Queso fresco is also referred to as fresh cheese and it is a Mexican cheese that is traditionally made from raw cow’s milk or a combination of goat and cow’s milk. It has a trademark of a salty-sour kick and while it is creamy by nature of its freshness it’s not rich or buttery tasting. Queso fresco is not a melting cheese this means that it is not designed to melt therefore it is usually crumbled and placed as a topping on many dishes. However, if you want to melt queso fresco then you might consider turning it into a sauce or a dip. You can also consider making queso fresco a filling or even adding it to your soup. This article therefore aims at highlighting how you can incorporate queso fresco into your different dishes so that you can enjoy it whilst is very soft. It is also important to note that queso fresco is naturally soft but, when heated up it becomes extra soft. The methods highlighted in this article will help you on how you can incorporate queso fresco into hot or warm meals so that you can enjoy it whilst it is warm.
Contents
Use queso fresco by turning it into a sauce
NB: there are 2 methods that can be used to turn queso fresco into a sauce since it does not melt on its own
Use queso fresco by turning it into a sauce using evaporated milk
NB:this is the easiest and cheapest method to use when for making a queso fresco incorporated sauce and for this method you will need evaporated milk and queso fresco only.
The first step is to grate the queso fresco and place it in a bowl. The next step is to take a non-stick pan, the reason for using a non-stick pan is that it helps to prevent the queso fresco and the evaporated milk from sticking to the bottom.Place the non-stick pan on a stove which has been set to medium heat, pour the evaporated milk into the non-stick pan and allow it to reach a simmering point. When the evaporated milk starts simmering add the queso fresco in small quantities and whisk slowly until all of it isincorporated. Make sure that you scrap the surfaces of the pot so that the evaporated milk and queso fresco do not stick to the bottom. It might take you 10 to 20 minutes to melt the queso fresco depending on how much queso fresco you want to melt. Whisk the queso fresco and evaporated milk until you get a smooth texture.
Use queso fresco by turning it into a sauce using various ingredients
NB: for this method you will need shredded queso fresco, 1 tablespoon of flour, ¾ cups of whole milk, 2 tablespoons butter, ½ a teaspoon of cumin and 2 teaspoons hot sauce.
The first step is to grab a pan if you do not have on at your disposal just grab a pot and place it on a stove which is set on medium to high heat. Add the butter but be careful not to brown it. The next step is to add the flour and mix it together with the butter until it forms a smooth paste, when the paste has been formed add the milk, cumin and hot sauce. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well blended and bring them to a boil. Reduce the heat on the stove and add the queso fresco in 3 parts stirring in a consistent manner for 2 minutes each time you add the queso fresco. It might take you 6 to 8 minutes to try and melt queso fresco so that it mixes well with all the other ingredients. Cook all the ingredients in the pan at medium heat until the queso fresco starts to bubble. When it starts to bubble allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes and your sauce will be ready.
Use queso fresco by making it a dip
NB: this is the easiest method since you can melt the queso fresco in the microwave.
For this method you will need a safe microwave dish or bowl. Place the queso fresco in the microwave dish or bowl andalso add salsa to add taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and Place the bowl with all the ingredients into the microwave. Set the microwave to medium and microwave the salsa and queso fresco for about 2mins until they form a smooth paste. Serve with chips for the best results
Use queso fresco by making it a filling
NB: this method works well if you are making a filling for burritos or quesadillas.
The other method of using queso fresco it by using it as a filling for burritos and quesadillas. When making your burritos and quesadillas just incorporate the queso fresco. Once heated it will become very soft but it will not melt. Queso fresco adds more flavour to burritos or quesadillas.
Use queso fresco as a garnish for soup
NB:since melting queso fresco is impossible you can soften it by adding it into your soup.
Queso fresco works very well with soups like tortilla soup, black bean soup and gazpacho, therefore you can just crumble it and add it into your soup. This shows that it works well with summer soaps as well as warmer varieties. Queso fresco will become softer and add a nicer flavour to your soup.
Conclusion
Although one cannot melt queso fresco because it is a crumbling cheese and not a melting cheese it can still be incorporated into hot dishes. There are various ways that you can use the queso fresco. You can either use it as sauce or a dip. Queso fresco can also be softened by being used as a filling and also by being added into soups. So in case you had no idea on how to use queso fresco, this article provided different ways in which you can use it.
