor.

package of campesino brand queso fresco on a grey table.

How To Use This Fresh Mexican Cheese

If feta cheese is to Greece, then queso fresco is to Mexico. In other words, basically every Mexican dish is a good base for using this mild, creamy cheese. In fact, I’d venture to guess that it is the single most-used cheese throughout the entirety of Mexican cuisine! Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

This tasty white cheese is also great for using in recipes that call for cotija if you’re not much of a cheese person; the flavor is creamy, ever-so-slightly tangy, and deliciously mellow.

overhead shot of a round of queso fresco on a dark wooden cutting board with some of it crumbled.

Good Substitutes

If you can’t find queso fresco at the store, you have a few options for alternatives:

  • Queso Blanco. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, queso blanco can refer to different types of cheese depending on which country you’re in.
  • Paneer. Made in a similar fashion to queso fresco, paneer is an Indian white cheese that doesn’t melt.
  • Mild Feta. Despite being a bit tangier than the fresh Mexican cheese, feta can be used as a passable substitute.
  • Monterey Jack. Jack will melt, which makes it a less than perfect dupe for queso fresco. That said, the mild, milky flavor of jack cheese makes it perfectly acceptable.
  • Ricotta Salata. Unlike the creamy, spreadable ricotta cheese you may be familiar with, ricotta salata is quite hard and crumbly and also doesn’t melt. That said, the flavor is quite mild like regular ricotta, making it a nice substitute for queso fresco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can pregnant women eat queso fresco?

While the queso fresco that is sold at most supermarkets has been pasteurized, the CDC recommends that pregnant women avoid eating soft and semi-soft cheeses.

Is queso fresco a good melting cheese?

Not really, since it doesn’t melt in the same manner as something like cheddar or mozzarella. However, it will get softer when it is heated and turns a lovely shade of golden when cooked, making it a great topping for dishes like enchiladas.

What kind of milk is used to make queso fresco?

Typically speaking, queso fresco can be made with either cow’s or goat’s milk, or a combination of the two. Most of the commercially available brands I know of stick to cow’s milk, but be sure to read your labels if you are concerned.

Which is better: queso fresco or cotija?

It honestly depends on who you’re talking to! Queso fresco has a mild, milky flavor with just a hint of salty tang. Cotija is sharper in flavor, with a more pronounced saltiness that makes it feel more like parmesan. For more information on queso cotija, check out this post!

Recipes Using Queso Fresco

Did you find this post on Queso Fresco useful? Or do you have any more questions about it? If so, let me know in the comments below!