Oaxaca Cheese vs Mozzarella: 7 Differences You Need To Know

When it comes to cheese, there are many types available, each with its unique flavor and texture; two popular types of cheese are Oaxaca and Mozzarella.

Oaxaca cheese is a Mexican cheese made from cow’s milk, while Mozzarella is an Italian cheese made from buffalo or cow’s milk.

Both cheeses are commonly used in cooking and can be found in many dishes.

So, if you’re wondering about the differences between Oaxaca cheese and Mozzarella, there are a few key factors to consider.

Oaxaca cheese is a semi-soft, chewy cheese with a milky flavor and mild, salty tang; it is often used in Mexican cuisine, particularly in quesadillas and enchiladas.

Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a semi-soft cheese with a smooth texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor; it is commonly used in Italian cuisine, particularly in dishes like pizza and lasagna.

Keep reading to find out more about the differences between them!

What is Oaxaca Cheese?

Oaxaca cheese, also known as Queso Oaxaca or Oaxacan cheese, is a fresh cheese that originated in Mexico; it is a semi-soft cheese with a stringy texture and buttery flavors.

The cheese is made by stretching and kneading the curd like a ball of yarn, giving it a unique texture.

The history of Oaxaca cheese dates back to the 16th century when Dominican friars introduced milk cheese to Mexico; the cheese gained popularity in the Oaxaca region of Mexico, where it was named after the region.

Today, Oaxaca cheese is a specialty cheese widely used in Mexican foods.

Oaxaca cheese is a pasta filata cheese, meaning it is a melty cheese that can be pulled apart into fine shreds and is often used in dishes such as queso fundido, cheese quesadillas, and cheese dip.

The mild flavor of Oaxaca cheese makes it a versatile ingredient in many recipes.

Compared to Mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese has a buttery flavor and a softer texture.

It is also less spongy than Mozzarella and has a stringier texture.

Oaxaca cheese is a Mexican version of string cheese and is often used as a substitute for Mozzarella in recipes.

What is Mozzarella?

Mozzarella is a famous type of white cheese with a mild taste and a firm texture; it is a semi-hard cheese often used in pasta filata process, which involves stretching and kneading the cheese curd in hot water.

This process gives Mozzarella its unique stringy texture that is loved by many.

Mozzarella cheese is made from the milk of water buffalo or cow.

The water buffalo milk mozzarella is considered to be the original mozzarella cheese; it has a slightly salty flavor and a mild taste.

Cow’s milk mozzarella, on the other hand, has a milder flavor and is more widely available.

Mozzarella cheese is a popular cheese used in many dishes, including pizza, pasta, and cheese sandwiches; it is a mild cheese that pairs well with other flavors and does not overpower them.

Differences Between Oaxaca Cheese and Mozzarella

When it comes to types of cheese, Oaxaca and Mozzarella are distant cousins, and although they look similar, they have some significant differences.

Here are the seven main differences between Oaxaca and Mozzarella cheese:

1. Flavor Profile

Oaxaca cheese has a slightly tangy taste, while Mozzarella cheese is mild and buttery.

Oaxaca cheese also has a slight saltiness, making it perfect for dishes that need a little bit of extra flavor.

2. Texture

Oaxaca cheese has a stringy texture, while Mozzarella cheese is soft and creamy.

Oaxaca cheese is perfect for melting, and it’s often used in dishes like quesadillas and enchiladas.

Mozzarella cheese is great for dishes like pizza and lasagna, where you want the cheese to melt and become gooey.

3. Shelf Life

Oaxaca cheese has a shorter shelf life than Mozzarella cheese.

It’s best to use Oaxaca cheese within a week of purchasing it, while Mozzarella cheese can last up to two weeks in an airtight container.

4. Origin

Oaxaca cheese originated in Mexico, while Mozzarella cheese originated in Italy.

Oaxaca cheese is a staple in Mexican cuisine, while Mozzarella cheese is a staple in Italian cuisine.

5. Types of Cheese

Oaxaca cheese is a pasta filata cheese, which means it’s a stretched-curd cheese.

Mozzarella cheese is also a pasta filata cheese.

However, there are different kinds of Mozzarella cheese, such as fresh Mozzarella and aged Mozzarella.

Oaxaca cheese is typically sold fresh.

6. Cheese Substitute

Oaxaca cheese can be used as a substitute for Mozzarella in some dishes, but Mozzarella cannot be used as a substitute for Oaxaca cheese.

Oaxaca cheese has a unique flavor and texture that Mozzarella cheese cannot replicate.

7. Versatility

Oaxaca cheese is a versatile cheese that can be used in a wide variety of dishes; it’s great for melting, grilling, and baking.

Mozzarella cheese is also versatile and can be used in many dishes, but it’s best known for its use in pizza and lasagna.

In conclusion, both Oaxaca cheese and Mozzarella cheese are delicious cheeses with unique flavors and textures.

When choosing between the two, it’s essential to consider the dish you’re making and the flavor profile you’re looking for.

Oaxaca Cheese vs. Mozzarella: are they the same?

In conclusion, Oaxaca cheese and Mozzarella have many similarities but are not the same.

Both cheeses are popular in different parts of the world and are used in various cuisines.

Oaxaca cheese originated in Mexico and has a milky flavor with a mild, salty tang.

On the other hand, Mozzarella cheese originated in Italy and has a more delicate flavor.

When it comes to texture, Oaxaca cheese is semi-firm, while Mozzarella is soft and elastic; both kinds of cheese are used in similar dishes, such as quesadillas, pizzas, and sandwiches, but they have different melting properties.

Oaxaca cheese melts better than Mozzarella, which makes it a better option when making dishes that require melted cheese.

In terms of price and availability, Mozzarella cheese is more widely available and less expensive than Oaxaca cheese.

However, if you are looking for a cheese with a unique flavor and texture, Oaxaca cheese is worth trying.

Overall, both Oaxaca cheese and mozzarella cheese have unique qualities and are delicious in their own way.

Whether you prefer the milky flavor of Oaxaca cheese or the delicate flavor of Mozzarella cheese, both cheeses are a great addition to any dish.