About Queso Oaxaca

Queso Oaxaca, also known as Oaxacan cheese or quesillo, is a traditional Mexican cheese famous for its stretchy, stringy texture—similar to mozzarella. It’s made by heating and stretching the curd into long ribbons that are wound into a ball. The flavor is mild, buttery, and slightly salty, making it perfect for melting.

Pairings

This cheese melts beautifully, so it’s ideal for quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, and empanadas. It also tastes great shredded on top of soups, tostadas, or even eaten plain as a snack.

Funfact: Queso Oaxaca was inspired by Italian mozzarella, introduced to Mexico by Dominican monks in the 16th century. However, the local cheesemakers adapted it using the milk and techniques available in Oaxaca—creating a cheese with its own distinct character. Browse All Cheeses →