10 Oaxaca Cheese Substitutions: What to Use When You Can’t Find Oaxaca Cheese

Wondering what to use instead of Oaxaca cheese? You're in the right place!

Oaxaca cheese is a go-to for melting in Mexican dishes like quesadillas, enchiladas, and tamales. But what if you can’t find it at your local store?

Don’t worry, there are plenty of great alternatives! Here’s a list of 10 Oaxaca cheese substitutions you can try.

If you're interested more in what is Oaxaca made of and it's nutrition profile check out the Oaxaca cheese 101 guide here.

Best Oaxaca Cheese Substitutes

1. Mozzarella

• Best for: Quesadillas, pizza, lasagna
• Why it works: Oaxaca cheese and mozzarella are both soft, stringy cheeses with mild flavors. They melt similarly and have that perfect gooey texture.

2. Monterey Jack

• Best for: Tacos, nachos, cheese dip
• Why it works: Monterey Jack has a mild flavor and melts really well, much like Oaxaca. It's a great alternative if you’re looking for something that melts and stretches easily.

3. Queso Fresco

• Best for: Topping salads, tacos, beans
• Why it works: While it doesn't melt as well as Oaxaca, queso fresco has a similar creamy texture and can add a light, fresh flavor to dishes.

4. Provolone

• Best for: Sandwiches, pizza, cheese dip
• Why it works: Provolone has a mild flavor and is stringy like Oaxaca, making it a good choice for melting and adding creaminess.

5. Cheddar

• Best for: Nachos, burgers, cheese dip
• Why it works: While cheddar has a stronger flavor than Oaxaca, it melts well and adds a rich, creamy taste. Choose mild cheddar for a closer flavor match.

6. Cottage Cheese

• Best for: Stuffing, baked dishes
• Why it works: Cottage cheese is a soft cheese that adds creaminess to dishes like casseroles. It’s not stringy but can still be a good substitute in baked recipes.

7. Queso Blanco

• Best for: Tacos, quesadillas, nachos
• Why it works: Queso blanco has a smooth texture and mild flavor, much like Oaxaca cheese. It melts well and is a great substitute for many Mexican dishes.

8. Feta

• Best for: Salads, roasted vegetables
• Why it works: Feta is crumblier than Oaxaca cheese, but it offers a similar salty tang. It works great in cold dishes or as a topping for Mexican-inspired meals.

9. Ricotta

• Best for: Stuffed pasta, lasagna
• Why it works: Ricotta is creamy and soft, with a texture that can mimic Oaxaca cheese when used in stuffed dishes. It’s not as stringy, but it’s a good swap in recipes that require a mild, creamy cheese.

10. Grana Padano

• Best for: Pasta, soups
• Why it works: Grana Padano is an Italian cheese that’s firmer and saltier than Oaxaca, but it still adds a creamy, meltable texture when used in cooked dishes. Use it as a topping or in melted dishes for a different flavor twist.

Wrapping Up: Best Oaxaca Cheese Substitutes

When you can’t find Oaxaca cheese, there are plenty of substitutions to choose from, whether you're making quesadillas, nachos, or pizza.

Each substitute has its unique flavor and texture, but they all have that key melting ability, making them perfect for your favorite recipes. Happy cooking!

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