If you asked us to pick our favorite cheese [1], we would immediately have a panic attack and tell you that's Sophie's choice in our book and we simply cannot do it. But we would probably volunteer that cotija is high up there on our list. There's just something so tasty about the salty Mexican cheese [2] that makes anything you pair with it taste a thousand times better.
Cotija, though, is rarely the star of its own recipes (which seems totally unfair), but it does make its way into lots of dishes, secretly adding extra flavor to some of your favorites. Keep reading to find 21 how-tos that use a generous amount of the cheese and make a big impact on your palette.
Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Get the recipe: crispy chicken taquitos [4]
Crockpot Chicken Tinga Tacos With Bacon Pico de Gallo
Get the recipe: crockpot chicken tinga tacos with bacon pico de gallo [5]
Tacos al Pastor
Get the recipe: tacos al pastor [6]
Stuffed Poblano Peppers With Chorizo
Get the recipe: stuffed poblano peppers with chorizo [7]
Spicy Lentil Nachos With Three-Cheese Sauce
Get the recipe: spicy lentil nachos with three-cheese sauce [8]
Migas
Get the recipe: migas [9]
Grilled Chiles Rellenos With Chipotle Peach Mojo Shrimp
Get the recipe: grilled chiles rellenos with chipotle peach mojo shrimp [10]
Jalapeño Popper Chorizo Taquitos
Get the recipe: jalapeño popper chorizo taquitos with creamy avocado sauce [11]
Corn and Cotija Cheese Dip
Get the recipe: corn and cotija cheese dip [12]
Roasted Chipotle Chicken Taco Stacks
Get the recipe: roasted chipotle chicken taco stacks [13]
Fiesta Lime Chicken With Chipotle Dressing
Get the recipe: fiesta lime chicken salad with chipotle dressing [14]
Cotija Guacamole Chorizo Eggs Benedict
Get the recipe: cotija guacamole chorizo eggs benedict with honey chipotle and lime sauce [15]
Vegetable and Bean Tostadas
Get the recipe: vegetable and bean tostadas [16]
Cotija Herb Onion Rings
Get the recipe: cotija herb onion rings [17]
Corn and Cotija Beer Cheese Dip
Get the recipe: corn and cotija beer cheese dip [18]
Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowl
Get the recipe: spicy sofritas veggie bowls [19]
Crockpot Carnita Tacos With Chipotle Crema
Get the recipe: crockpot carnita tacos with chipotle crema [20]
Huevos Rancheros With Spiralized Potato Tortilla
Get the recipe: huevos rancheros with spiralized potato tortilla [21]
Easy Taco Salad
Get the recip: easy taco salad [22]
Mexican Street Corn Salsa
Get the recipe: Mexican street corn salsa [23]
Tomato, Pepper, and Radish Salad in Avocado Shell
Get the recip: tomato, pepper, and radish salad in avocado shell [24]