Chipotle has become one of the most popular and beloved restaurants in a very short time. They are famous for their delicious bowls, tacos, and burritos. The main reason for their success is the use of only natural and healthy ingredients and flavors. Cheese is the key ingredient featured in most of their products. So, what type of cheese does Chipotle use? Let us find out in this article.
What Kind of Cheese Does Chipotle Use?
The two most common types of cheese used at the restaurant are Monterrey Jack and white cheddar. Chipotle shred and mix them before using them in their recipes. The combination of the two produces that iconic taste for which people love Chipotle.
Both types of cheese have excellent taste even if used on their own. However, you can further enhance their taste by mixing them. That is what Chipotle does and gives us that familiar taste it is famous for. Perhaps, the restaurant could not have made such a name for itself if it did not use the blend of white cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese. The flavor of these two delicious kinds of cheese has helped Chipotle achieve heights of success.
Chipotle is known for using ingredients of the highest quality. Similarly, they only make a limited number of products, all of which use these exceptional and delicious cheeses. Chipotle does not use any other kinds of cheese at all.
What is Monterey Jack Cheese?
As mentioned above, Monterey jack is one of two types of cheese Chipotle uses. Made of cow’s milk, it is a semi-hardened cheese produced mostly in California. It has a very mild taste despite having a bit of sweetness. That is why it is quite popular among restaurants and other consumers.
The cheese has a pale yellow color and a buttery taste. It is easy to shred, melt, and cut thanks to its dense yet flexible texture. The high moisture and fat content also contribute to its incredible melting properties. That is why it is widely used in Mexican dishes.
Monterey Jack, often referred to as Jack only is widely used in Mexican-style burritos and grilled cheese. Similarly, it is also the most common burger topping. However, keep in mind that Monterey Jack has a relatively short life compared to Dry Jack and other similar cheeses. It may also have a different flavor than you are used to depending on the ingredients and its age.
What is White Cheddar Cheese?
The other type of Cheese at Chipotle is white cheddar. It is simply a white cheddar cheese without any yellow coloring. Most cheeses have yellow color as an add-on. Popular across the globe, it is also made of cow’s milk.
White cheddar cheese is powdery and supple. It maintains its taste in both its natural and melted states. Therefore, Chipotle regularly uses it in its meals.
White cheddar further has many types. Some of them are very mild in taste while others are particularly sharp. The melted cheddar is very smooth, delicious, and satisfying to eat. High temperatures can even make it crunchier.
Yellow cheese is more popular than white cheddar without any doubt. However, both of them taste the same without any difference.
Is Monterey Jack Cheese White Cheddar Cheese?
Both white cheddar and Monterey jack are white cheese. However, they are not the same. The white cheddar is more flavorful and creamy. Monterey Jack, on the other hand, is milder and plainer in taste and texture respectively.
Does Chipotle Shred their Own Cheese?
Well, this is up for debate. Some sources claim that they do in-house shredding and mixing. But – many incidents of food poisoning forced them to ship in most of their food after preparing it at another site.
This has helped them to considerably improve the quality of their meals. Similarly, they have become safer because Chipotle can do more and better testing for bacteria and other germs.
Chipotle also takes pride in delivering its food quickly. However, they are not as fast as traditional fast-food restaurants. It takes time to shred and mix two types of cheese. Doing it at a restaurant level provides a conducive environment for bacteria to grow because it is not possible to conduct bacteria testing. It has compelled Chipotle to make cheese at a separate location and later ship it to their restaurants.
But – it also contradicts their policy of fresh food prepared locally. They even process many other ingredients such as tomatoes off-site. Therefore, it will be childish to think that they are cutting vegetables and meat in their kitchens.
What is Chipotle’s Cheese Sauce?
Chipotle’s cheese sauce is icing on an already extremely tasty cake. It is one of their most famous dishes. Many restaurants have tried to copy it but failed miserably because they simply could not discover the right recipe.
However, you can judge by its taste that it uses white cheddar cheese, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. It also contains evaporated milk and Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
You can make Chipotle’s cheese sauce if you have these ingredients. Start with heating cornstarch and evaporated milk after mixing them. Stir the sauce well when it is thick enough. Subsequently, put some shredded white cheddar cheese and peppers in the sauce. Keep on stirring and heating it until the cheese fully melts. Never allow the mixture to stick to the bottom.
You can further add any seasoning you want. Similarly, the sauce can be served with any meal. Making a cheese sauce similar to Chipotle’s takes some experience and effort. However, you can enjoy it at home at a fraction of the cost.
What is Chipotle Cheddar?
It is another common term you hear nowadays. It is simply a cheese used at Chipotle. It is a combination of jalapeno chili and shredded cheddar cheese. Chipotle peppers are not very spicy despite having a smoky flavor. Therefore, you can deliciously use mild cheddar with them.
Chipotle cheddar is easily available in markets across the United States. It has a gentle, smoky, and sweet flavor and you can use it to make different kinds of dishes. It is also widely used in making sandwiches.
Chipotle is also a staple ingredient for Mexican dishes. Therefore, most Mexican and even Texan recipes have this spice. Similarly, cheese used in these dishes is most likely to have its flavor as well. Chipotle also comes in a powdered form, allowing you to use it in any dish you want such as pasta, burgers, sauces, stews, etc.
What Type of Cheese Does Chipotle Use in Bowls?
The most common type of cheese at Chipotle for bowls is a mixture of white cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Known as Queso Blanco, it adds a lot of flavor to Chipotle recipes. It has a specific ratio of both types of cheese to achieve that taste. Similarly, it balances everything including the flavor, texture, and melting capabilities of each cheese to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Chipotle’s cheese from?
The Queso Blanco cheese, introduced in 2020, contains Monterey Jack cheese produced in Wisconsin. The recipe also uses white cheddar cheese along with 11 other ingredients. However, the company makes most of its own cheese.
Does Chipotle use cheddar cheese?
Yes, Chipotle uses white cheddar cheese in all of its recipes. Chipotle cheese types include white cheddar cheese and Monterey jack, both of which are white cheese.
What type of cheese does Chipotle use in their quesadillas?
Quesadillas use Monterey jack cheese. It also contains eggs, chicken, and vegetables, along with other ingredients.
Is Chipotle Queso real cheese?
The company claims that Chipotle Queso consists of 13 ‘real’ ingredients. Some of these ingredients include chipotle peppers, serrano, white cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic, poblano, and tomatoes.
How healthy is Chipotle?
It is one of the healthiest fast-food chains in the country. They only use fresh, real, or natural ingredients devoid of any artificial additives or flavors. It is quite impressive for such a big and popular restaurant. However, you can still consume a lot of calories by eating typical Chipotle recipes even though they are healthier than that of their competitors.
Final Thoughts
The two most common types of cheese used in Chipotle are Monterey Jack and white cheddar. All of their recipes have any one of these types of cheese. Therefore, you need to shred and mix them at home or buy pre-shredded cheese if you want to make Chipotle’s recipes at home.