Birria tacos are all the rage right now, and for good reason!
They are delicious, comforting, and so satisfying.
But what really takes them to the next level is the cheese.
That’s right, cheese.
The right cheese can take your birria tacos from good to great.
So if you are wondering what cheeses to use on your birria tacos, then you are in the right place.
I’m sharing 12 of the best cheeses for birria tacos including cheddar cheese, queso fresco, panela cheese, and more.
See Also: What Salad Goes With Tacos? 10 Best Salads
What Cheese Goes on Birria Tacos?
The most common cheese used on birria tacos is Oaxaca cheese. It’s a white, stringy cheese that melts easily and has a mild flavor. Other good options include panela cheese, asadero cheese, or cotija cheese.
Still looking for cheesy ideas?
Then simply keep scrolling!
Here are 12 kinds of cheese that go well on Birria tacos:
1. Cheddar Cheese
Parmesan is known for its rich, tangy, nutty, sharp and fruity flavor.
See Also: What To Serve With Chilli Tacos? 10 Best Side Dishes
It’s also one of the oldest cheeses in existence.
When it comes to Birria tacos, Parmesan cheese is a great choice because it pairs well with the other flavors in the dish.
The sharpness of the Parmesan cuts through the richness of the Birria, while the nuttiness compliments the earthiness of the spices.
Other toppings that go well with Birria tacos include onions, cilantro, and lime.
My personal tip is to add a bit of Parmesan cheese to the taco filling before you fry them.
This will give the tacos a cheesy crunch that is out of this world.
2. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese has a tangy, rich and pretty salty flavor which makes it the perfect cheese to top a Birria taco.
The texture of feta cheese also pairs well with the crispy exterior of the taco.
Toppings that go well with feta cheese on a Birria taco include onion, cilantro, lime, and avocado.
For an extra special touch, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
One of my personal tips for this taco combination is to slightly crumble the feta cheese so that you get more bites with cheese in each bite.
3. Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is sweet, mild, and pretty nutty, making it a great choice for Birria tacos.
The cheese adds a nice depth of flavor and a bit of creaminess to the tacos.
Other toppings that go well with Swiss cheese on Birria tacos include onions, cilantro, and lime.
For a bit of extra flavor, you could also add some hot sauce or salsa to the mix.
4. Fresh Mozzarella
Mozzarella comes with milky, grassy, and floral notes, with a mildly sweet taste.
It has a springy, elastic texture that’s perfect for Birria tacos.
The cheese pulls apart in long, stringy strands, making it the perfect addition to these tacos.
Toppings that go well with Birria tacos and mozzarella include onions, cilantro, lime, and salsa.
A tip is to add a bit of crumbled queso fresco on top for extra flavor and texture.
5. Cotija Cheese
Cotija cheese is a milky-tasting cheese with a delicious salty flavor.
It’s the perfect cheese to top Birria tacos because it melts well and adds a delicious creaminess to the dish.
For a bit of extra flavor, you could also add some hot sauce or salsa to the tacos.
And btw, try to use two tortillas per taco.
This helps to hold all of the delicious ingredients in and prevents them from falling out.
6. Oaxaca Cheese
This Mexican cheese has a mild and slightly earthy flavor.
It’s also quite versatile, so it can be used in a variety of dishes.
When it comes to Birria tacos, Oaxaca cheese adds a nice richness and creaminess that takes the tacos to the next level.
This cheese also melts well, so it’s perfect for getting that crispy exterior on the tacos.
Toppings that go well with Birria tacos and Oaxaca cheese include onions, cilantro, and salsa.
A tip is to add a bit of lime juice to really bring out the flavors.
7. Anejo Enchilado
Anejo Enchilado is a little similar to Parmesan cheese or Romano cheese, but with a bit more of a kick.
It has a sharp, salty flavor that pairs well with the richness of Birria tacos.
This cheese also melts well, so it’s perfect for dipping your tacos in.
8. Fontina
Fontina is mild but distinctively nutty and savory, with a hint of sweetness.
It’s a great melting cheese, making it perfect for Birria tacos.
When melted, Fontina cheese becomes smooth and creamy, adding deliciousness to every bite.
Toppings that go well with Birria tacos and Fontina cheese include onions, cilantro, and salsa.
Another great way to enjoy these tacos is to top them with a sunny-side up egg.
The runny yolk mixes with the cheesy goodness and creates a heavenly bite.
9. Manchego
Manchego cheese has an intense, zesty taste with a crumbly texture.
It’s the perfect cheese to top Birria tacos because it can really hold its own against the bold flavors of the birria.
Plus, the crumbly texture pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior of the taco.
Toppings that go well with Birria tacos and Manchego cheese include onions, cilantro, and salsa.
My personal tip is to add a dollop of sour cream on top.
It really ties all the flavors together and takes these tacos to the next level.
10. Parmesan
Parmesan is fruity and nutty in taste with a slightly granular texture, making it the perfect cheese for Birria tacos.
This cheese adds a depth of flavor to the tacos that you won’t get with other cheeses, and it also helps to balance out the spiciness of the Birria.
Other toppings that go well with Birria tacos and Parmesan cheese include onions, cilantro, and lime.
For an extra bit of flavor, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or avocado.
11. Queso Fresco Cheese
This mild, fresh, soft, and slightly tangy white cheese is the perfect addition to Birria tacos.
Queso Fresco cheese adds a lovely creaminess to the tacos, and its mild flavor lets the other flavors shine through.
Toppings that go well with Birria tacos and Queso Fresco cheese include cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, and salsa.
Try to add a bit of crumbled Queso Fresco cheese to the bottom of the taco before adding the meat.
This will help keep the taco from getting too soggy.
12. Queso Panela (Panela Cheese)
With its slightly sour and salty flavor, Queso Panela cheese is an awesome addition to Birria tacos.
The cheese adds a nice depth of flavor and a bit of creaminess, without overpowering the other ingredients.
Queso Panela also melts well, so it’s perfect for dipping your tacos in.
Other toppings that go well with Birria tacos and Queso Panela cheese include onions, cilantro, and lime.
For an extra special treat, try adding a bit of sour cream to your tacos.
This will help balance out the flavors and give you a bit of extra creaminess.
Related:
What Cheese Goes with Cauliflower? 9 Best Cheeses
What Cheese Goes with Salmon Patties? (8 Cheeses)
What Cheese Goes with Pumpkin Gnocchi? (9 Cheeses)
What Cheese Goes with Ranch Dressing? (9 Kinds of Cheese)
What Cheese Goes in Fettuccine Alfredo? (14 Cheeses)
What Cheese Goes on Spaghetti Bolognese? (18 Cheeses)
What Cheese Goes on Chicken Alfredo? (17 Cheeses)
What Cheese Goes Good with Buffalo Chicken? (18 Cheeses)
What Cheese Goes with Cranberry Sauce? (15 Cheeses)
What Cheese Goes on Shrimp Tacos? (12 Tasty Cheeses)
The 12 Best Cheeses For Birria Tacos
Ingredients
- Cheddar Cheese
- Feta Cheese
- Swiss Cheese
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Cotija Cheese
- Oaxaca Cheese
- Anejo Enchilado
- Fontina
- Manchego
- Parmesan
- Queso Fresco Cheese
- Queso Panela (Panela Cheese)
Instructions
- Pick your favorite cheese from this list to add to your birria tacos.
- Prepare the rest of your tasty dish.
- Enjoy in no time!