Every country has their signature white young cheese… Mexico has Queso Fresco… Greece has Mild Feta… Italy has Ricotta Salata… India has Paneer… I am sure there are many other examples out there. Here in Puerto Rico, we have Queso Blanco or what we also call affectiously – Queso del País… meaning made here, in THIS COUNTRY.
I love Queso Blanco… it’s a white, hence the BLANCO in the name, mild and almost bland cheese. The most famous brand is Indulac, whose factory is very close to where I grew up in Hato Rey, a section of San Juan. But most Quesos Blancos are made by smaller producers and many times sold on the side of the street when you go outside the Metro Area.
A few weeks ago I took a trip to Camuy, on the Northwest side of the Island, and had the chance to buy some great Queso Blanco made right there in Camuy. The Nortwest part of Puerto Rico is well known for its dairy farms and its milk… so it’s no wonder they make great cheese too.
My granddad was from Isabela, very close to Camuy and his favorite was Quesito de Hoja – sold wrapped in folds of paper, hence the name too. Unfortunately, I have not bought Queso de Hoja lately because for some reason they’re adding artificial colorants and the moment I read FD&C on a label, I longer need to continue reading and I leave the cheese right where I took it.
Now that you know about Puerto Rican Queso del País… I will share a few recipes where you can enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong… this cheese can be fully enjoyed right out of the package – with a slice of guava paste or on the side of a dulce de papaya. But there are a few other ways you can also enjoy this delicious cheese… let’s explore them next.
KarmaFree Cooking 
Guava paste for sure! So sweet and salty. Didn’t know queso blanco was specifically from Puerto Rico, which is really interesting. Great info.
At least THESE Quesos Blancos are from Puerto Rico… I am sure most latin countries have their very own local version…
i’m good with any young white cheese, especially Mexican and Italian. I’ve not had PR cheese which sounds good per your description. I remember the ride to my abuela’s house during my 1st visit to Cuba: there were cheese hustlers on the beaten side of the road selling it for pennies! We bought some and used it in just about everything! It was sooo good, I still remember 12 years later! I didn’t have any on the 2nd return trip. Feel free to send me any when you want! 🙂 🙂
i don’t know how good they’ll keep in transit… let me think that one a but thru. In any case, you’re welcome to visit Puerto Rico and we could do a foodcrawl… game???
Can we buy them online?
Let me know if we can buy them online.
good question… Queso Blanco is so widely available here in Puerto Rico, that I have never had to look for it online. But a Halloumi cheese would work well subbing for Queso Blanco. Maybe even a Mexican Quezo Fresco. Good luck…
Queso Panela is very very very similar to el Queso Blanco de hoja. Specifically from a brand called El Mexicano.
Gracias por la información!!!!
I’m from Camuy and you’re right…Queso Blanco from there is one of the best I’ve ever tasted.
I live in Nevada,where you can’t buy purto rican products such as queso blanco del pais.can I order it through La Isla magazine?or stores in n.y. thank you,please respond.
I am not familiar with those websites where they sell Puerto Rican products, but if you can find Mexican queso fresco, it would be a nice alternative. Or a farmer’s cheese… It’s not the same, but it will be a nice substitute. If I can find any other resource on the web, I will certainly let you know. OK?? Madelyn.
can you make queso blanco from sheep or goat?
I guess… but we would need to really ask a cheese maker. I am just a professional cheese eater!!! 😉
Hi there my daughter is getting married soon , and they are allowing us to bring in our own appetizers as long as they are from are native back ground which is Puerto Rico I was looking for a cheese to cut and serve any suggestions?
Ruthie… I am not sure I am following you. Your daughter is getting married and who is allowing you to bring appetizers to the wedding??? And apparently you want to bring cheese… could you please give me some additional details?? Is the wedding in Puerto Rico?? Madelyn.