Cheese, mexican, queso asadero
Whole food · Dairy and Egg Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Queso Asadero is a semi-soft, white Mexican cheese with a mild, buttery flavor and a smooth, meltable texture. It's prized for its excellent melting properties, becoming stretchy and gooey without becoming oily. Nutritionally, it's a dense source of protein and fat, with virtually no carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 27% protein · 5% carbs · 68% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its superior melting quality, which creates the perfect gooey texture in dishes like quesadillas and chiles rellenos. Its mild, creamy flavor complements spicy or robust ingredients without overpowering them.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its high saturated fat and calorie density require mindful portion control, especially for those monitoring heart health. As a dairy product, it contains lactose and casein, common allergens for some. Tip: Pair a small portion with fiber-rich vegetables or use it as a flavorful accent rather than the main component to balance the meal.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance
- High in calcium for bone health
- Rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A and K2
- Provides conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a beneficial fatty acid
- Low in carbohydrates, suitable for low-carb diets
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Queso Asadero gets its name from the Spanish word 'asar' (to roast or grill), reflecting its traditional use in dishes that are baked or grilled until bubbly.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 44.2 g |
| Energy | 356 kcal |
| Energy | 1490 kj |
| Protein | 22.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 25.0 g |
| Ash | 4.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 4.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 661 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.51 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 26.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 443 mg |
| Potassium, K | 86.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 607 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.04 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 14.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.02 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.22 mg |
| Niacin | 0.18 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.23 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 8.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 15.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 55.0 ug |
| Retinol | 55.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 4.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 190 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.24 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 21.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.50 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.50 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 14.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.85 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.45 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.24 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.53 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.48 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 3.0 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 8.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.6 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 8.0 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.90 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.85 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.52 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.33 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 105 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.27 g |
| Threonine | 0.74 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.2 g |
| Leucine | 2.1 g |
| Lysine | 1.5 g |
| Methionine | 0.59 g |
| Cystine | 0.10 g |
| Phenylalanine | 1.2 g |
| Tyrosine | 1.1 g |
| Valine | 1.4 g |
| Arginine | 0.76 g |
| Histidine | 0.69 g |
| Alanine | 0.50 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.5 g |
| Glutamic acid | 5.1 g |
| Glycine | 0.25 g |
| Proline | 2.4 g |
| Serine | 1.2 g |
FAQ
What is the difference between Queso Asadero and Queso Oaxaca?
Both are excellent melting cheeses from Mexico. Queso Asadero is generally softer, creamier, and has a milder flavor. Queso Oaxaca is a string cheese (similar to mozzarella) with a more pronounced, tangy flavor and a chewier texture when melted.
Can I substitute another cheese for Queso Asadero?
Yes. Good substitutes include Monterey Jack, low-moisture mozzarella, or a mild provolone. For a closer match, look for 'Queso Chihuahua' or 'Menonita' cheese, which are very similar.
Is Queso Asadero gluten-free?
In its pure form, yes, Queso Asadero is gluten-free. However, always check the label for any anti-caking agents or additives that might contain gluten, especially in pre-shredded versions.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.56 kcal/g · 25% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 7.06 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.