Oaxaca cheese is the dream, right? All melty, stringy, and super tasty in quesadillas. Got us thinking, though.
What if you open your fridge and… no Oaxaca? We tested a bunch of different options. Some were great, some not so much.
Turns out, finding the right substitute can really take your meals to the next level. Here’s what we found worked best.

7 Easy Substitutes for Oaxaca Cheese
In terms of taste and texture, Oaxaca cheese has a lot in common with other soft, melty cheeses. So if you’re ever in a pinch and need to substitute it for something else, there are plenty of great options out there. Here are seven substitutes that we tested and loved:
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
Mozzarella Cheese | Mild, milky | Soft, stringy | Pizza, quesadillas, sandwiches |
Monterey Jack | Mild, buttery | Semi-soft | Tacos, enchiladas, casseroles |
Provolone Cheese | Sharp, nutty | Semi-hard | Panini, grilled cheese, pasta dishes |
Queso Fresco | Mild, tangy | Crumbly | Tacos, salads, tostadas |
Asadero Cheese | Mild, creamy | Melts well | Nachos, quesadillas, Mexican dishes |
Fontina Cheese | Nutty, mild | Semi-soft | Gratin, fondue, sandwiches |
Gouda Cheese | Rich, nutty | Semi-hard | Mac and cheese, burgers, soups |
1 – Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella’s a great stand-in for Oaxaca – its awesome meltability is just perfect for any dish needing that gooey cheese pull. Its mild flavor won’t take over your meal, mixing in just right with everything else. Switching it out is super easy; just use it 1:1 in any recipe asking for Oaxaca. We chucked some in quesadillas last week, and wow, it was amazing.
If you’re keen to learn more about swapping cheeses, check out this guide on finding alternatives to mozzarella. It’s easy to find in most stores, so no need to freak out looking for it. Plus, it comes in fresh or low-moisture types, giving your dishes a bit of texture variety.
2 – Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack cheese offers a super alternative to Oaxaca with its smooth texture and ability to melt quickly. We find its mild taste complements various dishes well, making it a versatile choice in our cooking.
We’ve had success using it in a 1:1 ratio for recipes that call for Oaxaca, and it never disappoints. Monterey Jack’s balance of creaminess without overpowering flavor makes it a go-to for us.
In search of the perfect swap? We discovered plenty of helpful hints on substitutes for Monterey Jack cheese that also might spark your interest.
3 – Provolone Cheese
Provolone totally steals the show when you’re thinking about cheese swaps. It’s got this mild but cool flavor that spices up your dishes without taking over.
It melts like a dream, giving you that awesome stretchy, gooey vibe we all crave in our food. We swapped Oaxaca with Provolone one-for-one, and boy, did it do the trick.
Provolone’s got this smooth texture that stands up to heat like a champ. It’s amazing in our toasted sandwiches and on pizzas.
Wanna dive deeper into cheese hacks? Cool stuff to discover at cheese substitution strategies.
4 – Queso Fresco
For those who love Oaxaca cheese for its mild flavor, Queso Fresco is a great choice. Like Oaxaca, it’s also a Mexican-style cheese with a less intense flavor compared to others like cheddar or gouda. It crumbles nicely into dishes and melts well when heated.
We’ve used it in our enchiladas and casseroles, and it adds a great tang to the dishes. Just remember that Queso Fresco is saltier than Oaxaca, so go easy on the additional salt in your recipes.
For more cheese options like queso fresco, check out our top picks for Mexican cheeses. You never know, you might find another new favorite to add to your cheese repertoire.
5 – Asadero Cheese
Have you ever tried Asadero cheese? If not, you’re in for a treat. This Mexican-style cheese boasts a creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with many dishes. It’s perfect for melting and has a similar stringy quality to Oaxaca.
We’ve used it in place of Oaxaca in quesadillas and grilled cheese sandwiches, and the result is always delicious. Asadero cheese can be found in most stores and is easy to slice or shred for all your cheesy needs.
6 – Fontina Cheese
Fontina cheese is all about that rich, creamy vibe. It melts like a dream, making it perfect for those cozy meals. We tried swapping Oaxaca for Fontina, one-to-one, in our go-to recipes, and guess what? Knockout results every time. Fontina brings this subtle nutty taste that just kicks any dish up a notch.
It absolutely rocks in grilled cheese sandwiches and as a pizza topper. Super easy to slice or shred, depending on what you’re up to. Curious about other cheese swaps? Check out this guide on Fontina cheese alternatives for some cool ideas. Plus, Fontina’s pretty easy to find in most grocery stores, so snagging some for your next cooking adventure is no sweat.
7 – Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese is a rad substitute for Oaxaca because of its smooth texture and delicious taste. We use it one-for-one in our recipes and really love the extra punch of flavor it adds. Gouda has this slightly smoky thing going on that’s awesome in quesadillas, enchiladas, or even mac and cheese.
It melts like a dream too, giving that gooey, stretchy cheese pull we all crave in our cheesy dishes. Plus, trying out new cheeses is always fun, right? For more on swapping in gouda and finding other great cheese alternatives, check out this cool guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, mozzarella’s mild flavor and stretchiness make it a great substitute for Oaxaca cheese in many dishes.
Monterey Jack is a perfect substitute, as it has a similar melting quality and mild taste ideal for quesadillas.
Queso Fresco’s crumbly texture and mild flavor make it a great substitute, especially when you need a less melty option.
Gouda works well in tacos, providing a creamy and slightly sweet flavor, although it’s less stringy than Oaxaca cheese.
Fontina’s rich and slightly nutty flavor works well as an alternative to Oaxaca cheese, especially in baked dishes.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.