What Cheese Goes Best with Carnitas? (15 Cheeses)

Carnitas are a Mexican dish made of slow-cooked pork that is shredded or chopped and then fried or grilled.

The dish is often served with tortillas and various toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, and cheese.

But what cheese goes best with carnitas?

There are many different types of cheese that go well with carnitas, including cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso blanco, panela, asadero, Oaxaca, and Cotija. Each type of cheese brings a different flavor to the dish, so it is important to choose the right cheese for your taste preferences.

In this article, I have compiled a list of 15 different cheeses that go well with carnitas.

I have also included a brief description of each cheese so that you can choose the right one for your dish.

Why Consider Pairing Cheese with Carnitas?

Pairing cheese with carnitas is a great way to add flavor and richness to the dish while also providing a helpful texture.

Carnitas are made from pork that has been slow-cooked in its own fat until it is incredibly tender.

As a result, they are not as spicy as other types of pork, making them a good choice for those who are looking for something milder.

Another reason to pair cheese with carnitas is that they are intensely flavorful and can easily overpower other ingredients in a dish.

By pairing cheese with carnitas, you are able to create a dish that is both rich and complex in flavor.

Cheese can be added at any point during the cooking process, but it is especially beneficial when it is cooked with the carnitas.

What Cheese Goes Best with Carnitas?

There are so many cheeses that go well with carnitas – from brie to blue cheese, gouda to Roquefort, and cheddar to pepper jack. However, the most popular pairing is probably queso blanco or queso fresco with carnitas.

For more options, keep scrolling!

1. Queso Blanco

This cheese is great for seasoning tacos or burritos as it has a light and mellow flavor.

Additionally, queso blanco pairs really well with carnitas (pork) or chorizo (spicy pork sausage).

This cheese also pairs well with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice.

Queso blanco is a versatile cheese that can easily be incorporated into any dish and will add a unique flavor that you won’t find in other types of cheeses.

2. Pepper Jack Cheese

When it comes to carnitas, there are few things as quintessential as a layer of melted cheese on top.

Pepper Jack Cheese is a perfect cheese for this because it has a mild and mellow flavor that pairs well with the pork carnitas.

You can also add avocado, cilantro, or any other types of toppings that you might enjoy.

This particular cheese is also a good choice if you’re looking for something that will be less greasy and more manageable when melted.

3. Cheddar Cheese

When it comes to carnitas, you can’t go wrong with cheddar cheese.

It’s a sharp and pungent cheese that often has a slight earthy flavor to it.

Adding cheddar cheese to your carnitas will give the dish a nice boost of flavor and saltiness.

Carnitas are a great way to use up leftover pork shoulder, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses to see what pairs best with them.

You could also try using pepper jack cheese or even gouda if you’re feeling adventurous!

4. Mozzarella Cheese

When it comes to tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes, mozzarella cheese is a great ingredient to have on hand.

Mozzarella cheese is delicate and slightly sour with a milk-like freshness.

This type of cheese pairs well with carnitas, carne asada, and other toppings that can be added to Mexican-inspired dishes.

Mozzarella cheese is also a great choice if you’re looking for a cheese that will pair well with other types of salads or appetizers.

5. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is known for its mild, sweet taste with a pleasant slight tang.

Adding cream cheese to your carnitas dish will give it an extra sweetness and tang that will complement the smoky flavor of the meat.

Cream cheese also works well with other toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.

When you put this cheese on top of your carnitas dish, you’re essentially creating a delicious and nutritious meal that is sure to please.

6. Roquefort Cheese

Roquefort has a tingly pungent taste that pairs well with carnitas, as well as other toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

This cheese has a strong flavor which is the result of the blue mold used to make it.

This mold produces a compound called indole which gives this cheese its characteristic pungency.

If you’re looking for a cheese that will add some serious flavor to your taco or burrito, Roquefort is the perfect option.

7. Chevre Cheese

Chevre cheese is a great cheese to pair with carnitas because it has intense and earthy flavors that will pair perfectly with the savory pork.

