Boas Comidas

Glossário Culinário

Minas Cheese (Queijo Minas)

Ingrediente

Origem
from Minas Gerais
Também chamado de
white cheese, fresh Minas cheese, semi-cured Minas cheese

Minas cheese is the fresh white cheese from Minas Gerais, with a mild, slightly tangy flavor and soft texture, traditionally made with cow’s milk. It is the cheese of pão de queijo, chipa, grilled cheese with coffee and the sandwich with guava paste. Present on the Minas table every day, it won over all of Brazil with its lightness and versatility.

Characteristics

There are two main versions, for different uses:

  • Fresh Minas (frescal): moist, soft and delicately flavored, eaten within a few days, ideal for sandwiches and salads.
  • Semi-cured Minas (meia-cura): aged for a few days, firmer, yellowish and stronger in flavor, perfect for grating, grilling and baking.

The fresh one releases whey and must always stay refrigerated; the semi-cured one lasts longer and melts better in hot preparations such as cheese breads and gratins.

Uses in the kitchen

It is the cheese of pão de queijo, chipa, Paraguayan soup and cornmeal cake with cheese, besides filling tapiocas, pies and sandwiches. Grilled or seared, it gains a golden crust without falling apart. It pairs with guava paste in the classic romeu e julieta, with honey, with brewed coffee and in salads with tomato and basil.

Substitutions

The fresh version can be replaced by fresh ricotta or cottage cheese in sandwiches and salads, with similar texture and milder flavor. The semi-cured one can give way to mozzarella in cheese breads and gratins, with greater melt and softer flavor. For dairy-free fillings, tofu seasoned with lemon and salt mimics the role of the fresh cheese in tapiocas and pies.

Fun facts

The method of making artisanal Minas cheese is cultural heritage of Minas Gerais, passed down through generations of producers. To grill without sticking, heat the nonstick skillet well and only flip the cheese after browning. Fresh cheese past its prime turns rubbery: buy enough for a few days and store in whey or in a sealed container in the fridge.

Recipes with Minas cheese

Português English Español