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HomeKitchen Tips

What is Queso Fresco?

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By: IsabelPosted: 5/21/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclaimer.

Crumbled queso fresco on a plate.

Queso Fresco (which translates to “fresh cheese”) is a mild, fresh, soft, and slightly tangy white cheese that’s a staple in many Mexican kitchens.

It’s easily crumbled and often topped on dishes like enchiladas and tacos just like cotija cheese, but it isn’t as salty and is much more mild with a light milky flavor.

Crumbled queso fresco on a plate.

What is queso fresco made of?

Queso Fresco is traditionally made with raw cow’s milk or a combination of cow and goat milk. This is what provides it with it’s slightly salty, but mildly tangy fresh taste. As a result, it’s very similar to farmer’s cheese.

In the United States, you’ll typically find pasteurized versions of queso fresco in grocery stores.

Queso Fresco by Cacique in the packaging

Serving Suggestions

Typically with spicy Mexican dishes, you’re going to want to balance that “hot’ with something that will help bring the temperature down. Queso fresco is great for balancing the sensation your palate is craving when you use it as a topping or stuffing. It will provide you with a subtle hint of slightly salty, slightly sour, and slightly milky flavors that is sure to freshen up any dish.

Although it’s a soft cheese, it doesn’t melt well. However, it does brown to a nice golden color, making it great to use as a topping. If you will be using queso fresco for the first time, keep these tips in mind.  

Some of the best ways you might want to consider using it are as a taco topping or crumbled on various spicy Mexican dishes.

Queso fresco sprinkled on top of easy chilaquiles.

Popular recipes made with queso fresco

  • Chile Rellenos
  • Pinto Bean Soup
  • Easy Migas Recipe
  • Chicken Tacos

Other great uses for queso fresco are to roll it up in some warm homemade flour tortillas or corn tortillas and eat it as a little snack!

How to store queso fresco

Be sure to use this cheese within a 5-7 day time period. If you do store longer, keep it in your refrigerator in vacuum sealed bags or airtight containers in the back on a colder bottom shelf. This may allow you to stretch that to 2 weeks beyond the sell by date. As always, if you see any mold or discoloration, throw it away immediately.

Is Queso Fresco Healthy?

Queso Fresco is a great choice for people conscious about a healthy diet. A lower sodium and fat content make it a great choice over other aged cheeses. For those on a lacto-vegetarian diet, this will be a great addition to your recipes.

You may also like…

  • Bowl of queso dip surrounded by tortilla chips.
    Easy Mexican Queso Dip
  • Black Bean Tacos topped with crema and chopped cilantro.
    Black Bean Tacos
  • Made with crispy corn tortillas and scrambled eggs, this Easy Migas Recipe is a quick Mexican breakfast that the whole family will love.
    Easy Migas Recipe
  • Made with a bright and creamy chipotle lime crema made with greek yogurt and lime juice, these Fish Tacos take only 15 minutes to make and are gluten free!
    Fish Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema
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Cilantro Lime Dressing in a jar next to fresh limes and garlic cloves.
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Reader Interactions

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Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!
Recipe Rating:




  1. Rikki says

    Posted on 7/12 at 2:24 pm

    slices of Queso Fresco are great with a sliced ripe pear–for dessert or nutritious snack.

    Reply
    • Ana @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 7/18 at 10:53 am

      Hi Rikki! That sounds delicious! Thanks for the tip!

      Reply
  2. Donald Gray says

    Posted on 7/4 at 12:23 pm

    Can you grill queso

    Reply
    • Ana @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 7/5 at 11:08 am

      Hi Donald! You actually can! Queso panela is good for grilling, and Queso fresco should also be able to hold up with the grill!

      Reply
  3. Michael says

    Posted on 1/30 at 12:08 pm

    Have a question how do you use queso blanco cheese .

    Reply
    • Ana @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 1/31 at 10:23 am

      Hi Michael! Queso fresco can be used for filling inside of enchiladas, chile rellenos, and quesadillas. It’s not a super stringy cheese when it’s melted, so it can also be used crumbled as a topping for pretty much any Mexican food you like (chile rellenos, enchiladas, tacos, chilaquiles, tostadas).

      Reply
  4. Lucia says

    Posted on 1/15 at 8:15 pm

    Hello Isabel.
    What is the name of the dish pictured in this article about queso fresco with tortilla and eggs on top?

    Reply
    • Ana @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 1/17 at 12:21 pm

      Hi Lucia! That is a photo of our red chilaquiles recipe that you can find on our website. Thanks!

      Reply
    • Cheryl Jacobs says

      Posted on 1/21 at 5:37 pm

      This was a very nice read, thanks!

      Reply
  5. Linda says

    Posted on 1/9 at 7:31 pm

    Thank you..

    Reply
  6. sigrid gray says

    Posted on 6/27 at 6:24 pm

    can I freeze this cheese, bought to much and can’t use within 6-7 days,

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Morgan @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 7/15 at 10:47 am

      Hi! Isabel doesn’t recommend freezing queso fresco. Sorry!

      Reply
  7. David S Willey says

    Posted on 6/25 at 2:48 pm

    VERY HELPFUL. THANK YOU!

    Reply

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