Chevre cheese also has a tangy kick to it that will really finish off the carnitas dish.

You can also use Chevre cheese as a topping for other types of dishes such as bacon-wrapped dates or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Chevre cheese is also a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a more complex dish.

It’s definitely a cheese you should try if you’re looking for something unique and interesting to top your food with!

8. Gouda Cheese

If you’re looking for a cheese that will pair well with your carnitas, then gouda is a great option.

This cheese has a nutty and caramelly taste that will go well with the spices used in carnitas.

Gouda can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes, like macaroni and cheese or even potato salad!

This cheese is also relatively easy to find in most grocery stores and it’s definitely worth trying out if you’re a fan of caramels and rich flavors.

9. Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a cheese that has a lot of potential to pair well with other ingredients.

It’s a sweet, mild, and nutty cheese that can be used as the base for many different types of dishes.

For example, Swiss cheese can be melted and used as the gooey and fatty layer for carnitas.

This will add tons of flavor and richness to the dish while also providing a creamy texture.

Swiss cheese can also be blended with other ingredients to create unique and delicious sauces or dips.

Try blending it with sour cream or salsa to create a delicious dip that you can serve with tortilla chips or vegetables.

Swiss cheese is versatile and has the ability to elevate any type of dish.

If you’re looking for a cheese that can add complexity and depth of flavor to your meals, Swiss cheese is an excellent choice!

10. Blue Cheese

If you love carnitas, then you’re definitely going to love pairing them with blue cheese.

This type of cheese is known for its slightly spicy and salty flavor which pairs perfectly with the savory pork.

Adding blue cheese to your carnitas meal will give it a nice balance of flavors and elevate the dish to another level.

Furthermore, blue cheese can also be used as a standalone condiment or as part of a side dish.

So if you’re looking for a delicious way to top off your carnitas, look no further than blue cheese!

11. Provolone Cheese

Provolone has a relatively low melting point so it won’t turn into a gooey mess when melted and it pairs well with other toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

This cheese can also be easily seasoned which means that you can add just the right amount of salt, pepper, and herbs to make your carnitas dish taste amazing.

If you’re looking for a cheese that will pair well with a variety of different toppings then Provolone is definitely worth considering.

12. Brie Cheese

Brie cheese is often seen as a luxurious cheese, but it can actually be a great cheese to pair with carnitas.

Brie cheese has a runny and creamy texture that works well when combined with the fatty and crispy carnitas.

The strong earthy aroma of brie cheese pairs well with the flavor of carnitas and makes for an incredibly delicious and nutritious meal.

What’s even better is that brie cheese is also affordable, so you can easily experiment with different varieties and find one that best suits your taste.

13. Cottage Cheese

When it comes to cheese, cottage cheese is a great option because it has a subtle flavor that can easily be masked with other toppings.

This type of cheese also has a slightly salty taste which can add an extra dimension to your carnitas dish.

Adding cottage cheese to your carnitas will help to thicken them up and add a creamy richness that you won’t find with other types of cheeses.

Cottage cheese pairs well with carnitas because it is a mild cheese that doesn’t overpower the pork flavor.

In fact, the two ingredients work really well together and are perfect for those who want something simple and easy to make but still enjoy a delicious meal.

14. Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is a creamy mild taste and a thick texture that can easily be melted and mixed into your carnitas.

It also has a long shelf life so you can make a batch of this cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy access and no mess.

Ricotta cheese also pairs well with other toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and onion.

If you’re looking to create an amazing carnitas dish that is sure to impress, ricotta cheese is the perfect ingredient to use!

15. Feta Cheese

When it comes to cheese, feta cheese is a great option for those who are looking for something with a tangy, rich, and slightly salty flavor.

Feta cheese pairs well with carnitas and other toppings like avocado, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

This type of cheese is also a great choice when you want to add some extra flavor and richness to your dish without adding excessive amounts of fat or calories.

Feta cheese can be difficult to find in some areas, but it’s definitely worth trying if you’re ever looking for a cheese that will pair well with different types of foods.