We’ve all seen this type of cheese on a menu in our favorite Mexican restaurant…so what the heck is it? Cotija (pronounced Ko-Tee-Ha) is a hard cow’s milk cheese that comes from Mexico and is named after the town of Cotija de la Paz in the state of Michoacan. Cotija comes in two primary versions. One is dry and firm and is similar to a Parmesan while the other is a bit more moist and similar to Feta.

Both are delicious and add a salty, deep and robust flavor that is perfect to use in tacos, soups, salads or over beans. At Barrio, we utilize this cheese as an ingredient in many of our tacos, chopped salad, taquitos and many of our daily chilaquiles and specials.