Burrito, cheese only
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A cheese-only burrito is a warm, flour tortilla tightly wrapped around a core of melted cheese, offering a simple yet deeply satisfying combination of salty, umami-rich dairy and the soft, chewy texture of the tortilla. Nutritionally, it's a concentrated source of energy and protein, with the cheese providing a significant fat content that contributes to its rich mouthfeel and satiety.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its comforting, nostalgic simplicity and the perfect, gooey pull of melted cheese. It's a versatile blank canvas that can be customized with salsas, hot sauces, or guacamole, and is a staple of casual Mexican-American cuisine.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high saturated fat and calorie density can be a concern for those monitoring heart health or weight. The refined white flour tortilla can cause a rapid blood-sugar spike. To counteract this, pair it with a side of black beans or avocado for fiber and healthy fats, or opt for a whole-wheat tortilla.
Key benefits
- High in protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Good source of calcium for bone health.
- Provides a quick, energy-dense meal option.
- Contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from dairy fat.
- Simple ingredient list makes it easy to digest for many.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The modern burrito is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, with the name possibly deriving from 'burro' (donkey), as the wrapped package was thought to resemble a donkey's bedroll.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 36.2 g |
| Energy | 328 kcal |
| Protein | 13.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 16.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 30.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 353 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 24.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 299 mg |
| Potassium, K | 112 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 704 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.7 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 21.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.31 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.30 mg |
| Niacin | 2.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 62.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 47.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 15.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 95.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 10.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.48 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 85.0 ug |
| Retinol | 85.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 6.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.18 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 5.1 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 8.6 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.12 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.26 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.36 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 4.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.8 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 3.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.26 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 3.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.6 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.21 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 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 | 36.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What kind of cheese is typically used in a cheese burrito?
The most common is a mild, melty cheese like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a 'Mexican blend' which often includes Asadero and Queso Quesadilla cheeses for optimal melt and flavor.
Is a cheese-only burrito a good source of protein?
Yes, it is. The cheese provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, making it a more protein-rich option than many other simple carbohydrate-based snacks or meals.
How can I make a cheese burrito healthier?
Use a whole-wheat or low-carb tortilla, add fiber-rich fillings like beans or vegetables, and choose a lower-fat cheese or use less of it. Pairing it with a salad or salsa also adds nutrients and volume without many calories.